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on a boat holiday in Ireland www.boatholidaysireland.com

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The freedom of the rivers and lakes

Experience the freedom of the Shannon and

Erne waterways. Captain your own cruiser and discover the hidden corners of Ireland. Over 800 kilometres of navigable waterways are awaiting your arrival, with rivers to explore, towns and villages to discover and acres of lakes to relax on.

Heritage and cultural sites are

around every corner, from ancient standing stones, castles, sixth century universities, cathedrals, round towers, monasteries and industrial archaeology sites. Witness at first hand the engineering marvels of Ireland’s canal systems and experience time travel through a forgotten age, at a leisurely pace.

Discover the country and the local culture,

admire the passing scenery and experience traditional music and arts.

Engage in a variety of active pursuits from golf,

walking, cycling, archery to horse riding and trekking. Why not do some relaxed fishing as you travel through the centre of Ireland.

Freedom to come and go as you please. An

inland waterways holiday allows you to set the pace. Stop and take a break when you want, see the sights, put the rod in the water and fish a little or hit a golf ball.

Relaxation, stretch your legs on a forest walk

or simple put your feet up and watch the world pass by.

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Slow tourism

the eco-friendly way to tour. With our modern boat fleet equipped with the latest diesel engines you and your family can still cruise the Lakelands and inland Waterways of Ireland, visit new and exciting venues, engage in active pursuits yet leave only a small carbon footprint.

Clean Boating Charter to ensure that your holiday is as green and ecofriendly as possible the Irish Boat Rental Association members have introduced a Clean Boating Charter. See www.boatholidaysireland.com for details.

We have operators located along the whole of the Shannon and Erne system who are available to assist you in planning your unique inland waterways holiday. For suggested itineraries - something for everyone - visit our website.

Experience the Unique With over 800 kilometres of navigable waterways the ShannonErne system of lakes and rivers offer the visitor one of the longest but least crowded waterways in Europe. With a minimum of locks, a simple but comprehensive navigation system, the Shannon Erne Waterway offers the discerning boat cruiser a trouble free holiday and a safe cruising environment in which to enjoy the unspoilt natural amenity which is the Shannon Erne. The waterway system is a boat holiday cruising paradise, unmatched throughout the world for beauty, heritage and the unique culture of the area. Ireland’s waterways can be a place of absolute solitude and peace, or a lively holiday region where activity opportunities abound - the choice is yours.

Ireland’s waterways give you the choice and freedom to do as you please at what ever pace you want to go. The hundreds of moorings, quiet harbours, marinas, bustling towns and tranquil villages along the way provide you with the opportunity to tie up and enjoy the unique cultural experience that is Ireland. If you are looking for a “get away from it all” boating holiday, to float in isolated tranquillity surrounded by breathtaking scenery and fascinating heritage, you will find it in Ireland. Lough Erne in the North, Lough Ree in the Midlands and Lough Derg in the South offer vast cruising grounds with rarely another boat in view. However, if you should want a lively choice the Upper Shannon offers you idyllic cruising waters with great waterside pubs and restaurants, nightlife and a chance to meet other cruising parties who are enjoying a boat holiday in Ireland.

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Weave Together a Perfect Holiday Through the Heart of Ireland The interconnecting rivers and lakes stretch from Belleek, the most northerly point of the vast Lower Lough Erne to Killaloe, the southern most navigation point on Lough Derg, The Shannon Erne Waterway can be divided into three sections; • L ower and Upper Lough Erne. Lough Erne is connected to the River Shannon via the Shannon/ Erne Waterway. • The Upper Shannon from Carrick on Shannon to Athlone including Lough Ree and Lough Key. • The Lower Shannon, the area from Athlone to Killaloe which includes Lough Derg.

l Boat hire bases

Lower Lough Erne Above this handsome lake the Cliffs of Magho provide a rugged contrast with wooded islands, sheltered bays and open waterways. West of the Broad Lough the hills of Donegal are a reminder of the Atlantic Ocean beyond. 29 kilometres of varied navigation meander between Belleek, the Erne system’s western most port at the Atlantic’s gate above the town of Ballyshannon and Enniskillen, the fortified island town at the heart of the Erne lakes.

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Upper Lough Erne Around Upper Lough Erne the intricacies of combining land and water work very well together. The woods, forests and farmland are in harmony with the river in this extensive inland navigation. There is a sense of privacy and individuality. Exploring the many inlets and islands is a boating enthusiast’s dream and a wonderful destination for nature lovers.

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The Shannon Erne Waterway The waterway is an intriguing region with boating and angling in abundance and history and folklore at every turn. This modern waterway is based on the line of the old Ballinamore and Ballyconnell Canal, with automated locks and other user friendly refinements reflecting the investment and planning that have gone into re-connecting the Shannon and Erne waterway systems. It leaves Upper Lough Erne through the Woodford River near Belturbet and heads southwest and then west to Leitrim Village and the Upper Shannon. The waterway has opened up an area of Ireland that was relatively unknown and this tranquil link with its gentle pace has grown in popularity. Lough Allen and Lough Key Lough Key and Lough Allen are both inland seas but are very different to each other. Lough Key is an islandstudded lake, while Lough Allen is determinedly rugged with the iron mountain of Sliabh an Iarainn to the east, the old coal hills of Arigna along its western shore. Lough Allen is a majestic lake, 12 kilometres long and almost 6 kilometres across on the wide northern shore. Lough Key is arguably the most beautiful lake on the Shannon System with the fine town of Boyle at its western corner. The Curlew Mountains along the lake’s northern shore seem like high mountains rising above the lush countryside and ancient woods which reach down to the shore line. Carrick on Shannon to Tarmonbarry The lordly Shannon, the longest river in Britain and Ireland, is beginning to get a sense of itself as it meanders south through Carrick on Shannon, the northern capital of this historyladen waterway. The prosperous county town of Leitrim is a thriving boat centre and a welcoming

place with a real buzz and an active cultural life. South of Carrick the river’s long stretches of water weave between pretty towns. On through the picturesque towns of Jamestown and Drumsna, the river widens through Lough Boffin past Dromod and narrows again through the busy town of Roosky before flowing through Tarmonbarry and onwards to Lough Ree. Lough Ree Lough Ree is one of the Shannon’s three main lakes, 32 kilometres long and gradually widening to 10 kilometres across. This much indented lake has a generous scattering of islands and although it is the geographic centre of Ireland, it maintains an attractive air of remoteness. The shoreline varies - in the relatively unpopulated northeast of the lake along the Longford shore there is quality bogland. Along the eastern shore, County Westmeath has lush farmland and thriving woodland. The south of the lake is very much a water playground for the large town of Athlone. To the western shoreline lies Roscommon and the quiet town and harbour of Lecarrow, reached from the lake by its own small canal. Mid Shannon South of Athlone the Shannon enters its most distinctive phase becoming a wide stream moving silently under a vast sky. For 50 kilometres the river falls through river meadows, the Callows to Portumna at the head of Lough Derg. The regular flooding of the Callows is a vital part of the ecosystem, enriching the water and sweetening the land. The rising ground at Clonmacnois, 20 kilometres downstream of Athlone, had prominence along the river and throughout Ireland. This was the site of the great monastery which became a university and the ancient Christian capital of Ireland.

Although it was raided by the Vikings it has endured as the greatest of the monuments along the Shannon. The Shannon continues to meander south to Shannon Harbour where the Grand Canal connects Dublin and the east coast with the Shannon. You are now on the old water borne trading route connecting the capital of Ireland with a series of midland and Shannon towns such as the Georgian town of Banagher and then on to Limerick via Lough Derg.

Lough Derg Lough Derg is a handsome inland sea set in an attractive blend of mountain and hillside, woodland and farm. The mountains surrounding this fine stretch of water have their own beauty and variety. The shoreline has many small sheltered harbours at strategic intervals. There are 13,000 hectares of spectacular waterway, ideal for all kinds of watersports. The beautiful countryside around the lakeshore is perfect for walking, cycling, horse riding and other visitor pursuits. Lough Derg is contemporary in outlook, yet comfortable with its traditions. It is a place blessed by nature for sport and recreation. The extensive shoreline changes wonderfully in its nature between three large counties - Galway to the northwest, Clare to the west and southwest and Tipperary along the entire eastern shoreline. The lake is big enough to provide total seclusion yet there is always a bustling spot nearby.

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Captain your Own Cruiser

Experience is not necessary and no licence is required. Training will be provided by our experienced staff. When you book your boat holiday in Ireland your operator will send you a “Captains Handbook” which will contain details of all you need to know about operating you cruiser. The handbook contains details on how to prepare for your cruise, vital information on how the boat works, navigational information and how to pass through a lock. On arrival at your operator’s base you will be shown a training video and then given on-the-water training by a fully trained, experienced instructor. Many of our customers choosing a boat holiday in Ireland have never handled a boat before. Mastering the controls of your cruiser and understanding the navigation is quickly learnt. All of our cruisers are fully equipped with the necessary safety equipment and navigational charts to ensure that you have a safe holiday cruise.

Our fleet

of modern cruisers offer accommodation from two to twelve adults.

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“All of our cruisers are fully equipped with the necessary safety equipment and navigational charts to ensure that you have a safe holiday cruise.”

Our operators have a boat to suit your boat holiday needs. As you will spend more time in your boat than you would in a traditional holiday cottage we recommend that you book a boat that has more space/ berths than the number of people in your group. This will give you more space to live and relax in. Our operators have extensive fleets of different classes of cruisers all with their own individual characteristics and designed to suit the needs of parties of two, four, six or eight people and we can even supply boats for up to parties of twelve.

All the cruisers that are offered by our operators are designed for the Irish waterways and are fitted out to the highest standards to ensure maximum cruising comfort. We have illustrated a typical Shannon cruiser here to give you an indication of the accommodation layout, but it is important to check with the operator of your choice the exact specification of the cruiser that you book.

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Tourism Ireland Offices List The international marketing body for the island

Tourism Ireland Nations House 103 Wigmore Street London W1U 1QS Tel: 0800 039 7000 (Call Centre) [email protected] www.discoverireland.com Tourism Ireland James Miller House 98 West George Street (7th Floor), GLASGOW, G21 PJ Tel: 0800 039 7000 (call centre) [email protected] www.discoverireland.com Tourism Ireland 345 Park Avenue NEW YORK, NY 10154 Tel: 1800 223 6470 [email protected] www.discoverireland.com Tourism Ireland 2 Bloor St. West, Suite 3403 TORONTO, ON M4W 3E2 Tel: 1800 223 6470 [email protected] www.discoverireland.com Tourism Ireland – Irland Information Gutleutstrasse 32, D-60329 FRANKFURT AM MAIN Tel: + 49 69 66 800 950 [email protected] www.entdeckeirland.de Tourism Ireland SWITZERLAND Tel. + 41 (0)44 210 4153 [email protected] www.discoverireland.com Tourism Ireland Libellenweg1, A-1140 VIENNA Tel: +43 (0)501 59 60 00 [email protected] www.discoverireland.com

Tourism Ireland Spuistraat 104 1012 VA AMSTERDAM Tel: + 31 20 504 0689 [email protected] www.ierland.nl Tourism Ireland Louizalaan 66 Avenue Louise 1050 Brussels Belgium. Tel: +32 2 275 01 71 Fax: +32 2 642 98 51 [email protected] www.discoverireland.com Tourism Ireland 33 Rue de Miromesnil 75008 PARIS Tel: +33 1 70 20 00 20 [email protected] www.irlande-tourisme.fr Turismo Irlandese Piazzale Cantore no. 4 20123 MILANO Tel: +39 02 4829 6060 (Information office) [email protected] www.irlanda-travel.com Tourism Ireland Paseo de la Castellana 46 3a Planta, 28046 MADRID Tel: +34 91 745 6420 [email protected] www.turismodeirlanda.com Tourism Ireland Rua a Imprensa a Estrela 1-4, 1200 LISBOA Tel: + 51 21 392 94 40 [email protected] www.discoverireland.com/pt

of Ireland covering the Republic of Ireland and Agency responsibility for m Northernwith Ireland is Tourism Ireland. of Ireland overseas as a holiday d Tourism Ireland Tourism Ireland Level 5, 36 Carrington Street c/o Marketing Garden tourismireland.com SYDNEY NSW 2000 International Place Tel: + 61 2 9299 6177 [email protected] www.discoverireland.com.au Tourism Ireland L7, Citibank Building 23 Customs St East AUCKLAND 1010 Tel: + 64 9 977 2255 [email protected] www.discoverireland.co.nz NORDIC REGION

Sanei-Cho 26-3 Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 160-0008 Tel: +81 3 5367 6525 Fax: +81 3 5363 1118 Email:[email protected] www.tourismireland.jp Tourism Ireland Suite 728, Shanghai Centre 1376 Nanjing Road West Shanghai 200040, P.R.China Tel: +86 21 62798788 Fax:+862162798799 [email protected] www.discoverireland.com

Tourism Ireland Nyhavn 16 (3rd Floor) DK1051 Copenhagen K DisclaimerISRAEL Denmark Embassy of Ireland Tel: 80 60 15 18 While every 3 Daniel Frisch St effort has been made to ensur [email protected] Tel Aviv 64731 www.discoverireland.com at the timeIsrael of going to print, the partner ag Tourism Ireland omissionsTel: or+972-3-6951827 misinformation whatsoever i Fax: +972 3 6964160 Finland [email protected] Tel: 0800 41 969 www.discoverireland.com [email protected] Tourism Ireland Norway Tel: 800 35 018 [email protected] Tourism Ireland Sweden Tel: 02 0015 9101 [email protected] Tourism Ireland C/o Development Promotions Everite House, Level 7, 20 De Korte Street Braamfontein 2001, Gauteng SOUTH AFRICA Tel: +27 11 339 48 65 [email protected] www.discoverireland.com

Tourism Ireland c/o Gulf Reps Office 3008 Gold and Diamond Park Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: + 971 4 341 6764 Fax: + 971 4 341 5731 Vanessa Barker [email protected] www.discoverireland.ae Tourism Ireland Grants Building Annexure Office No. 46, 1st floor, Near Strand Cinema Colaba Mumbai 400 005, India Tel: +91 22 3296 1624 Fax: +91 22 2287 6355 [email protected] www.discoverireland.com

Irish Boat Rental Association Members List A website with all of the latest on-line offers is available at www.boatholidaysireland.com. This provides visitors with the choice of Ireland’s leading boat renters from Lough Derg in County Clare to Belturbet and Tully Bay on Lough Erne. Operators are located along the whole of the Shannon-Erne system, and are available to assist holidaymakers in planning their inland waterways adventure.

Carrickcraft Kinnego Marina Oxford Island Lurgan Co Armagh, N.Ireland 00 44 28 3834 4993 00 44 28 3834 4995 [email protected] www.cruise-ireland.com Also at Banagher, Co Offaly and Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, Ireland.

Emerald Star Ltd The Marina Carrick-on-Shannon Co Leitrim, Ireland 00 353 71 9627662 00 353 71 9621433 [email protected] www.emeraldstar.ie Also at Belturbet Co Cavan and Portumna Co Galway. Locaboat Ireland The Marina Ballinamore Co Leitrim, Ireland 00 353 71 9645923 [email protected] www.locaboat.ie

Shannon Castle Line Williamstown Harbour Whitegate Co Clare, Ireland 00 353 61 927042 00 353 61 927426 [email protected] www.shannoncruisers.com Silver Line Cruisers The Marina Banagher Co Offaly, Ireland 00 353 57 9151112 00 353 57 9151632 [email protected] www.silverlinecruisers.com

Waveline Cruisers Quigley’s Marina Killinure Point Glasson, Athlone Co Westmeath, Ireland 00 353 90 6485711 00 353 90 6485716 [email protected] www.waveline.ie

www.boatholidaysireland.com Disclaimer While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information within the guide is correct at the time of going to print, the partner agencies do not accept any responsibility for any errors, omissions or misinformation whatsoever in the guide and shall have no liability.

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