7Nt Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN
A canal boat holiday in Ireland is truly a unique experience as you cruise through lush green countryside along the majestic River Shannon; the small towns along the way replete with history as well as quaint natural beauty. You’ll get to experience quintessentially jovial Irish hospitality in restaurants and pubs, as well as a balanced mix of activities for golf and fishing enthusiasts, nature-lovers and history and culture buffs alike. This 7 day round-trip allows you to experience the key sights and activities this unique part of the world has to offer at a manageable and relaxing pace.
Suggested Itinerary
Arrive at base
2pm – 5pm
After you have arrived and checked-in, we’ll show you to your boat as quickly as possible. Spend time settling in, freshen up and await your pre-departure briefing which will be given by one of our base technicians. They will familiarise you with the boat’s domestic systems and give you a hands-on demonstration of the boat controls and how to operate it. They will make sure you are comfortable and confident controlling the boat, as well as navigating the waterway, before you set off.
Explore Carrick-on-Shannon
5pm – 6:30pm
Visit the unique Costello Memorial Chapel, reputed to be the second smallest chapel in the world, and erected by Edward Costello to mark his devotion to his wife, who died in 1877. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. On your way back to your boat, make a stop at Gala to pick up a few groceries ahead of your cruise.
Dinner at The Oarsman, Carrick-on-Shannon
7pm – 9:30pm
A local gem! This restaurant has spanned seven generations management under the same family, since 1781. Enjoy freshly-sourced local produce from both land and sea, beautifully plated in a smart and character-full setting.
For bookings: +353 71 962 1733 | theoarsman.com
Overnight in Carrick-on-Shannon
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
Carrick-on-Shannon > Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
9:00am – 11:30am
Approx. 2hrs 30mins | 1 lock
Lunch at the Lakeside Café, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park
11:30am – 1pm
Located in the visitor centre, the Lakeside Café is the flagship food venue at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. If you prefer to eat al fresco, relax and relish your food in the Lakeside Terrace. Fully covered and heated, it provides stunning views across the lake to Castle Island. Tuck in to sourdough toasties, sausage rolls, wholesome soup, salad bowls, burgers, or enjoy a freshly-baked sweet treat.
For bookings:
Explore Lough Key Forest Park and Activity Park
1pm – 3pm
Lough Key Forest Park is renowned for its stunning views, varied wildlife and historic buildings. It also has a wonderful visitor centre with a treetop canopy walk, outdoor adventure playgrounds, segway tours and many other fun activities!
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park > Leitrim
3pm – 6:30pm
Approx. 3hrs 30mins | 1 lock
Dinner at Leitrim Inn & Blueway Lodge Restaurant, Leitrim
7pm – 9:30pm
Enjoy high quality pub grub favourites at this local hotspot. There are vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
For bookings: +353 719605600 | bluewaylodge.ie
Overnight in Leitrim
For families with younger children
Lough Key Forest and Activity Park: Inside, you’ll find the innovative Boda Borg, a Swedish concept and unique to Ireland. A challenge for both adults and children, once you enter the two-storey complex only teamwork, ingenuity and trial & error will allow you to progress through its 47 rooms! It contains fun-filled activities, imaginative puzzles and enjoyable tasks, but no instructions.
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
Leitrim > Ballinamore (1/2)
9am – 12noon
Approx. 3hrs | 6 locks
Lunch on board
12noon – 1pm
Take a break along your journey to Ballinamore and enjoy lunch on board.
Leitrim > Ballinamore (2/2)
1pm – 4pm
Approx. 3hrs | 6 locks
Explore Ballinamore
4pm – 6:30pm
Ballinamore means ‘Mouth of the big ford’. Ballinamore is a green and peaceful town with many activities on offer. Walk the hiking paths around the town or take to your bicycle. Slieve Russell, rises to 406m above the town of Ballyconnell and provides some breath taking views of the area.
You can also visit the equestrian centre or the Slieve Russell Hotel, one of only 8 PGA National designated resorts in the world. Its highly acclaimed 18-hole championship course & 9 Hole ‘PGA National’ Academy course forms part of the magnificent 300-acre Slieve Russell Estate.
Dinner at Smyth’s Siopa Ol Pub & Restaurant, Ballinamore
7pm – 9:30pm
Enjoy a delicious and traditional Irish pub dinner at this popular local spot that is renowned for it’s jovial nights and live music.
For bookings: +353 71 964 4955
Overnight in Ballinamore
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
Ballinamore > Ballyconnell
9am – 1pm
Approx. 4hrs | 3 locks
Lunch at The Angler’s Rest, Ballyconnell
1pm – 2.30pm
Enjoy traditional fare with a modern twist at this popular gastropub.
For bookings: +353 49 952 6391 | theanglersrest.net
Explore Ballyconnell
2.30pm – 6pm
The town is named after Conal Cearnach, (Conal the Victorious), a central figure in many pagan iron age tales. Fishing fans are spoilt for choice with a warren of lakes and rivers containing everything from tench to monster pike. South of here, fans of fishing are spoilt for choice with a warren of lakes and rivers containing everything from tench to monster pike.
Dinner at Vista Mar II Restaurant and Wine bar, Ballyconnell
7pm – 9:30pm
Enjoy deliciously hearty Spanish-influenced dishes in a relaxed, homely setting.
For bookings: +353 49 952 6797
Overnight in Ballyconnell
For families with younger children
Ballyconnell: Bear Essentials is a designer teddy bear craft and tourism business, located beside Brackley Lake in County Cavan. It is within the Cavan area of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, just 2km from Bawnboy village. Make your very own teddy bear! The Silver Bear Centre has a selection of old teddy bears, including some that have been admitted to the Teddy Bear Hospital. For younger visitors to Bear essentials, there is a little playground and a small Fairy Forest.
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
Ballyconnell > Ballinamore
9am – 1pm
Approx. 4hrs | 3 locks
Lunch on board
1pm – 2.30pm
Explore Ballinamore
2.30pm – 6pm
Go to Drumcoura Lake Resort to do some horse riding or enjoy the saloon bar and restaurant.
Dinner at Drumcoura City, Ballinamore
7pm – 9:30pm
Drumcoura City is a 50 acre Western-themed ranch with a saloon bar and restaurant, complete with swing doors, full bar and cocktails.
For bookings: drumcouracity.com | +353 71 964 5312
Overnight in Ballinamore
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
Ballinamore > Leitrim (1/2)
9am – 12 noon
Approx. 3hrs | 6 locks
Lunch on board
12pm – 2pm
Ballinamore > Leitrim (2/2)
2pm – 5pm
Approx. 3hrs | 6 locks
Explore Leitrim
5pm – 7pm
Leitrim village has an excellent record in the national tidy towns competition making it a great place for scenic walks or countryside bike rides. Hire an electric bike next to the bridge or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the canal to the small town of Drumshanbo (1 hr 30 mins) if you’re feeling energetic.
Dinner at The Barge Steakhouse, Leitrim
7pm – 9:30pm
The Barge in Leitrim Village is an award-winning traditional pub and restaurant, with roaring fires. Only a stones throw to the moorings on the Shannon. Enjoy a warm welcome and high quality pub food served with pride. Traditional favourites, steaks, roasts and the famous Barge Burger are all considered local specialities. On Sundays traditional beef and Yorkshire puddings and fresh fish are firm favourites.
For bookings: +353 71 962 0807.
Overnight in Leitrim
Breakfast on board
8am – 9am
Leitrim > Drumshanbo
9am – 11am
Approx. 2hrs | 3 locks
Navigation restrictions: Please note that some of our boats cannot go on the Lough Allen Canal (between Carrick & Drumshanbo) & Shannon Erne Canal, but the rest of the itinerary is not restricted: Horizon 3, Vision 3, Magnifique, Classique, Elegance, Crusader, Shannon star, Royal mystique 2, Caprice.
Explore Drumshanbo
11am – 1pm
Drumshanbo is a typical Irish village, with a once-thriving iron-mining industry. The city has a great religious past, and has three beautiful churches that you can visit.
Lunch at The Jackalope Café at The Shed Distillery, Drumshanbo
1pm – 2pm
Enjoy a wide range of hearty Irish dishes at this popular spot at The Shed Distillery. Grab a bottle of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin for a great gift or souvenir!
Walk ins only.
Drumshanbo > Leitrim
2pm – 4pm
Approx. 2hrs | 3 locks
Leitrim > Carrick-on-Shannon
4pm – 5:30pm
Approx. 1hr 30mins | 0 locks
Explore Carrick-on-Shannon
6pm – 7pm
Carrick-on-Shannon is known as ‘the marina capital of Ireland’ and the Marina is an attractive focal point of the town. Walking along the boardwalk towards the Marina and People’s Park is a lovely way to stretch the legs after an afternoon of cruising.
Dinner at The Red Bank Restaurant, Carrick-on-Shannon
7pm – 9:30pm
Experience delicious food and warm hospitality in this family-run restaurant in the heart of town. The dishes and cocktails are beautifully presented and overall this is a special spot to enjoy the last evening of your holiday.
For bookings: +353 71 967 1392 | theredbankrestaurant.ie/
Overnight in Carrick-on-Shannon
Breakfast on board
7:30am – 8:30am
Enjoy your final breakfast on board before tidying and vacating your boat by 9am (unless you have booked and paid for a late-checkout)
Depart Carrick-on-Shannon
9am
10 night alternative
Ireland is heaven for fishing enthusiasts! Take a day to relax and catch bream, roach, hybrid and big pike. Or Golf lovers can enjoy a round at Carrick Golf Club, a stunning 18-hole course situated on the banks of Drumharlow Lake and Boyle River.
This itinerary is a suggestion only
This suggested itinerary is an indication of what could be accomplished, and your ability to accomplish it, is not a contractual obligation of Le Boat. Le Boat is unable to guarantee when your pre-departure briefing will take place and in some cases it will not be given until the morning after your arrival. In these instances, you will need to adapt the itinerary outlined to accommodate a later departure. All cruising distances and times are approximations and are subject to local navigation restrictions at the time you cruise, planned or otherwise, which may also require you to deviate from the itinerary shown. Please check advertised opening times of sights, attractions and restaurants to avoid disappointment – some may need to be booked in advance. All meals, entry fees and tour tariffs are payable at your own expense. Attractions, restaurants and even locks and/or stretches of the waterway may be closed or can close without notice.
We’d love to hear from you
We’ve tried our very best to ensure the accuracy of the information we’ve provided. If you have followed all or some of this itinerary and have found something isn’t quite right, or perhaps you have some helpful tips and pointers that we could add which might be useful to your fellow boaters, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at: itineraries@leboat.com
Image Credits
Carrick-on-Shannon town aerial – The Bush Hotel | The Lakeside Cafe – Lough Key Tourism | Lough Key Treetop Canopy – Discover Ireland | Leitrim Inn & Blueway Lodge Restaurant – bluewaylodge.ie | Leitrim Village Marina – via Wikimedia Commons | Lunch on Board, Leitrim > Ballinamore – Holger Leue | Slieve Russell Hotel – Slieve Russell Hotel Website | Ballyconnell Town – Wikipedia.org | Drumcoura Lake Resort Horesback Riding – Drumcoura City Website | Leitrim Village – Discover Ireland | Saint Patrick’s Church – Irish Catholic Directory | The Jackalope Café at The Shed Distillery – tasteleitrim.com | Carrick-on-Shannon Marina – Discover Ireland