Take in the sights of the charming capital of Dublin while relaxing on a 45-minute cruise down the Liffey River that begins and ends at the same centrally located dock. A local guide narrates the boat trip, providing historical insight into the development of Dublin from the Vikings' invasion to its present state, the Liffey and its famous bridges and the city's renowned architecture, according to Viator. Rainy Irish days are no problem, as the boat is a covered, all-weather vessel that accommodates up to 48 passengers and is wheelchair accessible. From April to October the cruise departes at six different times each day, and in March and November there are four different departure times. Boat rides are not offered during the winter months.
Liffey River Cruises
+353-1-473-0000
liffeyrivercruises.com
Irish cruise passengers on the Shannon Princess II will live the life of luxury by eating gourmet meals of lobster, lamb and local specialties prepared by an expert chef and sipping fine wines and champagnes. This locally staffed barge can accommodate up to 10 guests in its five rooms, each equipped with their own private bathroom and panoramic windows, according to European Waterways. The Shannon Princess also boasts an indoor bar, dining room and a sun deck that extends the entire length of the boat. Passengers can choose their cruise route, such as the seven-day Classic Cruise down the River Shannon that starts in the north at Quigley's Marina and ends near Limerick at Killaloe, stopping at ancient Celtic sites, churches, monasteries and wildlife areas. Alternatively, the Shannon Princess also offers a seven-day Golf Cruise that docks at five different courses along the Shannon River.
European Waterways
35 Wharf Road, Wraysbury
Middlesex TW19 5JQ
England
1-800-394-8630
gobarging.com
If you'd rather captain your own river cruise, rent a boat from one of Ireland's numerous boat hire operators such as Carrickcraft, a company that has been in business for 30 years. According to Carrickcraft, anyone who is 21 years or older can drive a boat in Ireland without a special license, so would-be captains can easily book a boat for 3- to 14-day trips and receive special navigation instruction. Seven different types of boats are available that can accommodate two to 10 people and most come equipped with small galleys for cooking. Carrickcraft's boats leave from three marinas in northern or southern Ireland and can travel on more than 300 miles of picturesque waterways along the Shannon River and Erne Waterways.
CarrickCraft
Kinnego Marina
Oxford Island
Lurgan BT66 6NJ
Northern Ireland
+44-28-3834-4993
cruise-ireland.com
