Athlone And The River Shannon

Athlone is on the southern border of County Roscommon. It is a large, busy town, with many features, not least the River Shannon which flows through the centre of the town and divides the old town and castle, from the more modern town with its shopping precincts and arcades.

A few miles up river is its picturesque Hodson Bay with its impressive hotel and small harbour. This popular area is a stopping off point for Shannon cruises and is a perfect place for a picnic, on the banks of Lough Ree. This lough is nearly 20 miles long and 4 miles wide at its widest point.

A few miles up the lough is Le Carrow Harbour, built at the end of a man-made canal linking Lough Ree. This is a popular place to berth cruisers for an overnight stop.