Canal boat holidays in Shannon and Erne

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Overview

You came for the world-famous Irish scenery you knew you’d find on a boat holiday in Ireland, a land where the fish bite and the 19th hole lures. You’ve already teed in Belturbet, and now you’re leisurely cruising northward on Upper Lough Erne to angle for dinner. Perch and Guinness anyone?

Top highlights:

• Carrick-on-Shannon’s artistic history
• The three churches of Drumshanbo
• The gardens and old fortified house of Enniskillen

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:

• Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint-Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in the art centre.
• Leitrim-Village: A quiet and pretty little village straddling the canal. A good place to have a drink on the terrace, watching the river.
• Drumshanbo: Drumshanbo, located along the Shannon river is a typical Irish village, with a once-thriving iron-mining industry. The city has a great religious past, and has three churches that you can visit. Around the lake, there are also beautiful walking paths.
• Ballinamore: Ballinamore is a green and peaceful town with many activities on offer. Walk the hiking paths around the city, take a bike or visit the equestrian centre.
• Ballyconnell: Welcome to Ballyconnell, a vibrant and picturesque town with a number of good restaurants and typical pubs downtown. The Tomregan Church, aside the town, is a good place for a peaceful walk in pretty surroundings.
• Belturbet: Welcome to Belturbet, a peaceful and welcoming town along the canal. Enter the city and have a walk downtown, to discover the beautiful Staghal Church. If you stay the night, you can dine in one of the many fine restaurants.
• Enniskillen: Enniskillen is the biggest city of Fermanagh County. Downtown, have a walk and visit the magnificent Anglican Cathedral, St. Macartin. On the outskirts, there are pretty places like the gardens near the old fortified house in Tully Castle.

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Overview

You’re cruising in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, and you see that Upper Lough Erne is a wonderland of lush green islands amidst a backdrop of blue. Having temporarily satiated your passion for angling, golf and cycling, you look forward to exploring Tully and Caldwell castles on the next phase of your boat holiday in Ireland!

Top highlights:

• Carrick-on-Shannon’s artistic history
• The three churches of Drumshanbo
• Ballyconnell’s variety of food
• Belleek’s pottery tour

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:

• Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint-Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in the art centre.
• Leitrim-Village: A quiet and pretty little village straddling the canal. A good place to have a drink on the terrace, watching the river.
• Drumshanbo: Drumshanbo, located along the Shannon river is a typical Irish village, with a once-thriving iron-mining industry. The city has a great religious past, and has three churches that you can visit. Around the lake, there are also beautiful walking paths.
• Ballinamore: Ballinamore is a green and peaceful town with many activities on offer. Walk the hiking paths around the city, hire a bike or visit the equestrian center.
• Ballyconnell: Welcome to Ballyconnell, a vibrant and picturesque town with a number of good restaurants and typical pubs downtown. The Tomregan Church, aside the town, is a good place for a peaceful walk in pretty surroundings.
• Belturbet: Welcome to Belturbet, a peaceful and welcoming town along the canal. Enter the city and have a walk downtown, to discover the beautiful Staghal Church. If you stay the night, you can dine in one of the many fine restaurants.
• Enniskillen: Enniskillen is the biggest city of Fermanagh County. Downtown, have a walk and visit the magnificent Anglican Cathedral, St. Macartin. On the outskirts, there are pretty places like the gardens near the old fortified house in Tully Castle.
• Belleek: Although it is a small village, Belleek is known for its history in china and porcelain production. Cycle around town and discover the Belleek pottery, founded in the 19th century. You may also enjoy a walk to the pretty Castle Caldwell to the west of the city.

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Overview

You head out on your boat vacation in Ireland through lakes, the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the River Shannon. You feel relaxed as the scenery slowly passes by, and you see friendly people wave at you from the towpath. Along the way, you enjoy the waterfront bistro in Leitrim, fishing at Drumshanbo and playing the 18-hole championship golf course at Ballyconnell.

Top highlights:

• Carrick-on-Shannon’s artistic history
• The three churches of Drumshanbo
• Ballyconnell’s variety of food
• The shrine to the Abbey of Tarmonbarry
• Carrigglas Manor in County Longford

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:

• Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint-Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in the art centre.
• Leitrim: A quiet and pretty little village straddling the canal. A good place to have a drink on the terrace, watching the river.
• Drumshanbo: Drumshanbo, located along the Shannon river is a typical Irish village, with a once-thriving iron-mining industry. The city has a great religious past, and has three churches that you can visit. Around the lake, there are also beautiful walking paths.
• Ballinamore: Ballinamore is a green and peaceful town with many activities on offer. Walk the hiking paths around the city, hire a bike or visit the equestrian center.
• Ballyconnell: Welcome to Ballyconnell, a vibrant and picturesque town with a number of good restaurants and typical pubs downtown. The Tomregan Church, aside the town, is a good place for a peaceful walk in pretty surroundings.
• Belturbet: Welcome to Belturbet, a peaceful and welcoming town along the canal. Enter the city and have a walk downtown, to discover the beautiful Staghal Church. If you stay the night, you can dine in one of the many fine restaurants.

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Overview

The River Shannon marks a swath of blue through emerald green hills dotted with Celtic ruins and postcard-perfect villages, entrancing you with every mile you make south towards Lanesborough at the head of Lough Ree. A boat rental in Ireland immerses you in the Irish way of life, slow and easy as you cycle the towpaths or play a round of golf.

Top highlights:

• Fishing in Roosky
• The shrine to the Abbey of Tarmonbarry
• Carrigglas Manor in County Longford

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:

• Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in The Dock Arts Centre.
• Roosky: This picturesque village is an important boating harbour on the River Shannon with many attractive mooring places. There are some lovely walks here, and really good spots for anglers.
• Tarmonbarry: Tarmonbarry is a welcoming town with many vestiges of the past. Discover the hidden Abbey in the church grounds, built in the twelfth century or enjoy the sight of the great Carriglas Manor. If you stay for the night, enjoy the plentiful local pubs and restaurants.
• Lanesborough: In the small town of Lanesborough stands one of the oldest centres of Christianity in Longford, Saint John’s church, a beautiful building built on an older church dating from the fifth century.

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Overview

You’ve revelled in the friendly pubs and tried the Guinness and Jameson whisky, Calcannon (potato and cabbage) and Boxty (fried potato cakes). Now you’re up for golf — even more natural on barge vacations in Ireland than neighbourhood leprechauns and four-leaf clovers! At Glasson and Hodson Bay, you hit the greens with gusto and the luck of the Irish!

Top highlights:

• Carrick-on-Shannon’s artistic history
• The shrine to the Abbey of Tarmonbarry
• Carrigglas Manor in County Longford
• The castle of Athlone

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:

• Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in The Dock Arts Centre
• Roosky: This picturesque village is an important boating harbour on the River Shannon with many attractive mooring places. There are some lovely walks here, and really good spots for anglers.
• Tarmonbarry: Tarmonbarry is a welcoming town with many vestiges of the past. Discover the hidden Abbey in the church grounds, built in the twelfth century or enjoy the sight of the great Carriglas Manor. If you stay for the night, enjoy the plentiful local pubs and restaurants.
• Lanesborough: In the small town of Lanesborough stands one of the oldest centres of Christianity in Longford, Saint John’s church, a beautiful building built on an older church dating from the fifth century.
• Athlone: Athlone, the capital of the Midlands, is a welcoming town. Come and discover its culture, especially Athlone Castle, built to defend the island against French attacks and then partially destroyed by a lightning strike in 1967. Take time to see the visitor centre and the beautiful landscapes over the river Shannon.

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Overview

A Portumna to Carrick-on Shannon cruise is great if you want to cover lots of the Shannon! Enjoy the Georgian town of Portumna and the pristine waters of Lough Ree. Then indulge yourself with some fishing, a round of golf and some shepherd’s pie in a pub!

Top highlights:

• The old monastery and castle ruins of Clonmacnoise
• The still forest and castle of Portumna
• The castle of Athlone

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:

• Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in The Dock Arts Centre.
• Roosky: This picturesque village is an important boating harbour on the River Shannon with many attractive mooring places. There are some lovely walks here, and really good spots for anglers.
• Tarmonbarry: Tarmonbarry is a welcoming town with many vestiges of the past. Discover the hidden Abbey in the church grounds, built in the twelfth century or enjoy the sight of the great Carriglas Manor. If you stay for the night, enjoy the plentiful local pubs and restaurants.
• Lanesborough: In the small town of Lanesborough stands one of the oldest centres of Christianity in Longford, Saint John’s Church, a beautiful building built on an older church dating from the fifth century.
• Athlone: Athlone, the capital of the Midlands, is a welcoming town. Come and discover its culture, especially Athlone Castle, built to defend the island against French attacks and then partially destroyed by a lightning strike in 1967. Take time to see the visitor centre and the beautiful landscapes over the river Shannon.
• Clonmacnoise: Clonmacnoise is a wonderful vestige of the past, lost in nature. Discover a great monastery, which was once the most famous of the island, before being destroyed by Athlone. Come here and discover many beautiful monuments, like the old monastery, the ruins of the cathedral and the pretty castle ruins too. The landscapes here are just marvelous.
• Banagher: Banagher is steeped in history. Come here and discover this peaceful and quiet town hiding many treasures of the past, like the old Castle Clonony. Head downtown and visit the pretty Saint Paul’s Church.
• Portumna: Situated at the head of Lough Derg, Portumna is one of Galway’s most attractive towns and is famous for Portumna Castle which both King James I and Queen Elizabeth I of England visited.

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Overview

You are totally relaxed, only hours from Portumna, where you savoured shepherd’s pie in a friendly pub and checked out the castle! Now you’re happily cruising on your boat rental in Ireland southbound on the big Lough Derg, famous for its brown trout and pike. You can just taste your fresh fish dinner as you envision kicking back on the sundeck!

Top highlights:

• The still forest and castle of Portumna
• Views from the old stone bridge of Killaloe

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:

• Portumna: Situated at the head of Lough Derg, Portumna is one of Galway’s most attractive towns and is famous for Portumna Castle which both King James I and Queen Elizabeth I of England visited.
• Terryglass: A pretty and welcoming village where you will enjoy having a rest. Have a break in one of the good restaurants. Terryglass is also the site of a sixth century monastic settlement, of which only a small part remains; but the area is very historic.
• Killaloe: Killaloe and Ballina are two wonderful green villages separated by the river. Take time to have a walk on the old stone bridge and appreciate the amazing river views. The old roman catholic church is also worth a visit.

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Overview

You’ve locked wits with wily pike, brown trout and course fish on the beautiful Loug Derg. You’ve enjoyed all kinds of watersports in Dromineer, and gone cycling to villages, castles and cathedrals. An Irish cruise delivered exactly what you were looking for — a mix of varied vacation pleasures to long remember. Ancient Celtic ruins definitely caught your imagination!

Top highlights:

• The still forest and castle of Portumna
• Views from the old stone bridge of Killaloe

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:

• Portumna: Situated at the head of Lough Derg, Portumna is one of Galway’s most attractive towns and is famous for Portumna Castle which both King James I and Queen Elizabeth I of England visited.
• Terryglass: A pretty and welcoming village where you will enjoy having a rest. Have a break in one of the good restaurants. Terryglass is also the site of a sixth century monastic settlement, of which only a small part remains; but the area is very historic.
• Dromineer: Near Dromineer, you will appreciate the sight of the thirteenth century ruined castle. Have a walk along the shore to observe the pretty landscapes on the river Shannon.
• Garrykennedy: Welcome to Garykennedy, a quiet village that was once the residence of the powerful Kennedy family. Observe the old Kennedy Castle, and have a good time in the pubs downtown. There is also an access to the biggest lake of Ireland, the Lough Derg.
• Mountshannon: Mountshannon is a beautiful and scenic village. It was designed as a model village and completed in 1742. It’s tree lined streets and the uniformity of its architecture give it a grace and dignity seldom seen in villages of comparable size.
• Scarriff: Scarriff is a major stopping point for boats upon the Shannon River. Although it is narrow and windy, the Scarriff River, which winds its way through the town before joining Lough Derg, is easily navigable and is a quaint and enjoyable experience.
• Killaloe: Killaloe and Ballina are two wonderful green villages separated by the river. Take time to have a walk on the old stone bridge and appreciate the amazing river views. The old roman catholic church is also worth a visit.

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Overview

You’ll discover lush green landscapes, historic towns and plenty of Irish charm as you wind through the heart of the Shannon on this short return cruise. 

Top highlights:

• The still forest and castle of Portumna
• The old monastery and castle ruins of Clonmacnoise
• The castle of Athlone

Example itinerary:

The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:

• Portumna: Situated at the head of Lough Derg, Portumna is one of Galway’s most attractive towns and is famous for Portumna Castle which both King James I and Queen Elizabeth I of England visited.
• Banagher: Banagher is steeped in history. Come here and discover this peaceful and quiet town hiding many treasures of the past, like the old Castle Clonony. Head downtown and visit the pretty Saint Paul’s Church.
• Clonmacnoise: Clonmacnoise is a wonderful vestige of the past, lost in nature. Discover a great monastery, which was once the most famous of the island, before being destroyed by Athlone. Come here and discover many beautiful monuments, like the old monastery, the ruins of the cathedral and the pretty castle ruins too. The landscapes are here just marvelous.
• Athlone: Athlone, the capital of the Midlands, is a welcoming town. Come and discover its culture, especially Athlone Castle, built to defend the island against French attacks and then partially destroyed by a lightning strike in 1967. Take time to see the visitor centre and the beautiful landscapes over the river Shannon.
• Terryglass: A pretty and welcoming village where you will enjoy having a rest. Have a break in one of the good restaurants. Terryglass is also the site of a sixth century monastic settlement, of which only a small part remains; but the area is very historic.