Guest will board the boat at the marina in Athlone, where you will be taken on a tour of Athlone, before entering the lock gates and heading south. On the hour long trip down river, guests will see wonderful wildlife, kingfishers, whooper swans, black tailed godwits, mute swans. The shores are rich in vegetation, grasslands and flowers. You will also pass a large blanket bog in full bloom of bog heather and bog cotton. From a distance, you will spot the round tower of Clonmacnoise, which was built on the Esker Riada, the ancient road from Dublin to the famous monastic sites of Clonmacnoise and Clonfert in Galway. You will taken on a tour of Clonmacnoise, before heading slowly back towards Athlone by a qualified Fáilte Ireland National Tour Guide.

Hidden Heartland Tours also offers a water taxi around Athlone and Lough Ree. This water taxi operates all year round providing visitors with a unique taxi experience to and from their accommodation. Visit the various restaurants and bars or simply enjoy the vibe in Athlone town centre. To book, contact Pearse on 087 2437860 or email hiddenheartlandstours@gmail.com