Exciting new Offaly tourism boat service will attract more people to the region

MINISTER of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley TD, officially launched the River Shannon Explorer, an exciting new tourism boat that will carry passengers on a two hour round trip from Shannonbridge to the historic settlement of Clonmacnoise,on Friday last.

After cutting the official ribbon on the boat, Minister Dooley said: “The really important thing about the River Shannon Explorer is that it is protecting life in a community like Shannonbridge, it’s investing in a tourism operation which will attract more people to the region, and it recognises the transition away from one employment generator to new job opportunities.

“It’s government, local agencies, and Failte Ireland working together with local entrepreneurs who see a future for this area and who are investing their time and their money, along with state funds, into a company that will thrive and grow,” he said.

MEPs Barry Cowen and Ciaran Mullooly also expressed their support for the project, along with Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Cllr John Leahy. Guests enjoyed a pleasure cruise, hospitality from Luker's onboard, and a singalong with talented local singer Ciara Lawless.

The launch was the culmination of three year project spearheaded by brothers T.J. and John Maher, and Sean Harte. When the Just Transition fund was set up following the closure of Bord na Móna, they were awarded a grant of €1.2 million which they had to match fund.

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John Maher identified a futuristic 55 seater catamaran in Portugal and after a number of modifications agreed with the Marine Safety Office, the River Shannon Explorer was approved to transport passengers in Ireland. John Maher engaged John O’Mahony, a well known trawler fisherman, and together they embarked on an ambitious voyage from Lisbon, up through the Bay of Biscay, arriving in Kinsale, Co Cork. The top of the boat was removed in Kilrush to enable her to pass under the thirteen bridges of Limerick and Adrnacrusha, a complex and often hair raising operation involving local pilots and tugboats.

It was brought to Banagher for a full refit carried out at the yard of Shane Newcombe. Shane is now the skipper of the River Shannon Explorer, assisted by local crew. When the boat is fully operational, it will create up to six new jobs, with routes covering the river from Athlone to Killaloe.

John Maher, Director of Operations, said: “We are indebted to Just Transition and Failte Ireland for their support, and delighted to invite members of the public to enjoy the beauty and majesty of the River Shannon, where they will see Clonmacnoise through the eyes of the High Kings of Connaught and the Vikings as they approached the ancient settlement. We especially look forward to working closely with other tourism and hospitality businesses in this region of outstanding beauty.”

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In addition to pleasure trips for individual travellers and families, the River Shannon Explorer is available for bespoke private and corporate events, school and educational trips, and group outings.

• The vessel is fully weatherproofed to accommodate our famous Irish climate

• Enjoy Irish hospitality at the coffee dock and licenced bar

• Panoramic viewing decks with comfortable seating inside and out

• Friendly and knowledgeable crew

• Perfect for solo travellers, families and friends

Timetable available at rivershannonexplorer.com .