H2olidays

Le Boat

Ireland

Ireland's beautiful Shannon Erne waterways are a legend unto themselves and unmatched for their beauty, heritage and tranquility.

Regional Highlights

• The rivers Shannon and Erne and surrounding lakes are an angler's paradise, well-stocked with salmon, pike, bream, tench and perch
• High-tech locks and hundreds of moorings makes cruising very easy
• Traditional Irish pubs and lively celtic music welcome you ashore
• Majestic scenery around the Upper and Lower Lough Erne - where steep cliffs rise from the shimmering waters
• Portumna's National Park and 17th Century castle for walking and sightseeing
• Championship golf courses close to the waterways
• Ancient religious sites - visit Clonmacnoise near Shannonbridge
• Small towns, restaurants and bars at Lough Derg, the largest of the lakes to visit
• From Carrick-on-Shannon, the hub of the waterways, explore the beautiful scenery around Lough Key

Take centuries-old monastic settlements, lush landscapes, dramatic scenery and delightful small villages with a big heart - and you have all the ingredients for a perfect cruising holiday. No wonder cruising the River Shannon with Emerald Star is such a popular holiday option in Ireland.

From our three strategically placed bases - Portumna, Carrick-on-Shannon and Belturbet - you can cruise the full expanse of the Shannon and its lakes or just select a particular area in which to potter about and enjoy your holiday.

Cruising at a very leisurely pace along the Shannon-Erne waterway, Europe’s longest inland cruising system, you’ll soon cast aside the pressures of today’s more hectic lifestyles as you settle down to enjoy a very different holiday experience - one that gives you a whole new perspective on the beautiful countryside, historic castles, grand houses, deserted hamlets and ancient monastic settlements that surround you.

The River Shannon and surrounding network of peaceful loughs are an angler’s paradise - so make sure you hire a dinghy to reach the best bits! On land, it is a rambler’s heaven too, as national parklands, historic ruins and grand houses in abundance are there to be explored.

Carrick-on-Shannon, the gateway to both the north and south Shannon cruising region, is a major boating centre and thriving town. Its old-fashioned narrow streets, diversity of shops and traditional Irish nightlife make this a perfect place to start your holiday. Don’t forget to visit Ireland’s smallest church - the Costello Chapel is only 18m2 in size!

The County of Cavan, it is said, has 365 lakes, one for every day of the year and Belturbet is perfectly placed to cruise just some of this myriad of waterways. Belturbet is also well served by bars and restaurants, while golf, walking tours and fishing are popular activities that are well catered for. Further north, Upper Lough Erne offers clear waters and impressive - almost mountainous - scenery, dotted with many islands, coves and inlets.

From peaceful Portumna, enjoy the delights of Lough Derg, one of Ireland’s finest lakes. Easy access to Lough Ree and the entire Shannon waterway is also possible. Portumna’s broad streets and majestic parades of shops and houses are an obvious reminder of the town’s Georgian past.

But wherever you cruise, you can be sure to enjoy Ireland’s renowned reputation for hospitality everywhere you go, from friendly lock-keepers to outgoing publicans and from helpful shop-owners to awardwinning restaurateurs, we’re certain you’ll enjoy ‘the craic’ in Ireland!

Here are some cruising suggestions...

Week Breaks

Southern Shannon Cruise
Carrick-on-Shannon - Shannonbridge - Carrick-on-Shannon
Visit Jamestown before enjoying cruising on the wider river beyond Lanesborough into pretty Lough Ree with its diverse wildlife and inspiring scenery. Play golf at Glasson or Hodson Bay before reaching Athlone, the commercial centre of the Midlands and the culinary capital of the inland waterways.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 200 km
Locks: 8
Cruise Time: 32 hrs

Lough Erne Upper Cruise
Belturbet - Belleek - Belturbet
The Fermanagh Lakelands offers Upper Lough Erne with its mass of reed-covered islands to explore and Enniskillen as its hub. Lower Lough Erne is one of Europe’s least crowded waterways and Tully Castle, Boa Island and Castle Caldwell are just some of the attractions before reaching the home of the world famous Belleek Pottery.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 130 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 22 hrs

The Angler's Cruise
Portumna - Killaloe - Portumna
Lough Derg is one of Ireland’s finest lakes and a haven for fishermen. It is renowned as a place of pilgrimage and surrounded by diverse cultural, social and sporting opportunities. Visit Portumna’s newly restored 17th century castle and walk in the beautiful National Park before cruising south to charming Terryglass and onwards to the ...
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 128 km
Locks: 0
Cruise Time: 12 hrs

Northern Shannon Cruise
Belturbet - Carrick-on-Shannon (or vice versa)
Use the modernised Shannon-Erne Waterway to join the Shannon at Leitrim and take a trip into Lough Allen where Drumshanbo is a must for fishing enthusiasts. The islandstudded Lough Key is the jewel among Roscommon’s lakes and its forest park is an outstanding feature in a region rich in natural attractions.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 75 km
Locks: 16
Cruise Time: 16 hrs

The Celtic Cruise
Carrick-on-Shannon - Portumna (or vice versa)
Visit Portumna’s impressive castle set in beautiful surroundings overlooking Lough Derg and Portumna Forest Park. Enjoy local hospitality en route in Lanesborough, Athlone and Shannonbridge and visit the ancient monastic site at Clonmacnoise.
Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 160 km
Locks: 5
Cruise Time: 20 hrs

 Longer Breaks
 
The Emerald Isle Cruise
Portumna - Belturbet (or vice versa)
Cruise from Portumna to Belturbet along the length of the Shannon and its lakes. Go as far south as Killaloe and north to Belleek and enjoy all the natural, cultural, sporting and social attractions of the Shannon in between.
Duration: 10 Nights
Cruise Type: One Way
Distance: 235 km
Locks: 21
Cruise Time: 30 hrs