All Episodes

From Ballinasloe to Drumshanbo part 1: "Forgotten Locks" In our initial outing, we discover Clonmacnoise, perhaps Ireland's finest ruins. Here a monastery founded in 545 grew through centuries of medieval turmoil. First burned by Vikings in 844, it was coveted by both the Irish and Danes for its artistic and material wealth, and battled over for centuries. Today, the stunning waterside vista is home of the grave of Rory O'Conor, last High King of Ireland.

From Ballinasloe to Drumshanbo part 2: "Christian Crossing" Farther north, along a Viking trail, we journey through the ancient town of Athlone to Lough Ree and Hare Island. This isolated, native woodland, home to the Rosa Agretis, one of the rarest of Irish Roses, for centuries hid the largest hoard of Viking gold ever found in Europe.

From Ballinasloe to Drumshanbo part 3: "Viking Invasion" Continuing our journey across Lough Ree, we explore the Peninsula of Rindon, one of the most fought over pieces of land in Ireland, it's Norman castles standing as reminders of the many battles waged here between the Irish and Vikings.

From Ballinasloe to Drumshanbo part 4: "Yesterday's Journey" Moving north on the River Shannon, we glimpse European otters enjoying a natural existence in one of their last refuges in Europe. At Richmond Harbor, we discover another kind of ruins - those of the old Royal Canal terminus. At one time, this port produced 70,000 gallons of whiskey a year, and was the point of departure for thousands of emigrants who fled famine for a desperate chance at a better life in the New World.

From Ballinasloe to Drumshanbo part 5: "The Great Race" North up the Shannon River near Grange Harbor, we see grand Strokestown House, a remnant of the lifestyle of 19th century landed gentry. Journeying on, we reach the nautical community of Carrick-on-Shannon and push ahead.

From Ballinasloe to Drumshanbo part 6: "Endless Road" At the site of the former Rockingham Estate, we discover a verdant fairyland in its miniature waterways network. Farther on, past the breeding grounds of Atlantic Salmon and homes of sea eels, we find a canal restoration project that promises to bring new vitality to an ancient tradition. Finally, we pass Drumshanbo and on to Acres Lake, marking the northern limits of navigation of the River Shannon.