Three Men in a Boat
Want to cross Ireland by boat? Let Griff, Dara and Rory show you how it's done!
Want to cross Ireland by boat? Let Griff, Dara and Rory show you how it's done!
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Griff Rhys Jones, Dara O'Briain and Rory McGrath explored Ireland by boat and found a relatively undiscovered Ireland, why not follow in their wake? From poetry festivals in Limerick to greyhound racing in Mullingar you'll never know where the flow may take you...come find out for yourself!
Irelands Famous Canals
Dublin, is a great port to start your journey inland and was the obvious choice for Rory, Dara and Griff to start their adventure with the Grand and Royal Canal’s linking with the River Shannon. These canals have been used throughout the years for shipping Ireland’s most famous export, Guinness. Painstakingly restored to their former glory the canals are used by visitors to explore the east of Ireland. Along the way Dara took the boys greyhound racing as well as stumbling across a festival in Mullingar
Exploring Shannon Erne Waterways
The longest river on the island of Ireland and indeed Great Britain, the Shannon is perfect for a short jaunt or an epic cruise. A haven of peace and tranquillity, no wonder the waterways are home to one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in the world, the ancient monastery of Clonmacnoise. Travelling further south down the river you can try a wide array of water based activities on the Lough Ree like Dara and Griff!
Irelands love affair with Boats
As a small island we have a natural affinity with boats - from the Viking invasions of Dublin in 841 to the Spanish Armada wrecks dotted along the west coast from the 16th Century. It’s not only invading boats that have made their mark, we have a great heritage in building ships and traditional boats. From the most famous ship in the world ‘The Titanic’ built in Belfast to the traditional ‘Galway Hooker’. Dara, Griff and Rory sailed this indigenous boat from Galway Bay to the Aran Islands.
Beyond the Boat
There’s no doubt that you will have just as much “craic” off the canals lakes and rivers as on them. Ireland’s reputation as a food island has grown substantially over the last decade. Treat yourself to some of Ireland’s famous local produce – then work it off with a scenic cycle or gentle stroll along the way. No matter where you end up you’ll never be too far from some local festivals (like Rory’s favourite the Limerick poetry festival!)
Islands
You can always go that further step and explore one of the 38 islands located throughout Ireland both inland and along the coast. Each island has a unique atmosphere all of its own, with some of Irelands oldest traditions still part of everyday life. Devenish Island in Fermanagh is home to a 6th Century monastery, Tory island home to the King of Tory, or indeed Achill Island home to some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe!
