Athlone to Lough Ree Cruise Quay by Coach or Minibus
The road part of a Lough Ree cruise is about ten minutes. The planning is about which quay the boat leaves from and where it lands. Viking Tours sails between Athlone Castle and Hodson Bay on the lake's west shore, so the coach usually drops at one and collects at the other.
Journey
- Athlone to Lough Ree Cruise Quay
- Approximately 10 mins
- Serving Athlone
About Lough Ree
- A broad island-dotted lake on the Shannon just north of the town, a haven for cruising, angling and wildlife along the Ireland's Hidden Heartlands trail.
- Nearest base: Athlone
Two quays, one cruise
Lough Ree cruises run up the Shannon from the quay at Athlone Castle to Hodson Bay, on the Roscommon side of the lake, or the other way round. The cruise operator recommends that tour groups sail one way and have their coach meet them at the opposite quay. It saves a return sailing and keeps the coach out of town-centre parking while the group is on the water. Tell the operator which way you are sailing and the booked departure time.
Parking at each end
In Athlone, the cruise operator points coach groups to the bays at SS Peter and Paul's Church, near the castle. Elliott Road, by the river near the Luan Gallery, has bus bays as well, and the castle has a short-stay coach bay of its own. Hodson Bay, on the outskirts of Athlone beside the hotel and the Baysports water park, has large parking facilities. The run between the two is short, so the coach is waiting well before the boat comes in.
On board
Sailings last between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the route, with live commentary on the river, the island monasteries and local Viking stories. The boat has toilets on board, and wheelchair users can be accommodated with advance notice to the cruise operator. School tours, hen and stag parties and coach tours all use it, so book the sailing first and then fit the coach times around it.
Which quay is the "cruise quay"?
It can be either the quay at Athlone Castle or Hodson Bay on the lake shore. Confirm with the cruise operator which one your sailing leaves from and lands at.
Does the coach wait during the cruise?
On a one-way plan the coach moves to the landing quay and waits there. On a return sailing it parks nearby. The arrangement is stated on the quote.
Can we add the cruise to a day of other visits?
Yes. Clonmacnoise, Sean's Bar and the castle are all close, and the short transfer leaves plenty of room in the day.
Popular Transfers from Athlone
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