Athlone Cruises: Top Sailing Tours Reviewed for 2025

Thinking of seeing Athlone from a totally different view? That’s completely doable with a river cruise. Athlone, which sits right on the River Shannon, gives people great chances to get out on the water. There are some really great cruises and sailing trips available, so too it’s good to have a bit of an idea what your top options are before you book. Let’s take a look at some super sailing tours and cruises in Athlone right now.

1. Viking Tours Ireland: A Voyage into History

Viking Tours Ireland is more or less your ticket to traveling through time. This tour isn’t just a boat ride; actually, it’s a living history lesson. You can see some experienced guides who tell stories about the Vikings and their impact on Ireland, plus it’s presented against the background of Athlone’s actually quite breathtaking landscape.

That said, imagine is that, as you cruise along the Shannon, that you hear exciting tales of Viking invasions, battles, and settlements, or at least something similar. This tour really brings history to life in such an amazing and unforgettable manner. You’re getting historical insights as you slowly cruise along, taking in pretty scenery – pretty brilliant, isn’t it?

For a start, one of the neat things has to be that you are slowly coasting down the waterway. So, with Viking Tours Ireland, the focus tends to be heavily weighted to telling historical tales that are pretty engaging. Typically, a historical site tour has someone walking along at a fast pace while struggling to juggle holding their brochure right at eye-level. In short, the experience is very hands-on. In fact, the crew will bring you up and encourage people to experience the fun of the Viking era with weaponry, plus clothing demonstrations and shows; really involving you for that total immersive experience.

One point that could be something to think about has to be its own approach to historical boat rides, the level of reenactment might be especially entertaining to many or maybe a bit too hands-on if you were after something more relaxing. Even though many past sailors experienced cold, wet misery, those who chose this adventure get treated to cozy seating and drinks service during their voyage, too. Overall, it really is quite an entertaining, memorable and unique tour around the Athlone waterways which comes extremely recommended if you want a great tour that offers something a little different. Read our full review: Viking Tours Ireland Athlone Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Viking Tours Ireland Athlone)

2. River Run Cruiser Restaurant: Dining on the Shannon

For foodies wanting their food along with amazing riverside scenes, River Run Cruiser Restaurant could be the ultimate pick. Basically, imagine this, you enjoy scrumptious meals as the boat is slowly drifting on the shimmering River Shannon. That said, it is that little bit magical.

Now, while enjoying great tasty food the relaxing views could make for an unforgettable experience. This cruise basically offers various menus – so too it means it’s great for romantic meals, family gatherings and even special occasions. To be honest, their fresh, seasonal meals mean that there’s something just perfect for everybody’s tastes, actually.

I think one aspect worth pointing out really revolves around getting quality photos. Remember that River Run dining offers passengers many vantage points from which fantastic holiday snaps will originate, very great for your Insta followers who are just a little bit jealous. At the end of the day, the upper and lower decks have seating indoors, that said the very spacious viewing decks give passengers some panoramic views which makes for the perfect spot in order to snap some photos with both family and friends. After that, you’re going to have super souvenirs to take away of happy and incredible times cruising gently down the Shannon.

By the way, a significant detail to note just here is its versatility; it is designed specifically for different events and times. The tour is that little bit family friendly when running tours earlier on during the day. But it seems to be perfectly pitched at people trying to find a place for a corporate function and similar parties, as the sun goes down. Check it all out in our full review: River Run Cruiser Restaurant Athlone Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (River Run Cruiser Restaurant Athlone)

3. Sean’s Bar Boat Trips: Pub Culture Afloat

If you’d like a bit of pub atmosphere with beautiful river scenery, just know that Sean’s Bar boat trip does that. By the way, Sean’s Bar has something of a name for itself being one of the very oldest pubs throughout Ireland, plus a boat trip is that little bit unique for a venue such as this.

What makes Sean’s bar rather remarkable involves getting the whole authentic Irish experience right from that unique watery vantage point. Think is that, you sit, relax while you are sipping some amazing local beer, at the end of the day taking in such pretty views all around. Sean’s Bar boat trips tend to give people a slice of Ireland’s quite well known pub culture in some way, however on the water. And you get to drink Guinness… bonus!

If your thoughts include partying with friends out on an Irish historic pub and on a river, or something similar, you’ve really got that nailed in this scenario. Of course, one aspect definitely worth a mention means Sean’s Bar’s reputation will often get very busy. Because of this, advance bookings need a second glance especially during peak periods. The moral is that it really makes sound thinking and prudent planning if the idea really resonates with you. Read our full review: Sean’s Bar Boat Trips Athlone Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sean’s Bar Boat Trips Athlone)

4. Lough Ree Adventures: Sailing and Watersports

Perhaps some adventure? Then arguably Lough Ree could provide excitement for those who really enjoy a blast out doing watersports or just going out sailing. Usually, what happens here is that Lough Ree Adventures tends to deliver various activities for adrenaline junkies or for people preferring an elegant relaxing sail.

The thing is that they can often accommodate just about anybody, that is from first timers to fully experienced sailors, I guess. Basically, the expert crew do tailor each session that way, which aims to provide tailored experience for all standards of expertise; but, to repeat, almost regardless of prior expertise!

Now, with this trip the emphasis could often turn that way to safety and so equipment such as buoyancy aids plus wetsuits come included within this boat tour’s itinerary, plus, of course safety advice comes part and parcel within this overall experience; plus all guided by seasoned professional captains. In fact, many trips could even get custom planned towards seeing everything on the list of beauty spots surrounding Lough Ree.

What’s exciting centers mostly on having freedom being let loose out on the water however this boat trip really seems much safer due to Lough Ree’s team having this safety first mindset – an especially beneficial thing for amateurs! Read our full review: Lough Ree Adventures Athlone Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lough Ree Adventures Athlone)

5. Private Charter with Athlone Boat Trips

Thinking about something much more personalized? Anyway, Athlone Boat Trips does have options with custom boat trips in a way which could be ideal. You’re allowed to design what sort of adventure your group will have. Typically, from serene sightseeing trips to awesome parties afloat this cruise adapts in such amazing ways!

As a matter of fact, many want to craft very specific, individualized boat experiences. But on top of this, what this type of booking also delivers concerns flexibility with capacity and even destination. Indeed, one aspect is for sure and involves people having unique moments made according to all individual wishes.

Remember this thought: With private boat tours people may get opportunities towards getting guided toward beauty spots all around Lough Ree in total exclusive privacy together with family including close circles! This could offer unique personalized experiences to tickle fancies whatever the tastes are. Find out what we thought: Athlone Boat Trips Private Charter Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Athlone Boat Trips Private Charter)