Many thanks to Patrick Rooney of Co. Dublin for taking the time to send a summary of his cruise.
All went well, we were a bit delayed departing on Friday, it was 3:40pm again we were underway south as the boat was only back that morning, but Emerald Star must be beginning to recognise me as a regular customer as when we went out to the boat there were 4 bicycles, a bbq and a dinghy with an out board engine on/attached to it. We had planned to make it to Tarmonbarry for the first night, but it was a bit of a risk and we stayed overnight in Dromad instead, with a pleasant sunset and a nice meal in the Brandywell
We made it to the Purple Onion in Tarmonbarry for lunch on Saturday, excellent as always and on south after. We decided to stay in Lanesborough the second night as once again it would have been too far to make it to the next major town, anyway there was a sailing festival in Lanesborough with a bbq and singsong that evening/night in the marina which was brilliant and a spectacular sunset, with a wee hangover next morning.
About turn and north Sunday morning, to Richmond harbour after a bit of a traffic jam in the Clondra canal, up the Royal canal on the bikes, out and around the Camlin river, back on the Shannon, through Albert lock and Jamestown canal in a convoy, we were going to stay in Jamestown but the Cottage restaurant was closed for September, so we made a dash to Leitrim village and had a lovely meal in The Barge Steakhouse, a few drinks and saw the rising of the moon.
We had asked and were allowed to be back in Carrick at 11am, a great few days again, weather was sublime, thank you very much for all your help and information as always, Brian and your team. See you again next year for our ninth booking with Shannon River Boat Hire.
3 Nights in September from Carrick - Images
On the way to Dromod on a Shannon Star
A convoy of hire boats en route from from Jamestown to Carrick
Free Emerald Star dinghy - good for snorers!
Moored at Richmond Harbor in Clondra
Moonrise over the Shannon in September
Bikes are great for exploring.