Destinations / Ireland / River Shannon
The River Shannon has its own unique character — at a glance at the map it is clear that it is the master here. Great fishing, keen golf, cycling heaven... As you travel through the villages, you're transported back in time.
Ireland's coastline rises out of the sea, yet the terrain drops further inland, creating a kind of valley where the water flows. The River Shannon is the largest in Ireland at 360 km (224 miles). The gradient on the navigable middle section of the river is gentle, which means that the water moves slowly.
There are also a large number of lakes on the map — a diversion when navigating the canals! If you look at a map of the Shannon–Erne waterway, a nice stretch of the Shannon–Erne canal appears. This passage connects the two canal systems of the Shannon and Erne rivers, which fits its rather unusual name. The canal is 63 kilometres (39 miles) long and runs from the village of Leitrim to Upper Lough. It has 18 locks and is truly beautiful.
Portumna Castle on the shores of Lough Derg on the River Shannon
Carrick-on-Shannon
Carrick-on-Shannon, the gateway to both the North and South Shannon shipping regions, is a major centre for 'boat tourism' and a thriving town. With ancient narrow streets, a variety of shops and traditional Irish nightlife, the town offers itself as the perfect place to start your holiday. County Cavan is said to have 365 lakes, one for every day of the year, and bustling Belturbet is ideally placed from which to explore this nature-lover's and fisherman's paradise.
The beauty of the River Shannon
From the picturesque Georgian-style town of Portumna, the River Shannon winds before you; enjoy the beautifulLough Derg, one of Ireland's most beautiful lakes and a place of pilgrimage, or sail on to Lough Ree and beyond.
Don't forget that Ireland is also a fisherman's paradise — the rivers and lakes are stocked with salmon, pike and bass; along the banks, golf greens await those who want to beat their own handicap to finally relax at the 19th hole.
Cycle to discover the hidden treasures of the villages and towns lining the waterways — historic castles, imposing mansions, ourmagnificent parks and ancient monastery complexes await you, as well as a warm welcome wherever you go.
Shannon and Erne Waterway
The Shannon and Erne Waterway, with 16 automatic locks in the north, connects the Erne to other Irish rivers and canals. The Erne, which is 63 km long, boasts more than 30 magnificent bridges. This river will take you through the typical Irish countryside where you will have the opportunity to experience Irish folklore first hand. Around the town of Enniskillen you will discover a paradise of birds and a variety of flora. This paradise is also known as the "land of five lakes and five hundred islands".
Some advice before you set sail
- Sailing on the Shannon–Erne is easy and suitable for beginners.
- However, you should pay extra attention to navigation during windy weather in open water.
- You will be required to view the instructional video before departure.
- Fishing licenses are required for all cruising areas except Carrick. The fee for a license is about 7 Euros per week.
- Boats are to be avoided on the right.
- The maximum speed allowed in the canals is 5 km/h.
- There are no speed limits on rivers and lakes. Please slow down when passing moored boats, marinas, fishermen and in narrow channels. Waves from boats can cause damage to the shore and harbour wildlife.
- Locks are open daily from 9 am to 8 pm on the Shannon–Erne Canal, but on the River Shannon expect a lunch break and earliest closing at 4 pm.
A cruise through Ireland is a journey into a romantic past. Come and experience it on one of our houseboats.
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