A few hours more takes you to Killaloe
and Ballina, the most southerly part
of our navigation. Two villages,
one on each side of the river connected
by a long bridge are of historical
interest and well worth a visit.
It's also a good place to stock up
on supplies as you'll have eaten
all the food you bought in Banagher
at the start of your holiday!
And when you've had enough of lakes,
head north through Banagher and take
the River Suck to Ballinasloe. The
newly-opened harbour has good mooring
adjacent to the town with it's pubs,
restuarants and shops. Head back
through Shannonbridge with it's long,
multi-arched bridge and an old fort
transformed into a modern restaurant.
Next stop is one of the most popular
attractions in Ireland, let alone
on the Shannon - and it is much better
to approach by water than by road
- Clonmacnoise.
Renowned
throughout the world, this is an
Early Christian site founded
by St. Ciarán in the mid-6th
century on the eastern bank of the
River Shannon. The site includes
the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches
(10th -13th century), two round towers,
three high crosses and the largest
collection of Early Christian graveslabs
in Western Europe. There is also
an excellent visitor centre and Tea
Rooms.
Follow the river north and you should
have time to call in to Athlone,
the largest town on the river with
shops and restaurants. Meander slowly
back down to Banagher for your final
night with its great choice of pubs
and restaurants and a lively night-life.
