Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
The Hidden Heartlands are peppered with sparkling gems and undiscovered treasures and there are so many places to be explored, either by foot, by bike or by car. However, if you’re looking for a truly unique perspective, you must take to the timeless waterways of the glistening River Shannon, with her majestic and magnificent tributaries and lakes.
Boat Trips
Visit the various islands and bays that comprise the lake on our High Speed 12 Seater Luxury Passenger Cruiser – ‘Lady Slievemore’. Our boat safari trips take in Warren Point, where you will see the ruins of an Ancient Medieval Walled Town called Rindoon. North of Rindoon you will find Quaker Island which is home to ruins of 7 Churches, built by Abbot Diarmuid in the year 540 AD.
Lough Ree stretches for 31 Km North to South from the town bridge in Lanesborough to the town bridge in Athlone, in between those bridges – all of the islands that you will discover have a rich tapestry of history, stories, folklore and tales that will amaze and intrigue you.
ACCREDITED ISA TRAINING CENTRE
If you want to take on the lake on your own terms, why not consider completing the National Powerboat Certificate, the first step you should take if you are thinking about using the waterways independent of a tour operator.
Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands
Once You have finished your adventures, whether at Athlone Castle, On the Viking Tour Boat, at Baysports or on your own Boat – You’ll have a whole host of restaurants to satisfy the pickiest of eaters at any time of the day or night. Loaves and Fishes, Beans and Leaves and the Corner House Bistro to name a few top spots in town for Breakfast and Lunch. Or if you are out at the Hodson Bay, why not pop into the Hodson Bay Hotel or up to Peter in Athlone Golf Club who caters for our staff parties at Baysports and is a huge favourite with the team here (especially for the chicken wings!). Il Collesseo, Al Mezza and the Killinure Chalets are amongst the top restaurants in town and offer consistently tasty and wholesome dining. If you are staying over, where is more ideal then the Hodson Bay Hotel, which is located right on our doorstep or across the lake at Wineport Lodge, only a 20 minute drive away!
Whether you are day tripping or over-nighting, the Hidden Heartlands offer a real escape from the Hum Drum of modern life as the River gently rolls on endlessly. We have made our home here on the shores of Lough Ree and we can’t wait to share it with you.. see you soon!
The Baysports Team
