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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland with the 5 Best Places to Visit

March 7, 2019, Smiths Falls Ontario: 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. Choose to stop at six world-class golf courses while on your  Shannon-Erne cruise! Tee off at the 18-hole 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.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Le Boat & Save up to 25{6d5fa6f377abfebcb6d9f485a23fc225bce405c319cf7e2bc24391da9aabf0e7} on your Ireland vacation!

Save up to 25{6d5fa6f377abfebcb6d9f485a23fc225bce405c319cf7e2bc24391da9aabf0e7} on Caprice cruises

• • Sleeps up to 6 passengers
  • Offer valid across Ireland & European Cruises
  • Minimum 7 nights duration

• 25{6d5fa6f377abfebcb6d9f485a23fc225bce405c319cf7e2bc24391da9aabf0e7} savings valid for departures in April & May 2019
• 15{6d5fa6f377abfebcb6d9f485a23fc225bce405c319cf7e2bc24391da9aabf0e7} savings valid for departures in June to October 2019

Offer ends on March 31, 2019.

For more information please contact the Le Boat Canada Sales Team at 1-800-734-5491, or visit www.LeBoat.com.

 

About Le Boat

Le Boat is the leading canal boat rental company in Europe with more than 50 years of experience in the industry. Le Boat owns and operating its own fleet of 940 self-drive cruiser boats from a network of over 37 different departure bases across 8 European countries and new in 2018, on the Rideau Canal in Canada.

No experience or boating license is necessary. Instructions and an orientation are provided to first-time renters, ensuring they get the most out of their boating vacation. Unlike conventional cruises that follow a pre-planned itinerary, Le Boat provides guests with suggested itineraries so they plan activities, visit the towns and attractions that most interest them on a particular route. All boats feature fully-equipped kitchens, comfortable furnishings, showers and bathrooms, and on-board heaters for comfort; some models also feature air cooling or air conditioning. For the more active traveler, Le Boat also offers the option to add on bikes, kayaks or stand-up paddle boards to their boat.