Captain your own cruiser on the Shannon-Erne Waterway

Re-opened channel links two of Europe’s finest waterways

A whole new vista opens up... relatively unexplored countryside, wonderful towns and villages and great watersports adventure. You are master of your own destiny as you captain your boat along placid waters!

You occupy a very special vantage point in Western Europe. As you sit at the wheel of your cruiser on pure clear waters, you are strategically placed between two of the finest examples of unspoilt and natural waterway on the continent. Welcome to the Shannon-Erne Waterway in North-West Ireland!

Re-opened in 1994 after a major reconstruction project, the Waterway links the 215km stretch of navigable water on the vast River Shannon with the second great waterway on the island, the 84km-long Erne system.

Aboard your cruiser or barge on the Shannon-Erne Waterway, you have a fantastic opportunity to see a countryside which few had seen in the 125 years while this tranquil stretch of water was abandoned for navigation.

Move freely along its 63kms of sedate waters, made up of river, lake and still-water canal, and take in the sights. From your unrivalled perch, marvel at the unspoiled landscapes all around you. No wonder they are famed as a nature lover's paradise.

Getting from A to B on the water is easy. Experience the satisfaction of safely negotiating the locks along the way - the 16 locks are managed electro-hydraulically by a smart card that is widely available. Admire the beautiful bridges that span the locks as you do. And there is plenty of help readily available from Water Patrollers locally.

Pick your spot
As you travel along, feel a sense of anticipation as you pick the spot where you want to moor for a break. There are six fully serviced public marinas along the Shannon-Erne Waterway to choose from.

Contemplate how you are going to spend your time. Will you just relax and recharge the batteries, by doing a bit of leisurely sightseeing, sampling the fine pubs and restaurants locally or exploring ancient historic sites?

Or how about dabbling in a spot of rowing and canoeing? Look up the rowing clubs based in Belturbet and Carrick-on-Shannon, or avail of the many slipways around to paddle your canoe.

If you're an angling enthusiast, this is your ultimate dream - let the friendly locals point you in the way of the best catches!

On your stop-offs, there is much to explore by water or on dry land. Welcoming towns and villages, with great entertainment, mysterious islands and spectacular wildlife - from otters and swans to badgers and foxes.

Follow the many walking and cycling routes adjacent to the waterway or, if you're more adventurous, head for the mountains.

Provisions for the Waterway journey are no problem - there are plenty of opportunities to restock supplies in the attractive towns and villages en route.

A number of boat hire companies offer cruisers and barges for day or weekend trips or week-long journeys. Others take passengers on boat trips and tours on the Shannon and Erne rivers.

For county profiles, suggested drives and great holiday ideas, click here

FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on any of the items featured above, or on the counties in general, please contact:

Fáilte Ireland North West
Aras Reddan
Temple Street
Sligo
Tel: 00353 (0) 7191 61201
Fax: 00353 (0) 719160360

Email: northwestinfo@failteireland.ie
Web: www.irelandnorthwest.ie

Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism
Fermanagh Tourist Information Centre
Wellington Road
Enniskillen
BT74 7EF
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 (0) 28 6632 3110
Fax: 0044 (0) 28 6632 5511

Email: info@fermanaghlakelands.com
Web: www.findfermanagh.com