our destinations

Lower Shannon & Lough Derg

Take a cruise on the Lower Shannon

Victoria-Lock-lower-shannon

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. 

This is the place to go to “get away from it all”, to experience the peacefulness, the beautiful dramatic scenery and really good cruising waters

Victoria-Lock-lower-shannon

Exploring the Lower Shannon

The Lower Shannon covers the section from Lough Ree in the north, through Athlone, one of the busiest towns on the river to the great expanse of Lough Derg in the south with it’s many picturesque towns and villages

Banagher

Banagher marina in County Offaly is ideally placed to cruise the Shannon south of Athlone and into Lough Derg.

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BOOK YOUR BOATING HOLIDAY NOW!

Boating Holidays on the Lower Shannon

Discover the best places to go on the Lower Shannon ! Sail away on your licence-free cruiser and discover the magnificent Shannon River and all its wonders !

Bay Sports
Join in the fun at this inflatable floating adventure park in Hodson Bay, with slides, rafts, climbing frames and hamster wheel.
Portumna Castle and Forest Park
Take a walk around the Castle and Forest Park which contains 1500 acres of parkland with an abundance of flora and fauna including a herd of rare Irish red deer.
Clonmacnoise
Step back in time to one of the most important monastic cities of early Europe, founded by St. Ciaran in 545 AD and marvel at the many round towers, celtic crosses and stone temples.
Shannonbridge
The famous 16 arch bridge is one of the oldest bridges across the Shannon and dates back to 1757. The area around Shannonbrige is an important nature conversation area, surrounded by boglands.
Larkins Bar
Enjoy good food, traditional Irish music and a great atmosphere in this lovely, old building with whitewashed walls and thatched roof in the Lough Derg village of Garrykennedy.
Glasson Lakehouse
Moor at the 17th hole to enjoy a round of golf at Glasson, or enjoy the breathtaking views of Lough Ree from the restaurant.
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Discover the Shannon River

Discover the Shannon River

At the southern end of Lough Ree is Hodson Bay, home to Athlone Golf Club and Bay Sports, the largest inflatable water park in Ireland.  Further south is Athlone, the largest town on the River and known as the centre of Ireland.  Athlone has always been considered an important crossing point on the Shannon and a visit to the Castle Museum is very worthwhile.   

The river then slowly snakes past Clonmacnoise, the ancient Christian capital of Ireland and worthy of a long visit to soak up the atmosphere and visit the many churches, round towers and temples. 

The River Suck then joins the Shannon from the west at Shannonbridge and a leisurely cruise up the narrow river will take you to the modern town of Ballinasloe.

Lough Ree Lower Shannon

Continuing further south will take you to the town of Banagher, Carrickcraft’s marina base on the Lower Shannon.  Historically, this was also an important crossing point on the Shannon and you can still see the remains of the Napoleanic fortifications on the River. 

Finally, you will cruise into the great expanse of Lough Derg, the largest lake on the waterway system.  Lough Derg is famous for the idyllic little towns and villages that fringe its shores with small harbours and plenty of moorings. Good pubs and restaurants abound in this area, where you’ll often hear the sound of the fiddle and you may be asked to join in the dancing!

The southern limit of navigation is at Killaloe, south of Lough Derg, but the River Shannon narrows at this point and continues to flow southwards until it reaches the mighty Atlantic Ocean near Limerick.  

OUR CURRENT
Special Offers
We have many permanent discounts available throughout the year and these are already included in the prices quoted. We also have Last Minute Discounts and Flash Sales available throughout the year. Check out our latest offers below

Family Discount

10% off for one child
15% off for 2 or more children

Available on all boats

Up to -15%

Use Codes 1KID or 2KIDS

carrick-on-shannon

Midweek Special

Take a short break starting on a Monday
and get 4 nights for the price of 3

Available All Season

Extra Night Free

Available on selected boats

10 nights for the price of 7

Travel before 11th May or after 7th September and get 10 nights for the price of 7

Available in April, May, Sept and Oct

10 for 7

Clare, Kilkenny, Wave Princess, Carlow

Family Discount

10% off for one child
15% off for 2 or more children

Available on all boats

Up to -15%

Use Codes 1KID or 2KIDS

carrick-on-shannon

Midweek Special

Take a short break starting on a Monday
and get 4 nights for the price of 3

Available All Season

Extra Night Free

Available on selected boats

10 nights for the price of 7

Travel before 11th May or after 7th September and get 10 nights for the price of 7

Available in April, May, Sept and Oct

10 for 7

Clare, Kilkenny, Wave Princess, Carlow

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We’re changing to HVO Sustainable Fuel

Carrickcraft are now using sustainable HVO Fuel

Best Things to See and Do in Carrick-on-Shannon [A Local Guide]

Relaxing breaks, romantic escapes, family holidays or hens and stags, Carrick-on-Shannon has it all. Explore our local guide to the best things to see and do!

Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

Whether you want to explore the waterways or discover more on dry land, our tips on the best activities in Enniskillen will give you some inspiration.

We’re changing to HVO Sustainable Fuel

Carrickcraft are now using sustainable HVO Fuel

Best Things to See and Do in Carrick-on-Shannon [A Local Guide]

Relaxing breaks, romantic escapes, family holidays or hens and stags, Carrick-on-Shannon has it all. Explore our local guide to the best things to see and do!

Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

Whether you want to explore the waterways or discover more on dry land, our tips on the best activities in Enniskillen will give you some inspiration.
Why choose
?
Carrickcraft has been the specialist in river cruising holidays for over 50 years.
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 LICENCE
REQUIRED

ACROSS
3 MARINAS

YEARS
EXPERIENCE