European Waterways, a leading luxury hotel barge operator, has created a new ‘Artisan’ theme cruise in Ireland which will particularly appeal to people interested in the crafting of handmade food products. During the 6-night, all-inclusive cruise aboard the fully-crewed, 10-passenger hotel barge ‘Shannon Princess’, guests will enjoy tours to see the finest craftsmen at work. People such as Ralph Haslam, the owner of Mossfield Organic Cheeses, or the owners of award-winning Meadowsweet Apiaries & Farm Shop, renowned for their delicious honey.

Guests will also enjoy a trip to the world famous Clarindbridge oyster beds on the shores of Galway Bay, as well as a tour of Portumna Castle’s kitchen garden, full of beautiful herbs and berries used by the barge’s chef. Two visits to the “Wilde Irish Chocolate Makers” and to McGeoughs Craft Butchers & Smokehouse, an award-winning charcuterie producing among other delights, smoked Connemara lamb, complete the itinerary. The Shannon Princess will be cruising between Athlone and Killaloe along the River Shannon and across Lough Derg. Passengers will see Ireland at its finest, with rolling green landscapes, castles and an abundance of wildlife along the way, as the hotel barge explores the very soul of Ireland.

Guests will be pampered by a crew of five and enjoy gourmet meals prepared by onboard chef Olivia Gibbons, accompanied by fine wines and delicious local cheeses. Subject to availability, the ‘Artisan’ themed cruises can be booked between now and the end of October 2012, based on a minimum of 6 people booking. Prices are from $4,110 pp in a twin/double ensuite cabin, including all meals, wines, an open bar, excursions and local transfers. Full boat charters also available.

European Waterways, 877-879-8808, www.gobarging.com