Viking Mike brings Athlone focus with morning TV appearance
Athlone’s well-known riverboat operator Michael McDonnell, better known locally as “Viking Mike”, featured on Ireland AM this morning (Thursday).
McDonnell runs Viking Tours in Athlone, operating a Viking-style passenger vessel that brings visitors between Athlone, Lough Ree and Clonmacnoise, all while delivering live commentary on local history and Viking-era tales.
He joined presenter Deric Ó h’Artagáin aboard segment, as they travelled from Hodson Bay.
When Deric jokingly described him as a “blow-in” due to his Kerry roots, McDonnell was quick to respond.
“I’m out of Kerry 50 years now, I’m well settled.”
Speaking about his long-running operation on the river, he said Viking Tours has been in operation for 28 years.
He also spoke about the unique challenges of maintaining the historic vessel at the heart of the tours.
“It’s 103 years old, it’s timber, it’s obviously high maintenance," he said.
“We have the full complement of 150 life jackets, she complies with all the safety measures. It’s very hard to maintain!”
Looking ahead to local celebrations, “Viking Mike” also spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming River Festival, taking place in August.
“We’ve over 150 re-enactors coming from the Boyne Valley Vikings. I dress up as well.
"They come down with their dogs, Irish wolfhounds, and ravens and everything!"
The Athlone River Festival takes place during the August Bank Holiday weekend. The event runs from Friday, July 31, through Sunday, August 2.