Very helpful, Martin. Many thanks. Do the clear skies usually hold through AUgust? I don't mind rain, but it mars the beauty a bit! :D

There is a plethora of hiring companies, some with plastic cruisers and some with more traditional barges and such. I am scrambling for information. The current idea is to go upstream from Athlone, and explore the ins and outs of the waterway, and then turn and run back down with the river.

Anyone else have any experience with the Shannon in summer? How strong the currents are, etc. I will go dig some more.

Regards,

A.