Artisanal Cheese Cruises on European Waterways (Luxury Hotel Barge Cruises)

About this Cruise

For those interested in the crafting of handmade products, particularly food, European Waterways offer wonderful artisan cruises aboard hotel barge Shannon Princess on the River Shannon in Ireland. During this cruise guests will also see Ireland at its finest, with rolling green landscapes, castles and an abundance of wildlife along the way, as the hotel barge explores the very soul of Ireland.

Highlights of the cruise include a guided tour by the master cheese maker, Ralph Haslam, owner of Mossfield Organic Cheeses, and visits to Kelly’s Moonshine Organic Dairy and the award-winning Meadowsweet Apiaries & Farm Shop which has won many awards for its delicious honey.

There is also a tour of Portumna Castle’s Kitchen Garden which is full of beautiful herbs and berries used by Chef Olivia on Shannon Princess and a trip to the world famous Clarinbridge Oyster Beds on the shores of Galway Bay. Visits to the highly-skilled “Wilde Irish Chocolate Makers” and McGeoughs Craft Butchers & Smokehouse – an award winning Charcuterie producing among other delights, smoked Connemara lamb, complete the fascinating itinerary.

This cruise offers you a true insight into the long-established world of specialist artisans where all the hand-made products have a story to tell. The Irish people in this region are convinced that fine locally produced products are fundamental to their quality of life, and we think you will be too.

*Artisan cruises are charter only.

Cruise Highlights

Tour the legendary 6thC Clonmacnoise ruins
Full day excursion to Portumna Castle and Galway
Traditional Guinness and oyster lunch
Visit the unusual haunted Leap Castle
Tour Birr Castle’s Gardens and Science Centre
Birds of prey demonstration at Adare Manor
Tour of the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery with a private tasting
Visit a traditional Irish hand-weaving workshop
Hear traditional Irish music
Excellent walking and fishing opportunities