Boating in Ireland and holidays on the lush green ‘Emerald Isle’ promises a warm friendly atmosphere. Enjoy the tranquil rivers, lakes, moors and forests in a country famous for its spellbinding Celtic legends, monuments and castles.
Take centuries-old monastic settlements and places of historical significance, add in lush landscapes and dramatic scenery, mix with delightful small villages and harbours, and you have just some of the ingredients that have made cruising the River Shannon from Emerald Star's bases such a popular holiday option in Ireland.
The Irish inland waterways offer a very different holiday experience and give you a whole new perspective on the beautiful countryside, ruined castles, deserted hamlets and ancient monastic settlements that surround you. Cruising at a very leisurely pace along Europe's longest inland cruising system, you will soon cast aside the pressures of today's more hectic lifestyles.
The Fermanagh Lakeslands offers Upper Lough Erne withs its mass of reed-covered islands to explore and Enniskillen at its hub. Lower Lough Erne is one of Europe's least crowded waterways and Tully Caste, Boa Island and Castle Caldwell are just some of the attractions before reaching the home of the world famous Belleek Pottery.
Use the modernised Shannon-Erne Waterway to join the Shannon at Leitrim and take a trip into Lough Allen where Drumshanbo is a must for fishing enthusiasts. The island-studded Lough Key is the jewel among Roscommon's lakes and its forest park is an outstanding feature in a regions rich in natural attractions.
Enjoy everything on the Northern Shannon cruise, such as Lough Key, Lough Allen and the Shannon-Erne Waterway but with the addition of Belturbet as the final destination. This is a one week cruise.
Head north to Leitrim as the starting point and take the Shannon-Erne Waterway to Ballyconnell where the main places of interest on the way through numerous locks include Keshcarrigan, Ballinamore and Lough Garadice. Visit the Leitrim Heritage Centre in Ballinamore and sample delights of the local hostelries en route.
Enjoy all the attractions of Lough Ree ans then Lough Derg as you head south past Lanesborough, Athlone, the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise and Shannonbridge, enjoying the warm hospitality of the Irish en route to Portumna. This is a one week cruise.
Going south, Jamestown beckons first, followed by moorings at various locations before the river opens up beyond Lanesborough into Lough Ree with its diverse wildlife and inspiring scenery. Golf at Glasson or Hodson Bay is an option before reaching Athlone, the commercial centre of the Midlands and the culinary capital of the inland waterways.
Cruise south to charming Terryglass and then the watersport haven of Dromineer. Further on lies Garrykennedy, Mountshannon and Scarriff. In between is Holy Island (or Iniscealtra), evoking memories of early Irish Christianity. Killaloe, site of the restored 13th century St.Flannan's Cathedral and surrounded by the legends of ancient kings, hermits and heroes, has a 13-arched bridge and a modern marina that's popular with boat-users.
Cruising north from Portumna takes in Meelick (with its ancient chapel), Banagher and Shannon Harbour, where the Grand Canal joins the Shannon. Shannonbridge is next, followed by Clonmacnoise, one of Europe's greatest ecclesiastical centres. Athlone gives access to Lough Ree and at its northern end there's Lanesborough, Tarmonbarry and finally Roosky.
Cruise from Portumna to Belturbet along the length of the Shannon and its lakes. Go as far south as Killamloe and north to Belleek and enjoy all the natural, cultural, sporting and social attractions of the Shannon in between. This is a two week one way cruise.
Base manager Mark Roding welcomes you to Belturbet. From our base at Belturbet on the shores of the River Erne you can explore the marvellous labyrinth of waters and islands of the Upper Lough Erne and further afield, Lower Lough Erne. These clear blue waters are an angler’s paradise and there are numerous moorings to indulge your pleasure or to simply relax and soak up the peace and tranquillity of these magical surroundings.
Base manager Gerry O'Rouke welcomes you to Portumna, situated at the northern end of Lough Derg, where visiting boats can drop anchor and moor in safety at the marina in Portumna Bay. It is also a cruiser base and the town itself is just a few minutes walk away. There are many points of interest in the town that are well worth making a visit into town to see.
Base manager John Beirne welcomes you to Carrick on Shannon, a lively town with a population of around 2,500. It is the largest cruising centre in Ireland. Historically, it has been one of the main crossing points on the beautiful Shannon River.
