Breaks, holidays and vacations in on the Shannon river, Ireland
Pubs, Restaurants, Accommodation, Activities, Tourism and tourist Amenities.

Boat Hire and Travel Guide to the Shannon River in Ireland.

Boat Hire
All of the cruisers available for hire on the Shannon River in Ireland
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How long to get to...
Approximate cruising times to help you plan your cruise
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Gallery

Photos sent by past clients to help get you in the mood
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Cruising FAQ
Everything you need to know about hiring a cruiser - don't be afraid to ask!
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Athough not on the Shannon River, Longford is the closest town featuring important or useful amenities to many of the villages on the river such as Clondra, Tarmonbarry and Roosky. The town has everything the traveller might need such as banks, supermarkets, pharmacies as well as a cinema and state of the art bowling alley.

History

Longford Town, sprung up along the banks of the river Camlin. Its strategic midland location saw it develop as a gateway to the north-west and the northern half of Connaught. Furthermore, this important location was recognized as early as the 1700’s when the British authorities sited both a cavalry and artillery barracks in the town. The present Great Water Street was the main centre of commerce and industry for much of the last century. Buildings of importance surviving from this era would include St John’s Church of Ireland 1760, Longford Court House and the Longford Arms Hotel 1807.

With the arrival of the Royal Canal in 1830 and the Railway in 1855, the eastern side of town slowly assumed this mantle. The National Bank was set up in 1834, St Mel’s Cathedral in 1840 and the Garda Station circa 1842. In more recent times, there has been the development of Earl Street while the arrival of the shopping centres has re-kindled the central part of the town.

This travel guide is available free of charge due to the travel agents commission taken on boat hire services on the river. Feel free to browse the site at your leisure - all we ask is that if you are taking a boating holiday on the Shannon, you book it through the Shannon River web site.