Exploring the Forgotten History and Culture of Lough Ree's Shoreline

To celebrate National Heritage Week 2026, Lough Ree Access for All will run two fully accessible heritage boat tours on Thursday 20th August from Portrunny Harbour, Co. Roscommon. Our three specially adapted boats will together accommodate up to 52 participants across the morning tours.

Led by experienced Lough Ree Access for All guides, the trip explores the rich history of the “Lake of Kings” along the Roscommon shoreline, bringing to life the powerful stories, archaeology and landscapes that shape this part of the Shannon.

Guests will hear about the legendary Queen Meadbh of Connacht (c. 50 BC) and her association with Inchcleraun Island, a site later home to the early Christian monastic settlement founded by St Diarmuid around AD 540. The tour will also touch on the arrival of the Vikings and their settlement at St John’s Wood (AD 836), before moving through the medieval era with the O’Kelly clan castle at Gailey Bay and the remarkable Norman castle and abandoned medieval town of Rindoon, dating from around AD 1230.

Tours depart at 10:00am and 12:30pm, from Portrunny Harbour, with commentary designed to be engaging and accessible for all ages and abilities. Pre-booking is essential.

Please dress for the weather and bring a light jacket; lifejackets are provided.

To book, please call us on 089 2625505.