If a B&B in a quiet and picturesque waterside setting with a pub serving good food only yards away takes your fancy, you won’t do better than Darren Joyce and Niamh Devitt's charming and hospitable Harbour Master’s House at Shannon Harbour.
Built in 1806 on the banks of the Grand Canal, the name is far from fanciful as the previous owner's father was the harbour master here and – although it has been modernised where necessary to provide all the necessary comforts - this delightful place is full of history.
The 3-storey house is beautifully proportioned, with 2-storey wings on either side of the main building and a flight of stone steps leading up to the front door. Inside, it’s furnished elegantly and appropriately, with all the age and history that visitors hope for when staying in old houses (and no shortage of interesting information from Darren and Niamh), yet with modern conveniences and of course the comfort of central heating as well as open fires.
The bedrooms vary in character, as rooms in old houses do, but they are all en-suite, furnished with antiques and have TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Some rooms overlook immaculately maintained gardens at the back, and the extensive view from upstairs windows is fascinating, notably for guests relaxing in The Garden Room, a peaceful first floor sun room overlooking the gardens and the Shannon Callows. A very good breakfast includes homemade granolas with fresh yogurt and berries, fruit salad freshly made every morning, seasonal fruits and the full Irish, or any variation that guests would like, with free range eggs from Egans up the road, meats from the butchers and fresh bakery breads and homemade scones. Cooked vegetarian options are available, also a gluten free granola made to a special nut free recipe for those with nut allergies.
Fishing, boating, golf, birdwatching and pubs are all nearby, and it is a lovely, unspoilt area to explore - Darren and Niamh are more than happy to share their local knowledge with guests, to ensure an interesting and rewarding stay in this refreshingly non-touristy area.
Shannon Harbour was once a sleepy backwater where old boats came to ‘rest' and there is still an element of that, but – thanks to investment by Waterways Ireland, Failte Ireland, Shannon Development and the county council - it now has a good road outside the Harbour Master’s House, lighting, seating, a children’s playground and picnic area, wheelchair-friendly paths beside the Grand Canal, an exhibition hall, and facilities for visiting boats.
Beyond the bridge the friendly McIntyres (formerly Gleesons) pub offers good food, with further choices in nearby Banagher, which is just 5 kilometres away.
Boats, engines and bicycles are available for hire locally too - just the spot to get away from it all and enjoy the rural scene.
