Our Story

A lifetime on the lake

We didn't learn this river from a book. We grew up on it.

Born on the Shannon

Storytellers first, skippers second

Lough Ree Tours began with a simple conviction: that the best way to understand Athlone and the midlands is from the water that shaped them. Co-founder Ciaran Donavan has worked the town’s tour boats since 2020 — and he’s teamed up with his father, Timmy, to build something of their own on the Lake of the Kings.

Every sailing glides past Viking islands, monastic ruins and reedbeds alive with birdsong. The commentary is live, the welcome is personal, and every horizon still feels a little bit hidden.

The crew behind it

A father, a son & the Shannon

Lough Ree Tours is a family venture, built on years spent welcoming the world to Athlone.

Ciaran Donavan

Co-Founder & CEO

Ciaran has been working within Ireland's passenger boat and tourism industry since 2020, building extensive operational experience and a genuine passion for creating exceptional visitor experiences. As Co-Founder and CEO of Lough Ree Tours, his vision is to create unforgettable journeys on one of Ireland's most beautiful inland waterways, combining warm Irish hospitality with the rich heritage, history and natural beauty of Lough Ree.

Driven by experience. Inspired by Lough Ree.

Timmy Donavan

Co-Founder

Ciaran's father and a familiar face in Athlone tourism from 2020 to 2024. Today he's Tour Manager at Sean's Bar — reputed to be the oldest pub in Ireland — the first welcome for the dozens of coach operators and thousands of visitors who pass through Athlone each year.

years of river story

islands on Lough Ree

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TripAdvisor rating

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happy voyagers a year

EU Just Transition Fund

Co-funded for a sustainable future

Lough Ree Tours Ltd is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund.

Supporting Sustainable Futures

Creating Local Opportunities

Investing in Our Communities

How this project helps

Supports local economic, social and environmental development
Creates jobs and training opportunities
Invests in a just and sustainable transition
Strengthens communities across the region

For more information, visit failteireland.ie/JustTransition

Good to know

Questions, answered

All sailings leave from Athlone Castle Quay (N37 V593), on The Quay beneath Athlone Castle in the town centre. Full directions are sent with your booking confirmation.

Still wondering? Ask us→