Donal and Max set off for the midlands in this installment, to Ireland's hidden heartlands on the banks of the river Shannon. Where better to start the trip than onboard the elegant Emerald star cruiser on the river?! Donal's trusty skipper Declan knows the Shannon like the back of his hand and brings Donal to meet local fisherman Mick for a spot of river fishing. Donal cooks up a late lunch, a delicious Smoked Trout & Potato salad for his fellow river cruisers to enjoy.. It's time to get his feet back on dry land so he ventures to one of the oldest pubs in Ireland "Luker's", situated on the banks of the river in Shannonbridge. Here, Donal steps back in time as he meets with the pub landlord for a drink and chat in the 17th century bar. Further down the river in county Offaly - Donal and Max visit Clonmacnoise - home to extraordinary monastery ruins founded in 544 by Saint Ciaran - but today he is greeted by fascinating travel writer, midlander Manchan Magan. Time to take things closer to the modern day... well 1700s where Donal visits the little village of Knockcrockery and meets Ethel, who has re-discovered a 300 year old craft of clay pipe making and gives Donal a one-to-one lesson in the craft.
