The Shannon’s northern reaches show a different side to the river: narrower, curvier and dotted with islands. Boat trips here often start at Carrick-on-Shannon, the largest town in County Leitrim.

The River Shannon is ... It is shown on Ptolemy’s famous 2nd-century map, ... King John’s Castle was built here in 1200 and is one of the best-preserved examples of its kind in Europe ...

If you're looking for a slow and easy mode of travel in Europe, try a river cruise. The choices are broader than you might ...

River cruising takes away much of the stress that comes with traveling around Europe by road or rail. On a boat, your travel arrangements are set. All you have to do is sit back and relax.