Viking Tours to host Midlands first ever LGBT+ cruise

On Friday September 30, Viking Tours will be hosting the Midlands first ever LGBT+ cruise. This inclusive event will have a DJ onboard and the Drag Queens Naomi Diamond, Miss Neon Love and Lucina Schynning.

The cruise departs from Athlone Castle and sails north on the River Shannon to the lake of Lough Ree. The duration of the cruise is two hours (round trip) and is €25 per person.

Tickets are on sale now at www.vikingtoursireland.ie. This is an 18+ only event. Terms and conditions apply.

Captain Viking Mike stated: “This cruise represents a truly inclusive event for the Midlands region and the need for the LGBT+ community to be represented, especially within non-urban areas. The selected drag performers will be a wonderful addition to the cruise and bring some brightness to September.

"My Viking-themed passenger ship, formerly known as M.V Britannia, will be one hundred years old next year. As such, this inaugural LGBT-led voyage signifies progression and a type of change that is both welcomed and essential for Athlone, Westmeath and the entire Midlands,” he commented.

This event has been planned with the help of the Midlands LGBT Project and is supported by Westmeath County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Michael McDonnell, known locally as Viking Mike, has been owner and operator of Viking Tours since 1999 and has hosted numerous events for corporate clients, school tours, weddings, hens and stags. Viking Tours operates within the Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands region and runs daily from Athlone Castle.

The sailing season is Easter to Halloween. The timber Viking Ship is currently painted in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.