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.
Unlike many other waterways, the cruising waters of the Shannon and Erne are mostly lakes and rivers, rather than canals, adding to the diverse scenery you will encounter along the way.
Come and explore the Irish waterways and discover its secrets in a brand new way. These locations are remarkable regions for boating holidays in Ireland, now could be the time!
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.
Passing under 34 stone bridges it is checked by 16 locks on its scenic course through wild unspoiled countryside. Each lock takes about 15 minutes to negotiate and the cruising time for the 62.5 kilometers of navigation is approximately 13 hours. All the locks are self-operated but they are fully automatic so there is no hard work. Remember to purchase a Lock Card from your start marina before making your journey through the canal. No large cities or towns mar the landscape along the canal’s pleasant course. Reed banks thrive in the lakes and hedgerows parcel the pleasant fields, providing refuge for a great variety of wildlife. Wild flora decorates the banks and moors, delighting 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 craft. 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 – but not modernised! – 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 for a truly idyllic cruising area.
SHANNON AND ERNE
Discover the Hidden Heartlands of Ireland on a self-drive cruiser with Carrickcraft. Captain your own cruiser as you slowly meander along the many rivers, lakes and canals, enjoying the spectacular scenery, the history and heritage and meeting the friendly locals.
Early Booking Discount
to get the best prices
Available until end January 2024
-10%
Discount available on all boats
10 nights for the price of 7
From 9th September 2023
10 = 7
Clare, Kilkenny, Wave Princess, Carlow
Get an Extra Night Free
and get an extra night free.
Available all season
1 NIGHT FREE
available on all boats
Early Booking Discount
to get the best prices
Available until end January 2024
-10%
Discount available on all boats
10 nights for the price of 7
From 9th September 2023
10 = 7
Clare, Kilkenny, Wave Princess, Carlow
Get an Extra Night Free
and get an extra night free.
Available all season
1 NIGHT FREE
available on all boats
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
