Do I need a license to drive a canal boat? This loop route begins and ends in Carrick-on-Shannon, and again, we suggest spending some time wandering around Carrick-on-Shannon and renting one of our craft from our marina. The Rockingham Roll is a half an hour segway glide around woodland trails at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. It is an excellent start for those wanting to experience the iconic Lough Key (2.5hrs away), with its castle and amazing forest activity park - great for children. Carrick-on-Shannon - Keshcarrigan - Ballinamore - Leitrim - Lough Key Forest Park - Boyle - Carrick-on-Shannon. Weve got an activities section on our website detailing all the different activities you can do while cruising the Shannon River and blog posts on the best things to do while you are cruising through Enniskillen, Carrick-on-Shannon, Athlone, and Banagher. At 360km (224 miles), the River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland. Apart from more of the idyllic countryside passing by, you will eventually arrive at the quaint riverside town of Banagher. Although these smaller boats are ideal for easy navigation on the Irish waterways, it is important to remember that they will have limited storage space for food and supplies. As the River Shannon meanders further to the Lower Shannon area south, you and your boat will cross the county border and enter County Offaly, bordering on County Galway. Find popular and cheap hotels near Shannon-Erne Waterway in Leitrim with real guest reviews and ratings. Make sure you also pay a visit to the Irish Workhouse Centre to learn about a real workhouse and then stroll around Portumna Gardens. Sun 25 Dec: Closed. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Lough Key Forest Park? When passing through Carrick on Shannon, stop for the day and prebook your cruise, you will enjoy the cruise. Banagher. Lough Key Boats . The tour was gorgeous and the historical information provided was great. River Shannon The Lough Key Forest Park experience is full of great attractions including the Bodaborg adventure and the Zipit attraction . Youll have to pass through six locks this time but at the first Carrick-on-Shannon to Lough Key Forest Park bus services, operated by Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon, arrive at Errironagh, Lough Key Car Park station. Book day boats . Whether you are a newbie or an expert boating enthusiast, we will make sure you are matched with a boat that suits your needs. This includes an average layover time of around 1h. We would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a wow experience. The next village north of Carrick is Leitrim village, less than an hours cruising and an ideal stopping point while getting used to the boat. watching birders and twitchers are in for a treat when cruising the River On the way to Leitrim you can turn off for Lough Key . The town of Drumshanbo sits at the southernmost point of Lough Allen and is a great stop-off point for stretching your legs and visiting a well-preserved Irish town, complete with pubs, restaurants and jobs. carrick on shannon to lough key by boat Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Here are some of our favourites! Carrick-on-Shannon is a great starting and finishing point for a River Shannon cruise not least because we have a marina here. Shannon Tour itinerary is perfect for those who want to cruise as much of the FOR 2x NIGHTS PACKAGE. harbour. Lough Key Forest Park is home to a collection of zip wires that allow you to zip wire down from the lofty heights at speed. These cookies do not store any personal information. THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near Lough Key Boats - Tripadvisor She runs her own blog, Travel Eat Write Repeat (www.melaniemay.com) and you can follow her travels over on Instagram@_maymelanie, Lough Ree Sunset Lough Ree Sunset by Bob Fox is licenced under CC BY 2.0, The Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Athlone, Staycation on the River Shannon Why a Boating Holiday Rental Should be On Your Irish Getaways List, Carrickcraft, Unit 4, 3 9 Fairgreen Road, Markethill, Co. Armagh, BT60 1PW, VAT Registered: GB574696878, Site Map | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Conditions of Hire, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland, information on our website to help you prepare, fishing hotspots and coarse angling areas, permit requirements for fishing in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, planning their boating holiday in Ireland, best things to see and do in Carrick-on-Shannon, Viking battle took place on Lough Ree in 937, Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Athlone, Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Banagher, Self-Guided Irish Cycling Holidays along the Shannon Erne Waterway, Best Scenic Walks in Irelands Midlands Near the River Shannon, Stay and Spend & Early Booking Discount on a Shannon River Cruise, Best things to do and see in (and around) Lough Derg, Top 5 Irish Castles To Visit On A River Shannon Cruise. From The Leitrim part of the town is in the civil parish of Kiltoghert which is in the ancient barony of Leitrim. From Carrick-on-Shannon travel the narrow, meandering Boyle River into Lough Eidin and on to Lough Key, one of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland. Try some excellent Irish food at The Derg Inn Restaurant, The Derg Inn Bar or Paddys Bar and Restaurant. Known as an important waterway since antiquity, the Shannon first appeared in maps by the Graeco-Egyptian . Lanesborough. Discover boating holidays in Carrick-on-Shannon. Shannon River Boat Hire Holidays Suggested Cruises - Athlone, One week heading North . This is a brilliant place to do some birdwatching. These cookies do not store any personal information. have enjoyed our River Shannon cruising guide, as you can see a boating holiday If you are looking for inspiration, we have a detailed post on the Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Athlone. The best way to get from Carrick-on-Shannon to Lough Key Forest Park without a car is to bus and line 571 bus which takes 2h 18m and costs . Once you have secured your Shannon-on-Carrick boat rental, you will need to decide on which route you will take along the River Shannon. Tie up your self-drive boat at Rooskey to enjoy a bit of fishing. Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon is full of picturesque walks, the lake has 32 islands, abundant wildlife, and historic buildings. 1 week - 26 hours - 208 km - 22 locks. Aside from the wildlife and nature, Lough Key has a handful of historical landmarks, the most famous of all being McDermott Castle. peeled for Kingfishers, Whooper Swans, Black-tailed Godwits, Mute Swans, Oliver and Catriona were incredibly nice and funny. Irelanda: Houseboat cruise | BeBlue Italia Tour Operator Our Lough Key Tour covers 208km and takes 26 hours to complete. All along the River Shannon, there are plenty of fishing hotspots and coarse angling areas. Facebook; Twitter; YouTube; Instagram; Join . Intriguing castles, lakeside trails and endless blueways - the delights around Lough Allen are yours to uncover. Departing from our base in Carrick-on-Shannon, you could either head south towards Athlone and Clonmacnoise or turn north to reach the Erne and explore its dazzling countryside. Situated on a beautiful spot along Ireland's longest river, Carrick-on-Shannon is an ever-surprising mix of natural beauty, elegant architecture, bobbing boats . If you would like to spend some time exploring this area, we have a guide to the Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Banagher. This is ideal if you are looking to do an extended boating holiday and travel the entire Shannon River route. Stag Party Weekend Packages Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland - Leitrim Adventure This centre is a hub for all sporting activities around the waters edge, including kayaking, hiking and more. You can be as mild or wild as you want on a Shannon river cruise, but one thing is for sure, youll never be bored. Keshcarrigan is a village in County Leitrim, Ireland. Boat hire in Carrick-on-Shannon is simple thanks to Locaboats base in the town, only around six miles south of Lough Key itself. The Carrick Bridge and Quay are some of the towns more iconic landmarks and show the trading history of this area of the river better than anything else. Based on the strengths of the existing family of Penichettes, this new generation of boats offers a completely new cruising experience. . Use our live availability search to find the ideal boat for your Irish boating holiday, and book online or contact us for advice and to book. local link. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. products as you can. Episode #4 The unmissable Lough Key Forest Park and lake, A Winter Boat Cruise on the Irish Waterways. Train operators. You can go where you This river crosses the county border and flows from County Sligo, allowing you to visit the nearby Lough Gara. Waterways Ireland | Places to Go | Shannon Navigation Killaloe is the busiest boating and fishing centre in County Clare, and there is a huge array of activities to do both on and off the water. A Shannon river cruise is a journey through the heart and history of Ireland. scenery with sites of historical significance. Next is Carrick-on-Shannon, a vibrant town where both Carrick Craft and Emerald Star have bases. Just look for the Blueways trails. For the thrill-seekers amongst you, a few hours spent at Lough Key Forest Parks Zipit Adventure Park is a must. A few miles over the border, you will arrive at Lower Lough Erne; a lake system joined to Upper Lough Erne. If you have never taken a cruise on the River Shannon, we have loads of useful information on our website to help you prepare. This restoration project was seen by many as it appeared on the television programme Grand Designs. Once in Banagher, you can reach the largest lake in the area, open to navigation: Lower Lough Terne. On this route, youll have plenty of time to really see the sights Boating northwards from the Carrick-on-Shannon, you will soon arrive in Lough Drumharlow, a smaller lough and one that has a number of islands. Carrick Base Information. Follow Us. The advantages of the larger vessels are the ability not only to carry more passengers but to keep far more supplies on board. hearty traditional Irish meal. Ireland boat hire | Erne waterways | Boating Holidays Use your cruise on Lough Key to explore the ruins of Macdermotts Castle, built on a small island right in the middle of the lough and only accessible by boat. Cruising into Athlone, this is the perfect place to get off the water and into a lively historic town and mingle with the locals. It begins Keep up to date with new cruise options, boats and very special offers. from. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Ireland is your oyster when you take a River Shannon cruise holiday as there are no set routes. Taking this option will cost $22-$27 and takes 12 min. Shannon River Cruise Guide: Planning an Irish Boating Holiday on the Although these barges are much larger than the classic boats, they are just as responsive and agile. Would very highly recommend. This 19th-century parkland was designed by the famous landscape architect John Sutherland on the orders of the king and now creates the perfect habitat for local wildlife. This allows you to explore the woodland trails, taking in the many sights and sounds, all while being perched on a segway. Lough Ree means Lake of the Kings in English and the lough is very important in Irish history. View details. bread, preserves and scones. Lough Key Boats & Boat Tours - Visit Carrick on Shannon Am I allowed to travel from Carrick-on-Shannon to Lough Key Forest Park? Beautiful scenery along the way. The river on the Upper Shannon is mostly . Find all the transport options for your trip from Carrick-on-Shannon to Lough Key Forest Park right here. After many setbacks, the full restoration was completed at the start of 2021 and now provides a fantastic place to visit along the shores of Lough Key. There is so much to do at Lough Key. Soak up the atmosphere and eat up a If you head northwards, you take the Upper Shannon towards Boyle, withits delightful little 12th-century Cistercian abbey, before reaching Leitrim. These boats hold around two to five people and are ideal for navigating the sometimes narrow waters of the River Shannon. Los 10 mejores restaurantes cerca de Andresna House - Tripadvisor Boat hire in Carrick-on-Shannon is simple thanks to Locaboat's base in the town, only around six miles south of Lough Key itself. To Book or for enquiries please contact Oliver - 0860846849. Experience the history and tranquillity that Lough Key has to offer by spending an hour relaxing, meeting new people and simply just enjoying the lake and sights with Lough Key Boat Tours. Save this link to stay updated on COVID-19 restrictions, If you need help, visit the national COVID-19 website or call the COVID-19 Helpline 1850 24 1850. Great story of how this boat was made by the skipper and friend, Friendly staff for this 2 hour cruise up the Shannon, with a guitarist singing Irish and other songs, all the way. Bus operators. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Top 10 Andresna House - Tripadvisor Waterways Ireland | Hubs The Marina St Georges Terrace, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Youll be bowled over by the beauty of the landscapes bordering the river. A spacious and well-lit boat, characterised by its lovely protected terrace at the rear. lock, Albert Lock, the lock-keeper will take your lines and help you. cruise away, take some time to wander around Banagher and soak up the chilled The next two nights were at Lough Key Forest Park where there were lots of lovely walks, includingone into Boyle, (but . Amazing value! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You can just moor up and walk into the heart of the action. Its time to head home, so take a leisurely day and go down river to Carrick for your last night. 4. Our River Shannon Tour covers 140km and takes around 20 hours to complete. We are Lough Key locals who can share interesting and quirky stories about Lough Key as well as taking you on a professionally guided tour of the greatest Lakes in Ireland. By starting on the lakes eastern side, you can travel through Lough Key and then continue on through the whole length of the most famous river in Ireland. Moon River Boat excursions are very popular and are a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery. The voyage from Carrick-on-Shannon north to Lough Key is known for its captivating scenery and with only one lock, it's a good place to start for the absolute beginner. Moor your self-drive boat here to visit the magnificent Enniskillen Castle or Castle Coole, which is just as interesting. An Irish river cruise on the Shannon is a relaxingly-active way to explore some of Irelands most beautiful destinations. Carrick-on-Shannon offers a wide variety of night . You can climb high into the treetops that surround the park, swinging into cargo nets to keep you safe. Leave Carrick and head north towards Leitrim. You can also take your Lough Key boat westward, exiting the lake and then travelling down the Boyle River. Lough Key Boats | Boat Tours and Rentals | Roscommon You will discover the local myths, legends, fables and folklore as well as the warm and welcoming Irish people. CARRICK INDOOR SHOOTING & ARCHERY (Carrick-on-Shannon - Tripadvisor Lough Key Tour: Sample Itinerary for your Shannon Cruise Soak up the scenic verdant surroundings before exploring on foot or bike the Carrick-on-Shannon region. Stay the night here and next day go across the lake to Boyle, with its historic buildings and plentiful bars. There are currently travel restrictions within Ireland. island of Ireland, and this route sees you setting off south from the town of This A flurry of fabulous pubs and restaurants, the beautiful sweep of the river and a hive of top sightseeing spots makes Carrick-on-Shannon the ideal go-to for a fun-filled family break. Lough Key in Ireland is one of the best places to see a real cross-section of rural western islands. Things To Do - Moon River a great place to stock up on any river cruise supplies that you may need. . It is also a good spot for fishing. You could stop here for lunch and check you have a Lock Card for the Shannon-Erne Waterway. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 1 x Pub Grub with a pint or a bottle of beer. 2 / 2 Lough Key Forest On the south shore of Lough Key Lake, you can enjoy a walk through an enchanting forest: Lough Key Forest Park. This section of the route joins the River Shannon with the River Erne via the ShannonErne Waterway canal, and canal boat hire here is also possible. Boating northwards from the Carrick-on-Shannon, you will soon arrive in Lough Drumharlow, a smaller lough and one that has a number of islands. Leave Carrick and head north towards Leitrim. Beautiful scenery along the way. fancy something a bit gentler? Its fantastic plethora of flora and fauna, including some of the rarer species in Ireland, can be seen with ease around the lough. THE 5 BEST Carrick-on-Shannon Boat Rides, Tours & Water Sports From here you head onto the Shannon-Erne waterway all the way to Belturbet, and there are 16 automated locks to navigate on the way. Whether your Ireland holiday is one of the economical money-saving or of luxurious opulence, there is a boat perfect for your needs.