Tour A: The Three Counties Tour Leaving at 11.00am every Saturday in July and August 2010 Starting from the Strand on the South East corner of the bridge in Athlone we take you on the Viking Ship up the Shannon and into the Lough Ree where you will be told of the adventures of our Viking invaders and all the past inhabitants and activities of Lough Ree's islands. The River features many interesting Flora and Fauna and is home to some of Irelands most exciting native wildlife and scenery. Free tea and coffee served on board. The Strand Docking at Hodson Bay we are met by the Midlands Tours Coach which brings us on a tour of Old Town Athlone and it's fascinating history including the Siege of the Castle, the Oldest Military Barracks in Europe and the birthplace of Count John McCormack. Heading out into the Midlands countryside  we cross through Irelands unique Boglands where peat is still harvested today, we soon arrive at Clonmacnoise,  an ancient site of  World Heritage Significance.  This is the beautifully preserved complex of Churches and Monastic buildings from the Dark ages when Irish monks used it as a centre of learning from which to set forth and educate the whole of Europe.  Here you will be able to avail of a guided tour and or entrance into the Audio Visual show. Plenty of time is available to explore the whole site and enjoy refreshments at the wonderful cafe before being brought to the idyllic Craft Village of Ballinahown.  This multi award winning hamlet is home to the work of a large selection of Midlands Arts and Crafts workers, not least the famous Celtic Roots studio where you may see a demonstration of the art of Oak Scultpture and learn of the cultural significance of the materials. From here back to Town Centre and Hotels for about 4.30pm leaving you plenty of time to explore Athlone Town and all it has to offer.  You can see the new Town Centre shopping Centre, a mecca for top class fashions or browse among the quaint book and antiques shops.  These are mostly on the West Side of town, known locally as the "Latin Quarter" and famed for it's wonderful selection of fine pubs and restaurants among them the renowned "Seans Bar" open for business for weary travellers like yourself since 900 A.D.  ! €25 per person* €20 OAPS, and Students* € 15 for 4-12 Years* Under 4s Free *Entry to Clonmacnoise (€4) and refreshments not included.   Great Hotels in Athlone

Tour B: Old Town and Clonmacnoise Tour

Every Saturday in July and August 2010; From 11.00am to 4.30pm , this tour starts with pick up from various Hotels and other points around Athlone, including the Railway/Bus station. Ask at your reception or phone us for details.  Midlands Tours Coach picks you up at your hotel and brings you to the Hodson Bay on the shores of the magnificent Lough Ree.  From here we head to Athlone for a Tour of Old Town Athlone  and it's fascinating history including the Siege of the Castle, the Oldest Military Barracks in Europe and the birthplace of Count John McCormack. Clonmacnoise Tower Heading out into the Midlands countryside  we cross through Irelands unique Boglands where peat is still harvested today, we soon arrive at Clonmacnoise,  an ancient site of  World Heritage Significance.  This is the beautifully preserved complex of Churches and Monastic buildings from the Dark ages when Irish monks used it as a centre of learning from which to set forth and educate the whole of Europe.  Here you will be able to avail of a guided tour and or entrance into the Audio Visual show. Plenty of time is available to explore the whole site and enjoy refreshments at the wonderful cafe before being brought to the idyllic Craft Village of Ballinahown.  This multi award winning hamlet is home to the work of a large selection of Midlands Arts and Crafts workers, not least the famous Celtic Roots studio where you may see a demonstration of the art of Oak Scultpture and learn of the cultural significance of the materials. From here back to Town Centre and Hotels for about 4.30pm leaving you plenty of time to explore Athlone Town and all it has to offer.  You can see the new Town Centre shopping Centre, a mecca for top class fashions or browse among the quaint book and antiques shops.  These are mostly on the West Side of town, known locally as the "Latin Quarter" and famed for it's wonderful selection of fine pubs and restaurants among them the renowned "Seans Bar" open for business for weary travellers like yourself since 900 A.D.  ! €20 per person* €17 OAPS and Students* € 12 for 4-12 Years* Under 4s Free *Entrance to Clonmacnoise (€4) and refreshments not included