Shannon & Erne boat hire
Take a cruise on the Shannon & Erne
Take a cruise on the Shannon & Erne
The Shannon and Erne waterways in Ireland offer over 700km of unspoilt waterways, the longest non-commercial waterway in Europe and one of the most spectacular cruising areas.
From Belleek in the north to Killaloe in the south, you have access to sights and sounds not available to the weary land traveller. You can start your cruise in any of our 3 marinas, one on the picturesque Lough Erne and two on the mighty River Shannon. Our marinas are ideally located to give access to the entire waterway system and our speciality is one-way cruises, starting from one marina and finishing in another. The journey between each marina is about one week’s cruising.
Boat hire on the Shannon allows you to discover thses natural treasures at your own pace, offering an unforgettable experience on Irland’s majestic waters. Shannon cruises assures you beautiful holidays with stunning landscapes and a rich heritage to explore.
EXPLORE SHANNON & ERNE
by houseboat : suggested itineraries
Sailing the Shannon and Erne waterways aboard a houseboat offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Ireland. Here are three suggested itineraries to make the most of this boat hire in Ireland adventure :
Come and explore the Irish waterways and discover their secrets in a whole new way with boat hire on the Shannon. These places are outstanding areas for boating vacations in Ireland, so now might be the time ! Shannon cruises offer a unique perspective on Ireland’s hidden gems, providing an unforgettable experience.
UPPER
SHANNON
LOWER SHANNON
& LOUGH DERG
The Lower Shannon lazes through undulating lush countryside that is steeped in history as well as real Irish character. Life slows down along this stretch of the Shannon and boats pass less frequently – the noise of nature takes over once more.
ERNE RIVER
& LOUGH ERNE
The jewel in the crown of Co. Fermanagh. In the North west of the island of Ireland lies an interconnecting network of loughs, rivers and backwaters that would take a lifetime to explore.
Shannon & Erne Waterway
Shannon & Erne Waterway
The reopening of the Shannon Erne waterway in 1994 has revitalised a facility and a hinterland rich in natural beauty. Linking the renowned Shannon and the Erne, the waterway weaves together the streams, rivers and lakes which are picturesquely scattered between Leitrim Village on the Shannon and Lough Erne.
During this boat hire in Ireland, you’ll pass under 34 stone bridges and through 16 locks, and the route is picturesque as it passes through wild, unspoilt countryside. It takes around 15 minutes to pass through each lock, and the cruising time for the 62.5 km of navigation is around 13 hours. All locks operate independently, but are fully automatic, so there’s no need for stenuous work. Don’t forger to buy a lock card at your departure marina before starting your journey through the canal with your Shannon boat hire. There are no large towns along the canal’s pleasant fields, offering refuge to a wide variety of wildlife. Wild flora adorn the banks and moors, to the delight of the senses.
Cruising the Shannon to The Grand Canal
Cruising the Shannon to The Grand Canal
Shannon Harbour, just north of Banagher marks the start of the Grand Canal which was designed to connect Dublin, Ireland’s capital city with the River Shannon and was opened in 1804. It would once have transported Guinness Barges from Dublin, through the midlands and then along the Shannon.
Although commercial traffic has long since stopped, it has been restored in recent years and it now open to pleasure boat hire for cruises on the Shannon. When hiring with Carrickcraft, our smallest boats, the Carlow class, Tyrone class and WaveDuke are now able to cruise from the Shannon along the Grand Canal as far as Tullamore in County Offaly. The canal has been dredged and cleaned, and is an idyllic alternative to the large lakes and rivers of the Shannon.
The diversity of the landscape, the flora and fauna and the superb scenery all along the Shannon and Erne lakes, rivers and canals make cruises on the Shannon an unforgettable and truly idyllic vacation for boat rental on the Shannon.
SHANNON AND ERNE
Discover Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands on a Shannon boat rental with Carrickcraft. You’ll be the captain of your own boat, and during your cruise on the Shannon you’ll meander slowly along the many rivers, lakes and canals, admiring the spectacular scenery, history and heritage and meeting the friendly locals.
HOW DO I HIRE A BOAT
on Shannon & Erne ?
Choose Your Boat & Route
Browse Carrickcraft’s fleet and select a boat that suits your group size and comfort level. Decide on your starting base—Carrick-on-Shannon, Banagher, or Bellanaleck, and choose an itinerary based on your preferred duration and route.
Book & Prepare for Your Trip
Make your reservation online or by contacting Carrickcraft directly. No boating licence is required, but ensure you have a valid ID for check-in. You’ll receive confirmation details and helpful guides to prepare for your trip.
Arrive, Get Trained & Set Sail
On arrival, Carrickcraft’s team will provide a full briefing and hands-on training on boat handling, navigation, and safety. Once you’re comfortable, you’re ready to cruise the stunning Shannon & Erne waterways at your own pace!
Why choose Carrickcraft
- 1️⃣ Unmatched Freedom & Adventure
- 2️⃣ Expert Local Knowledge & Support
- 3️⃣ Trusted Reputation & Quality Service
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The best time to sail in Ireland is from May to September. June, July and August offer longer days and mild weather, ideal for enjoying the scenery and ports of call. For a quieter experience, May and September are ideal, with fewer tourists and often lower fares.
Renting a boat without a license in Ireland is easy with Carrickcraft ! Simply go to our website, choose the boat that suits you and book your dates. Once you’re on site, we’ll provide you with full training so you can sail safely, without the need for a license.
Yes, Carrickcraft accepts pets on some boats. Additional charges may apply, so please check conditions when booking.
No, you do not need a boating licence to rent and navigate a boat on the Shannon & Erne waterways. Carrickcraft provides a detailed briefing and hands-on instruction before departure to ensure you feel confident handling the boat.
No nautical certification is required. All you need is a valid ID (passport or ID card) and the reservation documents provided by Carrickcraft.
When you hire a boat from Carrickcraft, you will benefit from the advice of experts who are passionate about boating and who will do their utmost to ensure you have a great holiday.
NO LICENCEREQUIRED
ACROSS
3 MARINAS
YEARS
EXPERIENCE
