The Legendary 6th Century Clonmacnoise Monastery in County Offaly, Ireland on the River Shannon

The ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise is world famous. Situated at the crossroads of Ireland, the Clonmacnoise ruins dates back almost 1,500 years. Saint Ciaran chose the site in 545 AD because of its ideal location at the junction of river and road travel in Celtic Ireland. Shortly after his arrival, Saint Ciaran met Prince Diarmuid (later crowned the first Christian High King of Ireland), who helped him to build the first church, a small wooden structure.
Clonmacnoise Monastery
No single large church exists, or ever existed, here. Rather, there were a number of small, simple, wooden churches. Standing on the site now is a cluster of ruined churches that were built from the 12th century onwards. The monastic settlement has seen many violent and destructive periods in its history.
Clonmacnoise History
Clonmacnoise was destroyed by fire at least 13 times and was attacked approximately 40 times between the 8th and the 12th centuries. Each time the Monks rebuilt. In 1552 it was finally reduced to ruin and from that time onwards there were no monasteries in Ireland for almost 300 hundred years.
WHAT IS HOTEL BARGING?
Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especially on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers.
This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto.
Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience!
European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands.
The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis.
Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide. The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools.
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