Ireland Canal Cruise
River Shannon, Ireland
June 16- 26th, 2026
Booking now open!
Deposit $1100 Non-Refundable I Balance due & Cancellation Deadline 04/17/2026
Alternate ways to Pay: Email us and send a check to Mahalo Sailing, PO Box 352, Seal Beach, CA 90740 or by Zelle.
Come Cruise the River Shannon
We’re heading back to Ireland!
This will be our second adventure cruising the River Shannon. After falling in love with its beauty and welcoming spirit the first time, we knew we had to return. Imagine glassy waterways winding through grassy green hills, ancient castles perched along the banks, cozy village pubs with live music, and friendly locals who make you feel right at home. We really can’t wait to share this place with you!
This trip captures the very best of slow travel where each day unfolds at the rhythm of the river. We’ll explore charming towns and historic ruins, while taking in the timeless Irish countryside from the comfort of our boats. We’ll choose towns of interest for peaceful nights docked along the river. The evenings are for gathering, storytelling, and enjoying hearty local fare paired with laughter and a pint or two!
WHERE WE’LL GO
Our route will take us along the heart of Ireland’s longest river, exploring highlights such as Carrick-on-Shannon, Lough Key, Athlone, and Lough Derg, with plenty of hidden harbors and quiet mooring in between.
Each stop offers its own charm — perhaps a visit to a centuries-old castle, a stroll through colorful market streets, a stop at a thatched-roof pub for a traditional Irish meal, or a chance to chat with locals along the quay. Expect rolling green landscapes, stone bridges, and that unmistakable Irish magic at every turn.
WHAT WE’LL DO
Every day will bring something new along the river, with a mix of cruising and relaxing, and exploring. You can wander through historic villages, visit local museums, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk through the countryside.
There will be opportunities for optional bike rentals (please let us know in advance if you’d like to reserve one). We’ll organize group dinners some evenings, while other nights you’ll be free to discover your own favorite pub or restaurant ashore. And of course, there will be delicious meals aboard prepared by our crew, featuring local Irish ingredients whenever possible.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
10 Days lodging onboard in a shared cabin
Professional Captain and crew
Assistance with land based travel
Meals on board
Charter boats and all related expenses, with professional USCG licensed female captains and crew.
Linens
Fuel
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare & Hotels before and after cruise
Food & Alcohol on land (at restaurants, cafes, pubs, etc)
Optional tours, excursions, or bike rentals
Any other personal expenses
Gratuity- Traditionally 10- 15% for your wonderful experience and service aboard the boats with our Captains & Crew
Meet Us There
We’ll depart from Portumna and return to Carrick-on-Shannon, exploring towns and villages along the Shannon and its connected lakes. Each day, we’ll make one or two stops — to see the sights, sample local treats, or simply enjoy a beautiful view.
On boarding day, we’ll meet at the marina around 10 AM for orientation and meeting before enjoying our first day on the water! Expect tranquil cruising, friendly faces, and plenty of time to soak in the landscape and culture of this special region.
Is this trip for me?
This trip is ideal for those who love nature, history, and a relaxed pace of travel. You’ll be living aboard a canal cruiser or with a small group of fellow travelers, sharing cabins with guests of the same gender or your travel buddy or spouse.
It involves some walking, boarding steps, and light physical activity, as well as time spent cruising each day (typically 3–5 hours). Weather in Ireland ranges from 60–75°F with a chance of rain, so a light jacket and sense of adventure are must-haves.
This isn’t a cruise ship — it’s an immersive, boutique travel experience. Expect cozy cabins, camaraderie, and the joy of discovering Ireland from the water’s edge. You may be asked to lend a hand from time to time — it’s all part of the fun and the spirit of Mahalo Sailing Adventures!
ACCOMMODATIONS.
We’ll be cruising aboard two premier 50’ canal boats, a spacious modern boat with five private en-suite cabins, a bright open saloon, and a fully equipped kitchen. Large windows, an upper sun deck with seating and BBQ. Both indoor and outdoor helm stations make it the perfect way to see the sights. Each cabin has its own bathroom, comfortable beds, and storage for soft luggage — everything you need for a relaxed and comfortable journey along the River Shannon.
Each cabin has storage cabinets or shelves for your belongings, but they are not house sized and you will need to keep your luggage in your cabin, so a soft duffle bag works best. There is absolutely no room for hard or oversized luggage.
Tastes of Ireland.
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We start each morning with hot coffee, tea, and breakfast aboard. Along the river, we’ll find local markets, bakeries, and pubs serving traditional Irish fare — from fresh-baked brown bread to locally caught fish and stews.
Meals aboard are hearty, fresh, and inspired by our surroundings. Some evenings, we’ll dine together ashore at a local pub or restaurant, while other nights we’ll cook onboard and enjoy a relaxed meal by the water.
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The Menu
Our meals are balanced, seasonal, and made with local ingredients. The crew handles the cooking, but guests often join in to chop, stir, or share a favorite recipe.
Dietary issues will always be accommodated if we are notified in advance.
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Extras
This will be a great place to explore the many bistros, restaurants, and shops along the way. When onboard we try to prepare tried and tested dishes from our experience as well as meals influenced by our travels and local.
Be sure to save room in your bag — you’ll find plenty of small treasures along the way, from Irish wool goods to handmade pottery and local treats.