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Step aboard the Rose of Innisfree for a serene 60-minute sailing around Lough Gill’s islands. Enjoy stunning lakeside views and rich tales inspired by W.B. Yeats on this memorable mid-day cruise out of Parkes Castle.
Step aboard the Rose of Innisfree for a serene 60-minute sailing around Lough Gill’s islands. Enjoy stunning lakeside views and rich tales inspired by W.B. Yeats on this memorable mid-day cruise out of Parkes Castle.
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Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Rose of Innisfree · Fivemilebourne, County Leitrim
Lough Gill, straddling counties Sligo and Leitrim, offers a rare blend of natural beauty and literary heritage shaped by its rugged islands and tranquil waters. This freshwater lake gained renown not just for its serene scenery, but as a source of inspiration for W.B. Yeats, whose poems evoke the surrounding landscape and its quiet magic. The Rose of Innisfree invites visitors to take a 60-minute mid-day sailing from Parkes Castle, located on Sligo Rd, Cornacloy, Co. Leitrim, for an immersive journey on Lough Gill.
Aboard the Rose of Innisfree—an all-weather vessel with seating for 70—passengers glide past lush island woodlands and rocky shorelines where native hawthorns and oaks thrive. The calm waters reflect the thick Irish skies, while onboard commentary weaves local history, folklore, and Yeats’ poetic connections into the unfolding landscape. Parkes Castle itself, a 17th-century fortified structure on the lake’s edge, anchors the experience in regional heritage.
The cruise is uniquely suited for visitors who want a scenic retreat without strenuous effort, offering a blend of natural spectacle and storytelling. The vessel’s bar facilities refresh guests as they absorb views of placid coves and the occasional heron or kingfisher gliding over the water. This trip stands out in Leitrim’s outdoor offerings by focusing on gentle immersion rather than physical challenge, opening access to the lake’s hidden charms.
Whether you’re tracing Yeats’ footsteps or simply soaking in Ireland’s west coast’s slower rhythms, the Rose of Innisfree offers a memorable, accessible way to connect with Lough Gill’s landscape and culture. This mid-day cruise creates space for reflection amid some of Ireland’s quietest, most evocative waters.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for all fitness levels as the trip requires minimal physical effort.
Yes, the trip accommodates all ages with safety measures and comfortable seating.
Yes, a full bar is available offering drinks and light snacks during the cruise.
Departures are from Parkes Castle, located on Sligo Rd, Cornacloy, Co. Leitrim.
The cruise lasts approximately 60 minutes, perfect for a mid-day outing.
Yes, the Rose of Innisfree is an all-weather vessel with covered seating options.
Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Parkes Castle dates back to the early 17th century and borders Lough Gill, anchoring the sailing experience in local heritage.
Efforts are in place to maintain Lough Gill’s water quality and protect its native habitats from invasive species.
Rose of Innisfree operates from Fivemilebourne in County Leitrim and offers scheduled boat experiences on Lough Gill. The business runs the Rose of Innisfree vessel for short, guided cruises that showcase the islands and shoreline that inspired W.B. Yeats. One core offering is the Parkes Castle sailing: a mid-day, 60-minute cruise around the islands of Lough Gill with onboard commentary and bar facilities. The commentary provides historical and cultural context for the scenery visible from the water. In addition to the sailing cruise, Rose of Innisfree presents a cultural collaboration titled “A musical evening with CAS @ Parkes Castle.” This experience combines live music and storytelling in a historic setting at Parkes Castle, linking local heritage with contemporary performance. The musical evening is presented as a distinct event offering that brings music to a castle-side audience. Rose of Innisfree is featured on The Adventure Collective, where the two experiences are listed for visitors planning trips in County Leitrim. The business emphasizes clear, experience-focused offerings: guided on-board commentary during cruises, bar facilities for mid-day sailings, and curated musical programming at Parkes Castle. These elements help visitors understand what to expect when booking either the 60-minute Parkes Castle sailing or the scheduled musical evening. Information about dates, departure points, and booking availability is provided through public listings and the featured listing on The Adventure Collective.
Book with Rose of Innisfree