About Shannon and Erne
Feel the irresistible lure of the Shannon-Erne
The River Shannon gives central Ireland it’s unique character. It’s an obvious feature if you study a Shannon River map. At a glance, it’s clear that the waters influence the land. The fishing is superb, and golf is a passion! The towpath is level, so you’re in cycling heaven! As you travel, you’ll stop in villages, explore medieval churches, and kick back in the pubs!
Even the sun’s onboard, with up to 25%* off!
Interactive map of Shannon Erne
Emerald Star base
Point of interest
No license or experience required
Never handled a boat? You don’t need a license or prior experience to be the captain of your own houseboat. Our base teams will show you everything you need to know before you set off safely on your houseboat cruise.
Our customer reviews on Shannon and Erne
See all reviews >Great staff, fantastic location, really enjoyable break.
This was my 2nd time on the Shannon with le boat and it did not disappoint. The boat was spotless and exactly what we needed. Everyone we encountered from the staff at the base checking out to the lock keepers to other boaters were willing to help or give advice. Will definitely be back for another trip in the future.
portumna is a beautiful little town, The boat man is a great little pub and we had best chipper ever in the roma takeaway 😀
Wonderful first experience! Boat was perfect, staff were amazing and the trip down the Shannon was memorable!
Great base to explore the Shannon and the hidden Ireland. Great boat and company to deal with.
Apart from the excellent service, the beautiful countryside and the historic sites along the way, the greatest treasure of Ireland remains its people, who are polite, kind and very friendly. PS: They seem to have a great sense of humor as well.
Comfortable boat and excellent cruise with really good ports
One of the best holidays we have done in Ireland. Will certainly return.
The team in Carrick were fantastic!
Everything about the experience with La Boat was 1st class.
The staff, the cruiser etc etc was great.
Unfortunately none of the towns on lough derg were open at all. No shops , no pubs nothing…
That was disappointing.
Regards
Kieran Daly.
I DO SEND 2-5 GROUPS DOWN TO CARRAIC ON SHANNON EMERALD STAR ENERY YEAR
We had a fabulous time, it really is so tranquil and relaxing as you meander along the Shannon. We found the staff so accommodating and read to answer any queries we had.
Very clean, safe and spacious boats with all equipment provided to cook full meals.
Very detailed training for first timers too. Highly recommended
Great holiday for the Easter week for a family of 4. Staff very helpful and always on the phone to help out.
We will book again
Excellent experience from start to finish..the boat was perfect for our needs and easy to handle.
The staff explained everything clearly and instructed us on how to navigate and generally cruise safely.
Look forward to our next trip.
So enjoyed this trip, will definitely do again
We had a great holiday. The support from emerald star was excellent
Everythig is super good!!!
The Shannon and Lakes always beautiful
The perfect boating region for…
Golf
Golfing vacations are a passion on the Shannon-Erne! Choose from six world-class golf courses and include golf breaks in your Shannon-Erne cruises! Tee off at the 18-hole golf course at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell! Then relax with a pint at the 19th hole!
Fishing
The Shannon-Erne is perfect for fishing vacations! Go for pike, perch, roach, bream and rudd. The Lower Lough Erne is famous for its hefty brown trout, and Upper Lough Erne is a pike angler’s nirvana! Carrick-on-Shannon ranks as one of Ireland’s top coarse fishing centres!
History & Heritage
Monastery ruins, medieval churches and stately castles are seen around every corner on the Shannon-Erne history vacations! Let the ruins of Clonmacnoise (circa 6th century) impress you! Not to be missed are the Brian Boru Heritage Centre, Portumna Castle and the Carrigglas Manor!
Nature Lovers
The fields, bogs and islands of the Shannon-Erne exude serenity as you watch ducks, geese, terns, coots and Great-crested grebes. Trekking trails meander through parkland and invite you to stroll in Nature. Bullock Island near Shannon Harbour beckons for bird-watching!
Shannon and Erne: Read our Articles
A boating holiday in Ireland: a tranquil adventure exploring the Shannon River
The Luck of the Irish and lucky four-leaf clovers: where do they come from?
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Select your route
Carrick-on-Shannon has a thriving night scene – especially at weekends. 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. It is also gateway to the Shannon-Erne waterway for those wanting a more traditional ‘canal and lock’ experience. Heading south you’re 10-12 hrs from Athlone and the Celtic burial site of Clonmacnoise.
Travel connections
- 74km from Knock (NOC)
- 158km from Dublin (DUB)
- 190km from Belfast (BFS)
- 1.5km from Carrick-on-Shannon
Sounds interesting? Find out More
The whole of the Shannon and Erne is great for fishing, but Lough Derg, a stone’s throw south of Portumna, is a fisherman’s paradise and probably the best fishing spot in Ireland. This spectacular stretch of water is huge and you could easily spend a week exploring the many pretty villages along its shores. Must-see Clonmacnoise, an ancient Celtic burial site, is just 6 hrs to the north of Portumna.
Travel connections
- 178km from Cork (ORK)
- 162km from Dublin (DUB)
- 94km from Shannon (SNN)
- 35km from Ballinasloe station
- 30km from Nenagh station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Carrick-on-Shannon has a thriving night scene – especially at weekends. 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. It is also gateway to the Shannon-Erne waterway for those wanting a more traditional ‘canal and lock’ experience. Heading south you’re 10-12 hrs from Athlone and the Celtic burial site of Clonmacnoise.
Travel connections
- 74km from Knock (NOC)
- 158km from Dublin (DUB)
- 190km from Belfast (BFS)
- 1.5km from Carrick-on-Shannon
Sounds interesting? Find out More
The whole of the Shannon and Erne is great for fishing, but Lough Derg, a stone’s throw south of Portumna, is a fisherman’s paradise and probably the best fishing spot in Ireland. This spectacular stretch of water is huge and you could easily spend a week exploring the many pretty villages along its shores. Must-see Clonmacnoise, an ancient Celtic burial site, is just 6 hrs to the north of Portumna.
Travel connections
- 178km from Cork (ORK)
- 162km from Dublin (DUB)
- 94km from Shannon (SNN)
- 35km from Ballinasloe station
- 30km from Nenagh station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Select your date and boat
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Marcus has been an integral part of Le Boat’s sales team for several years, so knows our destinations and fleet very well. After many cruises with us he particularly loves our stunning Irish and Italian destinations!
Request pricingShannon and Erne map
Emerald Star Base
Canal
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Itinerary suggestions
Our boating holidays allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever ‘floats your boat’. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
7Nt Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN
Route suggestions
To help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have, here’s a selection of routes to and from our bases in this region. You don’t have to stop at all the places listed or follow the route exactly. So long as you return your boat to your end base by the date you’ve booked – you’re free to enjoy your cruise however you like. For a comfortable pace, allowing you time to regularly stop and explore, we’d recommend an average of 2 – 4 hours cruising each day.
Please note: Any route suggestions and itineraries on the Emerald Star website are examples only and any of the suggested potential routes, attractions, restaurants, towns, villages or sections of the waterway included in them may not always be open or accessible at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN via Enniskillen
Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN via Enniskillen
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Overview
You came for the world-famous Irish scenery you knew you’d find on a boat holiday in Ireland, a land where the fish bite and the 19th hole lures. You’ve already teed in Belturbet, and now you’re leisurely cruising northward on Upper Lough Erne to angle for dinner. Perch and Guinness anyone?
Top highlights:
- Carrick-on-Shannon’s artistic history
- The three churches of Drumshanbo
- The gardens and old fortified house of Enniskillen
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your holiday:
- Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint-Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in the art centre.
- Leitrim-Village: A quiet and pretty little village straddling the canal. A good place to have a drink on the terrace, watching the river.
- Drumshanbo: Drumshanbo, located along the Shannon river is a typical Irish village, with a once-thriving iron-mining industry. The city has a great religious past, and has three churches that you can visit. Around the lake, there are also beautiful walking paths.
- Ballinamore: Ballinamore is a green and peaceful town with many activities on offer. Walk the hiking paths around the city, take a bike or visit the equestrian centre.
- Ballyconnell: Welcome to Ballyconnell, a vibrant and picturesque town with a number of good restaurants and typical pubs downtown. The Tomregan Church, aside the town, is a good place for a peaceful walk in pretty surroundings.
- Belturbet: Welcome to Belturbet, a peaceful and welcoming town along the canal. Enter the city and have a walk downtown, to discover the beautiful Staghal Church. If you stay the night, you can dine in one of the many fine restaurants.
- Enniskillen: Enniskillen is the biggest city of Fermanagh County. Downtown, have a walk and visit the magnificent Anglican Cathedral, St. Macartin. On the outskirts, there are pretty places like the gardens near the old fortified house in Tully Castle.
Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN via Belleek
Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN via Belleek
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Overview
You’re cruising in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, and you see that Upper Lough Erne is a wonderland of lush green islands amidst a backdrop of blue. Having temporarily satiated your passion for angling, golf and cycling, you look forward to exploring Tully and Caldwell castles on the next phase of your boat holiday in Ireland!
Top highlights:
- Carrick-on-Shannon’s artistic history
- The three churches of Drumshanbo
- Ballyconnell’s variety of food
- Belleek’s pottery tour
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:
- Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint-Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in the art centre.
- Leitrim-Village: A quiet and pretty little village straddling the canal. A good place to have a drink on the terrace, watching the river.
- Drumshanbo: Drumshanbo, located along the Shannon river is a typical Irish village, with a once-thriving iron-mining industry. The city has a great religious past, and has three churches that you can visit. Around the lake, there are also beautiful walking paths.
- Ballinamore: Ballinamore is a green and peaceful town with many activities on offer. Walk the hiking paths around the city, hire a bike or visit the equestrian center.
- Ballyconnell: Welcome to Ballyconnell, a vibrant and picturesque town with a number of good restaurants and typical pubs downtown. The Tomregan Church, aside the town, is a good place for a peaceful walk in pretty surroundings.
- Belturbet: Welcome to Belturbet, a peaceful and welcoming town along the canal. Enter the city and have a walk downtown, to discover the beautiful Staghal Church. If you stay the night, you can dine in one of the many fine restaurants.
- Enniskillen: Enniskillen is the biggest city of Fermanagh County. Downtown, have a walk and visit the magnificent Anglican Cathedral, St. Macartin. On the outskirts, there are pretty places like the gardens near the old fortified house in Tully Castle.
- Belleek: Although it is a small village, Belleek is known for its history in china and porcelain production. Cycle around town and discover the Belleek pottery, founded in the 19th century. You may also enjoy a walk to the pretty Castle Caldwell to the west of the city.
Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN via Belturbet
Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN via Belturbet
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Overview
You head out on your boat vacation in Ireland through lakes, the Shannon-Erne Waterway and the River Shannon. You feel relaxed as the scenery slowly passes by, and you see friendly people wave at you from the towpath. Along the way, you enjoy the waterfront bistro in Leitrim, fishing at Drumshanbo and playing the 18-hole championship golf course at Ballyconnell.
Top highlights:
- Carrick-on-Shannon’s artistic history
- The three churches of Drumshanbo
- Ballyconnell’s variety of food
- The shrine to the Abbey of Tarmonbarry
- Carrigglas Manor in County Longford
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:
- Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint-Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in the art centre.
- Leitrim: A quiet and pretty little village straddling the canal. A good place to have a drink on the terrace, watching the river.
- Drumshanbo: Drumshanbo, located along the Shannon river is a typical Irish village, with a once-thriving iron-mining industry. The city has a great religious past, and has three churches that you can visit. Around the lake, there are also beautiful walking paths.
- Ballinamore: Ballinamore is a green and peaceful town with many activities on offer. Walk the hiking paths around the city, hire a bike or visit the equestrian center.
- Ballyconnell: Welcome to Ballyconnell, a vibrant and picturesque town with a number of good restaurants and typical pubs downtown. The Tomregan Church, aside the town, is a good place for a peaceful walk in pretty surroundings.
- Belturbet: Welcome to Belturbet, a peaceful and welcoming town along the canal. Enter the city and have a walk downtown, to discover the beautiful Staghal Church. If you stay the night, you can dine in one of the many fine restaurants.
Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN via Lanesborough
Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN via Lanesborough
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Overview
The River Shannon marks a swath of blue through emerald green hills dotted with Celtic ruins and postcard-perfect villages, entrancing you with every mile you make south towards Lanesborough at the head of Lough Ree. A boat rental in Ireland immerses you in the Irish way of life, slow and easy as you cycle the towpaths or play a round of golf.
Top highlights:
- Fishing in Roosky
- The shrine to the Abbey of Tarmonbarry
- Carrigglas Manor in County Longford
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in The Dock Arts Centre.
- Roosky: This picturesque village is an important boating harbour on the River Shannon with many attractive mooring places. There are some lovely walks here, and really good spots for anglers.
- Tarmonbarry: Tarmonbarry is a welcoming town with many vestiges of the past. Discover the hidden Abbey in the church grounds, built in the twelfth century or enjoy the sight of the great Carriglas Manor. If you stay for the night, enjoy the plentiful local pubs and restaurants.
- Lanesborough: In the small town of Lanesborough stands one of the oldest centres of Christianity in Longford, Saint John’s church, a beautiful building built on an older church dating from the fifth century.
Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN via Athlone
Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN via Athlone
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Overview
You’ve revelled in the friendly pubs and tried the Guinness and Jameson whisky, Calcannon (potato and cabbage) and Boxty (fried potato cakes). Now you’re up for golf — even more natural on barge vacations in Ireland than neighbourhood leprechauns and four-leaf clovers! At Glasson and Hodson Bay, you hit the greens with gusto and the luck of the Irish!
Top highlights:
- Carrick-on-Shannon’s artistic history
- The shrine to the Abbey of Tarmonbarry
- Carrigglas Manor in County Longford
- The castle of Athlone
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:
- Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in The Dock Arts Centre
- Roosky: This picturesque village is an important boating harbour on the River Shannon with many attractive mooring places. There are some lovely walks here, and really good spots for anglers.
- Tarmonbarry: Tarmonbarry is a welcoming town with many vestiges of the past. Discover the hidden Abbey in the church grounds, built in the twelfth century or enjoy the sight of the great Carriglas Manor. If you stay for the night, enjoy the plentiful local pubs and restaurants.
- Lanesborough: In the small town of Lanesborough stands one of the oldest centres of Christianity in Longford, Saint John’s church, a beautiful building built on an older church dating from the fifth century.
- Athlone: Athlone, the capital of the Midlands, is a welcoming town. Come and discover its culture, especially Athlone Castle, built to defend the island against French attacks and then partially destroyed by a lightning strike in 1967. Take time to see the visitor centre and the beautiful landscapes over the river Shannon.
Carrick-on-Shannon to Portumna
Carrick-on-Shannon to Portumna
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Overview
A Portumna to Carrick-on Shannon cruise is great if you want to cover lots of the Shannon! Enjoy the Georgian town of Portumna and the pristine waters of Lough Ree. Then indulge yourself with some fishing, a round of golf and some shepherd’s pie in a pub!
Top highlights:
- The old monastery and castle ruins of Clonmacnoise
- The still forest and castle of Portumna
- The castle of Athlone
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:
- Carrick-on-Shannon: Carrick-On-Shannon is the largest town in County Leitrim. The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge. Stop in this pretty town and visit the great Saint Mary’s Church. Learn its history and discover its culture in The Dock Arts Centre.
- Roosky: This picturesque village is an important boating harbour on the River Shannon with many attractive mooring places. There are some lovely walks here, and really good spots for anglers.
- Tarmonbarry: Tarmonbarry is a welcoming town with many vestiges of the past. Discover the hidden Abbey in the church grounds, built in the twelfth century or enjoy the sight of the great Carriglas Manor. If you stay for the night, enjoy the plentiful local pubs and restaurants.
- Lanesborough: In the small town of Lanesborough stands one of the oldest centres of Christianity in Longford, Saint John’s Church, a beautiful building built on an older church dating from the fifth century.
- Athlone: Athlone, the capital of the Midlands, is a welcoming town. Come and discover its culture, especially Athlone Castle, built to defend the island against French attacks and then partially destroyed by a lightning strike in 1967. Take time to see the visitor centre and the beautiful landscapes over the river Shannon.
- Clonmacnoise: Clonmacnoise is a wonderful vestige of the past, lost in nature. Discover a great monastery, which was once the most famous of the island, before being destroyed by Athlone. Come here and discover many beautiful monuments, like the old monastery, the ruins of the cathedral and the pretty castle ruins too. The landscapes here are just marvelous.
- Banagher: Banagher is steeped in history. Come here and discover this peaceful and quiet town hiding many treasures of the past, like the old Castle Clonony. Head downtown and visit the pretty Saint Paul’s Church.
- Portumna: Situated at the head of Lough Derg, Portumna is one of Galway’s most attractive towns and is famous for Portumna Castle which both King James I and Queen Elizabeth I of England visited.
Portumna RETURN via Killaloe
Portumna RETURN via Killaloe
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Overview
You are totally relaxed, only hours from Portumna, where you savoured shepherd’s pie in a friendly pub and checked out the castle! Now you’re happily cruising on your boat rental in Ireland southbound on the big Lough Derg, famous for its brown trout and pike. You can just taste your fresh fish dinner as you envision kicking back on the sundeck!
Top highlights:
- The still forest and castle of Portumna
- Views from the old stone bridge of Killaloe
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation:
- Portumna: Situated at the head of Lough Derg, Portumna is one of Galway’s most attractive towns and is famous for Portumna Castle which both King James I and Queen Elizabeth I of England visited.
- Terryglass: A pretty and welcoming village where you will enjoy having a rest. Have a break in one of the good restaurants. Terryglass is also the site of a sixth century monastic settlement, of which only a small part remains; but the area is very historic.
- Killaloe: Killaloe and Ballina are two wonderful green villages separated by the river. Take time to have a walk on the old stone bridge and appreciate the amazing river views. The old roman catholic church is also worth a visit.
Portumna RETURN via Killaloe & Mountshannon
Portumna RETURN via Killaloe & Mountshannon
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Overview
You’ve locked wits with wily pike, brown trout and course fish on the beautiful Loug Derg. You’ve enjoyed all kinds of watersports in Dromineer, and gone cycling to villages, castles and cathedrals. An Irish cruise delivered exactly what you were looking for — a mix of varied vacation pleasures to long remember. Ancient Celtic ruins definitely caught your imagination!
Top highlights:
- The still forest and castle of Portumna
- Views from the old stone bridge of Killaloe
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:
- Portumna: Situated at the head of Lough Derg, Portumna is one of Galway’s most attractive towns and is famous for Portumna Castle which both King James I and Queen Elizabeth I of England visited.
- Terryglass: A pretty and welcoming village where you will enjoy having a rest. Have a break in one of the good restaurants. Terryglass is also the site of a sixth century monastic settlement, of which only a small part remains; but the area is very historic.
- Dromineer: Near Dromineer, you will appreciate the sight of the thirteenth century ruined castle. Have a walk along the shore to observe the pretty landscapes on the river Shannon.
- Garrykennedy: Welcome to Garykennedy, a quiet village that was once the residence of the powerful Kennedy family. Observe the old Kennedy Castle, and have a good time in the pubs downtown. There is also an access to the biggest lake of Ireland, the Lough Derg.
- Mountshannon: Mountshannon is a beautiful and scenic village. It was designed as a model village and completed in 1742. It’s tree lined streets and the uniformity of its architecture give it a grace and dignity seldom seen in villages of comparable size.
- Scarriff: Scarriff is a major stopping point for boats upon the Shannon River. Although it is narrow and windy, the Scarriff River, which winds its way through the town before joining Lough Derg, is easily navigable and is a quaint and enjoyable experience.
- Killaloe: Killaloe and Ballina are two wonderful green villages separated by the river. Take time to have a walk on the old stone bridge and appreciate the amazing river views. The old roman catholic church is also worth a visit.
Portumna RETURN via Athlone & Terryglass
Portumna RETURN via Athlone & Terryglass
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Overview
You’ll discover lush green landscapes, historic towns and plenty of Irish charm as you wind through the heart of the Shannon on this short return cruise.
Top highlights:
- The still forest and castle of Portumna
- The old monastery and castle ruins of Clonmacnoise
- The castle of Athlone
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your trip:
- Portumna: Situated at the head of Lough Derg, Portumna is one of Galway’s most attractive towns and is famous for Portumna Castle which both King James I and Queen Elizabeth I of England visited.
- Banagher: Banagher is steeped in history. Come here and discover this peaceful and quiet town hiding many treasures of the past, like the old Castle Clonony. Head downtown and visit the pretty Saint Paul’s Church.
- Clonmacnoise: Clonmacnoise is a wonderful vestige of the past, lost in nature. Discover a great monastery, which was once the most famous of the island, before being destroyed by Athlone. Come here and discover many beautiful monuments, like the old monastery, the ruins of the cathedral and the pretty castle ruins too. The landscapes are here just marvelous.
- Athlone: Athlone, the capital of the Midlands, is a welcoming town. Come and discover its culture, especially Athlone Castle, built to defend the island against French attacks and then partially destroyed by a lightning strike in 1967. Take time to see the visitor centre and the beautiful landscapes over the river Shannon.
- Terryglass: A pretty and welcoming village where you will enjoy having a rest. Have a break in one of the good restaurants. Terryglass is also the site of a sixth century monastic settlement, of which only a small part remains; but the area is very historic.