Killaloe River Cruises
About
The one-hour cruise that most visitors to the twin towns take, and the easiest way to see why Killaloe was worth fighting over. The boat leaves from Lakeside Drive on the Ballina side of the bridge, in Co. Tipperary, runs north up the Shannon past the mouth of the Killaloe Canal and the spur where Béal Ború stands, and runs into the calm water at the foot of Lough Derg, sheltered by Slieve Bernagh on the Clare shore and the Arra Mountains on the Tipperary shore. There is a live commentary on the Shannon Scheme, the canal and Brian Boru. The family that runs it has been on the water here since 1991: James Whelan started with a four-person open boat, bought a 12-seater in 1999 and the Spirit of Killaloe the following year, and the family later lengthened her to take eighty passengers. The lower deck is enclosed and heated, so the trip goes ahead in rain, and there is a bar and toilets on board. The operator publishes its daily departure times only on its booking calendar, so check that rather than turning up on spec, and book ahead in summer.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓Commentary on the Killaloe Canal, the Shannon Scheme of 1929 and Béal Ború
- ✓Into the foot of Lough Derg between Slieve Bernagh and the Arra Mountains
- ✓Enclosed, heated lower deck, so it sails in rain
- ✓Bar and toilets on board
- ✓Dogs welcome on board
- ✓Access ramp for wheelchairs and prams up to 60cm wide
Tips
- →Departures are on the operator's booking calendar only; the FAQ says to check there.
- →The meeting point is Lakeside Drive, Ballina, Co. Tipperary, Eircode V94 A402, across the bridge from Killaloe. Free parking.
- →Arrive ten minutes before departure.
- →The operator advises booking online in advance because the cruise sells out.
