The 5 Best Places to Visit in Ireland
St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate the life of the patron saint of Ireland than by planning a trip to the Emerald Isle. Many people choose to explore Ireland by car and driving its roadways, but why not get off busy roadways and explore this magical place by its waterways –on a Le Boat canal cruise rental. Imagine cruising on the famous Shannon and Erne rivers in beautiful Ireland on your own private yacht, touring Celtic monuments and historic sites, immersed in the Irish culture.
In Ireland, and around the world, Saint Patrick is remembered for his conversion of Ireland to Christianity in the 5th century but it has evolved into a celebration of Ireland and Irish culture. Each year, the Irish and those who wish they were Irish celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
With cruising season on the Shannon Erne opening early March, you can experience St. Patrick’s Day through a waterside perspective of the Emerald Isle, its people, and its culture that has influenced the world for millennia.
Five Places not to miss on your Le Boat St. Patrick’s Day Irish Getaway
1. Irish history and Culture at Portumna
Given the stories this town has to tell, Saint Patrick himself would have approved of a visit to Portumna . Pick up your boat at Le Boat’s base here, or cruise there to learn more about Irish history, where you can take some time to explore the Irish Workhouse Centre, operational from the 1840s to the 1920s.
See what life for the poor in Ireland would have been like and get a better perspective of Ireland through the ages. Don’t miss a visit to Portumna Castle while you’re moored here.
2. Memorial chapel at Carrick-on-Shannon
Cruise to Carrick-on-Shannon and visit this resort town at your leisure. Dine at luxurious restaurants and high-end shops filled with Irish goods. Honour St. Patrick by inserting a religious experience into your trip. Stop at Costello Memorial Chapel, reputed to be the second-smallest chapel in the world. Don’t miss savouring a Guinness at an authentic Irish pub on the same soil as it has been made for more than 250 years!
3. Castles and Cathedrals at Enniskillen
Visit Enniskillen and walk or cycle to the Anglican Cathedral, St. Macartin, and Castle Coole, an 18th-century mansion. You can rent bicycles from Le Boat to extend the distance you can travel from the canal, to better explore the rolling hills of the Irish countryside at your leisure. Stop and have a bite to eat during your travels and meet and greet the people of the region.
4. On the green at Ballyconnell
With its lush green spaces and rolling terrain, Ireland is home to some of the greatest golf courses in the world. In Ballyconnell, you can tee off at the golf course at the Slieve Russell Hotel, and challenge your golf skills with this world-class terrain. After spending the day on the green you’ll enjoy relaxing at a local pub for some authentic Irish music and hospitality. Spend your evening on your boat, savouring a traditional Irish beverage and basking in the Celtic atmosphere.
5. Charming village at Mountshannon
Designed as a model village in 1742 and colonised by Catholics, Mountshannon is as charming a village as they come! Learn more about the religious politics that shaped this community - struggle for dominance between the Protestants and the Catholics in Mountshannon. Located on a hill overlooking the harbour the views from the village are unforgettable and many of the local pubs offer Irish music in the evenings.