Clonmacnoise and Athlone's Viking River Cruise 

The Viking River Cruise in Athlone is a fun and relaxing way to explore the River Shannon—just like the Vikings once did! You board a replica Viking-style boat and sail along Ireland’s longest river, surrounded by nature and history.

During the cruise, you will:

• Travel past Athlone Castle, old riverside buildings, and green countryside.

• Hear fascinating stories from the crew about Viking raids, local legends, and river life.

• Learn how Vikings used the Shannon to travel, trade, and attack monastic settlements like Clonmacnoise.

• See birds, wildlife, and calm waters—perfect for photos and fresh air. 

Some cruises even stop at Clonmacnoise, making the journey feel like stepping back in time. You can relax on deck, enjoy the scenery, ask questions, and imagine what life was like on the river over 1,000 years ago.

Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland’s most important ancient monastic sites, located on the banks of the River Shannon in County Offaly. Founded in 544 AD by St. Ciarán, it became a great centre of religion, learning, craftsmanship, and trade. For centuries, monks here studied and copied manuscripts, built churches, and welcomed travellers and kings.

Today, Clonmacnoise is a peaceful and atmospheric place filled with history. As you walk around the site, you will see:

• Two round towers, once used to protect valuable manuscripts and treasures.

• High crosses, carved with scenes from the Bible—the most famous is the Cross of the Scriptures.

• Ruins of churches and a cathedral, showing how big and important the monastery once was.

• Old graves and stone slabs, some engraved with ancient Celtic designs and inscriptions.

The visitor centre has displays and replicas of the original high crosses, helping you understand how monks lived, prayed, studied, and survived Viking raids. Clonmacnoise is quiet, beautiful, and full of Ireland’s spiritual past.