An Expedition on Ireland’s Finest River
WHY NOT SPEND NEXT SUMMER IN A BOAT ON THE SHANNON?
The 2009 triip to the River Shannon in Ireland will be a repeat of a similar journey made by the society in 1993 and 2003. We hope to make the 150 mile expedition by Canadian canoe from Lough Key to Ballina / Killaloe in approximately 2 weeks of paddling and sailing.
Weather permitting we hope to sail the major lakes, Lough Ree and Derg using catamaran and trimaran desgins developed on previous expeditions. The recent addition of sailing dinghy rigs and leeboards should enable us to sail under a greater variety of wind directions than previous trips. On a two week recce of the trip which we did recently, we were able to do considerable distances under sail, including a seven hour crossing of Lough Derg. In 1993 the same crossing tookk three days.
We shall be camping “wild” on the river banks using woodfires for cooking wherever possible.
The Shannon is a gruelling paddle as there is little flow on the river and the prevailing wind direction is southwesterly giving us headwinds over many stretces. If our sailing techniques prove sucessful however we may complete the jouney with time to spare. If this occurs we shall go down to Dingle to swim and paddle with the resident dolphin in Dingle Bay.
The Shannon has been a major waterway since prehistoric times and has a wealth of archeaological interest, whilst it’s wildlife is varied and plentiful and includes such species as the Bittern - a very rare sight in the UK. Otters are also common but difficult to spot.
The trip will also be of enormous interest to youngsters keen on angling as the Shannon has some of the best coarse fishing in the world. An evening’s fishing on a previous trip saw us land more than fifty fish!
Finally, the many small villages which are situated along the banks of the Shannon are hotbeds of Irish culture and music and usually provide a tremendous volume and great entertainment.
As the trip is relativley inexpensive it is hoped it will attract youngsters from all backgrounds.
Approximate cost is £420 each.
