Listen to the roar of the waves in your ears or the hush of the
barge as it passes you by, and you’ll know why Ireland is a
water-lover’s haven
With unparalleled spots like Brandon Bay, Clew Bay, Portrush,
and Portstewart, and over 5,600km of pristine coastline,
temperate conditions, masses of lakes, rivers and waterways,
Ireland is ripe for a waterworld discovery.
What’s out there?
Local and international surfers take to the waves around the
island along a coastline that’s big on thrills with exhilarating
swells and pristine beaches. Meanwhile, windsurfers adore the
steady winds and countless safe, clean beaches that make Ireland
a number one destination.
There are thousands of kilometres of coastline waiting to be
discovered by the intrepid scuba diver with sheltered harbours
for the beginner, and steep rocky cliff faces for the more
experienced diver. Water-skiers and wake boarders can also enjoy
great facilities around the country.
Canoeists will thrive on the passion the Irish have for
canoeing, and you’ll be spoiled for choice with whitewater,
downhill, slalom, surfing and sprint canoeing.
Where better to take to the seas than in a country with an
impeccable sailing heritage and a coastline that will rouse your
spirits and inspire your soul?
Where better to take to the seas than in a country with an
impeccable sailing heritage and a coastline that will rouse your
spirits and inspire your soul?
Be master of your own ship with a
blissful voyage down Ireland’s rivers and canals
Ireland boasts an astonishing array of tree-lined canals and
blissful rivers, including the longest navigable waterway in the
British Isles. So why not embrace your adventurous side with a
cruise down our inland waterways?
You don’t need experience to operate a cruiser or barge as full
onboard training for your entire team is provided by an expert
tutor. When you’re ready to take control, you’ll be given
navigational charts, plus a captain’s handbook before you set off.
And if you’re a die-hard landlubber, don’t be too concerned. The
warm, welcoming villages peppered along the way are guaranteed to
provide atmospheric pubs, mouthwatering restaurants and a welcome
break should you really want to step ashore…
Together with its inner lakes and
tributaries, this remarkable river provides 258km of
cruising waterway. Only six locks check its elegant passage
to the Atlantic and no heavy industry mars its clean waters
and virgin banks.
Silverline Cruisers
After
its humble beginnings in a Co. Cavan pool called The
Shannon Pot, the river forms three great lakes on
its long journey south where it hoins the ocean
through a long estuary west of Limerick City.
Glorious wildfowl and wildlife sanctuaries occupy
its callows, bays and inner lakes and the flora is
remarkably varied and colourful .The refreshing
unpolluted air is invigorating. The water, mostly
brown in colour from the earth and peat, is pure and
clean.
Carrick-on-Shannon is the principal cruiser base on
the great river. Of the different cruiser-hire
companies operating out of Carrick,
Shannon-Erne Waterway Holidays,
Tara
Cruisers,
Emerald Star Line and
Shannon-Erne Line have pages on the web. The
extension of the Shannon navigation in the 1840's
contributed greatly to the growth and prosperity of
the town. Today coarse and trout anglers are
attracted by the wild fish and contribute to making
Carrick a lively centre where cruising enthusiasts,
anglers and touring holiday-makers meet., mingle and
enjoy the entertainment and food.
The choices of cruising waters around
Carrick are extremely varied and its particular
appeal lies in the large number of moorings and
villages, all within short cruising distances of
each other. Places to visit include the Forest Park
in Lough Key (a must-see for any visitor to the
area), and in nearby Boyle the 12th century
Cistercian Abbey and the recently restored 17th
century King Town House.
Downstream lies the water
wonderland of winding rivers and lakes, as the
Shannon grows in size on its slow path southwards.
You will discover the mysterious reed beds and
channels in Carnadoe, Kilglass, and Grange. Lough
Ree too, is within cruising distance, and offers a
variety of channels such as westward to Lecarrow and
Hodson Bay or eastward into the Inny River and the
sheltered lakes of Coosan and Killenure.
Inland Cabin Cruising
Driving around Ireland is a superb way to appreciate the
country, but why not embrace some adventure and cruise your way
down the longest navigable waterways in the British Isles?
Inland cabin cruising is perfect for everyone from giddy
families to amorous couples.
Requirements
You don’t need a licence to operate a cruiser or barge.
Experience in handling a boat is useful, but not essential, and
full training is provided. You’ll learn the ropes with on-board
teaching sessions for your whole team, and you’ll be taken for a
trip with an expert tutor. When you’re ready to take control,
you’ll also be given navigational charts and a captain's
handbook. Aye, aye, Captain!
Navigating
Linking the island are five main waterways: the River
Shannon, the Shannon Erne Link, the Erne Waterway, the Grand
Canal and the Barrow Navigation. Made up of a huge variety of
connecting canals, lakes, rivers, and inlets, you’ll be faced
with a constantly changing environment on your trip. Moorings
are close to each other, so you’re never too far from the next
stop.
And if you’re worried about getting bored, don’t be! As well
as sublime scenery, lively villages are dotted along rivers and
canals giving you plenty of places to keep things interesting.
After
its humble beginnings in a Co. Cavan pool called The
Shannon Pot, the river forms three great lakes on
its long journey south where it hoins the ocean
through a long estuary west of Limerick City.
Glorious wildfowl and wildlife sanctuaries occupy
its callows, bays and inner lakes and the flora is
remarkably varied and colourful .The refreshing
unpolluted air is invigorating. The water, mostly
brown in colour from the earth and peat, is pure and
clean.
