Portumna RETURN 3-Night Itinerary
Set off from Portumna on a relaxed return cruise along the River Shannon, drifting through wide waters and gentle countryside to the welcoming towns of Banagher and Shannonbridge, and onward to Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s most important early Christian sites. Step ashore to explore a 17th-century castle and gardens, sip local whiskey, and visit a 19th-century fort turned riverside café. Evenings bring hearty meals, live music and the warm embrace of traditional Irish pubs, while unhurried days on the water let you enjoy birdlife, rolling landscapes and the easy rhythm of life along Ireland’s most famous river.
Suggested Itinerary
Arrive at base
3pm
After you have arrived and checked-in, we’ll show you to your boat as quickly as possible. Spend time settling in, freshen up and await your pre-departure briefing which will be given by one of our base technicians. They will familiarise you with the boat’s domestic systems and give you a hands-on demonstration of the boat controls and how to operate it. They will make sure you are comfortable and confident controlling the boat, as well as navigating the waterway, before you set off.
Food for the journey: With both the Co-Op Mart and Aldi grocery stores just a short drive from our base, we recommend picking up a few essentials for any meals you plan to eat on board before you set off – just make sure to allow yourself a little time before arriving at the base to pop into town and stock up.
Portumna > Banagher
4pm-7pm
Approx. 3 hrs | 1 lock
Make your way to your first overnight mooring in Banagher, a 3-hour cruise away. This scenic stretch of water is perfect for getting into the swing of things, with only one lock to pass through along the way.
*Please note: If you’re running short on time and won’t make it to Banagher before dark, simply spend your first evening by mooring just after Victoria Lock at the Meelick Quay (no facilities or restaurants nearby).
- Lock: Victoria Lock (this lock is a 2-hour cruise away and closes at 6:30pm in March/October and 7:30pm the rest of the season).
Dinner at JJ Hough’s, Banagher
7pm-9pm
A lively and much-loved pub, JJ Hough’s is the place to settle in for hearty fare and a true Irish atmosphere. Known for its traditional music sessions and sing-alongs, it’s always a favourite stop for both locals and visitors.
Overnight in Banagher
Breakfast on board
8am-9am
Banagher > Clonmacnoise
9am – 12pm
Approx. 3 hrs
Continue your cruise for around three hours along the River Shannon towards Clonmacnoise, passing Shannonbridge on the way (where you’ll stop overnight on your return).
If you’re short on time, moor at Shannonbridge and take a 10-minute taxi ride to the nearby Clonmacnoise Monastic Site. Plan to spend around three hours exploring the ruins, high crosses and visitor centre, using this as your guide for timing your visit.
Top tip: take a few snacks along to enjoy at the picnic area.
Explore Clonmacnoise
12pm-3pm
One of Ireland’s most important early Christian settlements, Clonmacnoise is a remarkable place to explore. Allow up to three hours for the highlights, from the visitor centre and its audiovisual presentation to the round towers, high crosses and cathedral ruins, all set against sweeping views of the River Shannon. A quicker visit can be done in about an hour and a half, but three hours allows time for quiet reflection, sketching, photography, and a stop at the picnic area.
Book a tour: Clonmacnoise Monastic Site | Heritage Ireland
Clonmacnoise > Shannonbridge
3pm – 4pm
Approx. 1 hr
Make your way back to Shannonbridge for an overnight mooring and a dinner to be remembered.
Explore Shannonbridge
4pm-5:30pm
Shannonbridge is a favourite stop for visitors, known for its friendly atmosphere and annual River Fest celebrations in late June. Be sure to visit the 19th-century fort just across the bridge. Originally built to defend against a possible Napoleonic invasion, today, it houses a fascinating free exhibition on the area’s history. Well worth a stop!
Before dinner, sample the local flavor with a glass of Seven Churches Irish Whiskey, distilled here in town (we know just the place….).
Drinks at Fallon’s Bar, Shannonbridge
5:30pm-6:30pm
Nestled in the heart of Shannonbridge, Fallons Bar has been welcoming guests since 1846. Step inside this traditional Irish pub to enjoy a perfectly poured pint or glass of Irish Whiskey. The cosy atmosphere will make you feel right at home.
Make a booking: +353 87 649 4477
JJ Killeen’s, right next door, is another excellent option.
Dinner at Luker’s Bar, Restaurant & Live Music venue, Shannonbridge
7pm-9pm
Book a table at this award-winning restaurant, bar and lakeside venue. Luker’s is known for its excellent food, welcoming atmosphere and lively traditional Irish music. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening in Shannonbridge.
For bookings: lukersbar.com | +353 90 967 4995 | +353 87 656 5943
Overnight in Shannonbridge
Breakfast on board
8am-9am
Shannonbridge > Portumna
9am-2pm
Approx. 5 hrs | 1 lock
Retrace your route back towards Portumna, where the journey feels new as the scenery reveals itself from a different angle. Wide stretches of water, rolling countryside and abundant birdlife accompany you along the way. Take your time and enjoy the gentle rhythm of the river as you return to Portumna.
Lunch on board
1pm-2pm
Pause your journey with a relaxed lunch on board. Moor up at Banagher for an earlier stop, or enjoy your meal as you continue cruising towards Portumna.
Explore Portumna
2pm-6:30pm
Begin your visit at Portumna Castle and Gardens, built in the 17th century by the powerful De Burgo family. Wander through the ground floor of the castle before stepping outside to explore the elegant formal gardens and the charming walled kitchen garden. Guided tours are available and add extra depth to your visit, though these should be booked in advance. Book a tour: Portumna Castle and Gardens | Heritage Ireland
Just a short distance from the marina, Portumna Golf Club offers a scenic 18-hole course set within Portumna Forest Park, where you may even spot deer among the trees. Visitors are welcome, with equipment rent and a relaxed clubhouse available.
Dinner at Modena Restaurant, Portumna
7pm-9pm
For your final night, enjoy a relaxed meal at Modena Restaurant, a family-run spot in the heart of Portumna. Just a short 10-minute walk from the marina, it’s known for its mix of Irish, Indian and European cuisine, served with friendly hospitality in a welcoming setting.
It’s also a great choice for takeaway if you’d prefer to enjoy dinner back on board.
For bookings: +353 90 975 9568
Overnight in Portumna
Breakfast on board
7:30am-8:30am
Depart Portumna
9am
4 or 5 night alternative
If you’ve booked extra nights, we highly recommend you continue on to Athlone, the largest town in the centre of Ireland and a favourite stop for boaters. Passing through Athlone Lock brings you right into the heart of town, where shops, restaurants and a lively atmosphere await. Visit Athlone Castle, first built in 1210, and step into Sean’s Bar, officially recognised as the oldest pub in Europe. The town is also known for its nightlife, while families might enjoy the Aquasplash Centre at Hudson Bay, just outside town. The mooring fee in Athlone is €15.00 per night.
This itinerary is a suggestion only
This suggested itinerary is an indication of what could be accomplished, and your ability to accomplish it, is not a contractual obligation of Le Boat. Le Boat is unable to guarantee when your pre-departure briefing will take place and in some cases it will not be given until the morning after your arrival. In these instances, you will need to adapt the itinerary outlined to accommodate a later departure. All cruising distances and times are approximations and are subject to local navigation restrictions at the time you cruise, planned or otherwise, which may also require you to deviate from the itinerary shown. Please check advertised opening times of sights, attractions and restaurants to avoid disappointment – some may need to be booked in advance. All meals, entry fees and tour tariffs are payable at your own expense. Attractions, restaurants and even locks and/or stretches of the waterway may be closed or can close without notice.
We’d love to hear from you
We’ve tried our very best to ensure the accuracy of the information we’ve provided. If you have followed all or some of this itinerary and have found something isn’t quite right, or perhaps you have some helpful tips and pointers that we could add which might be useful to your fellow boaters, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at: itineraries@leboat.com
Image credits
Jonjobaker, CC BY-SA 4.0 – creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/, via Wikimedia Commons | JJ Hough’s Singing Pub – facebook.com/jjhoughssingingpub | Modena Restaurant – themodena.com | Luker’s Bar – lukersbar.com | Shannonbridge Fort – travelextra.ie | Fallon’s Bar – fallonsbar.ie