Ireland is well known for its vast nature. Experience one of the largest areas of Europe on a rented houseboat. You can sail on natural waters like the Shannon and the Erne. Connecting the two, the Shannon-Erne Canal has served as a reliable and well-maintained waterway since 1994. The resulting nearly 1000-kilometer waterway network is one of the largest in Europe and can be navigated without a driver's license. Start from Carrick-on-Shannon in the north or further south on the Shannon in Banagher or Portumna. Whatever you choose, a vacation surrounded by fantastic landscapes awaits you, where there are always Celtic settlement or cult sites to explore. You can spend your evenings in hospitable pubs to get to know the joy of life of the Irish. Also sporty enthusiasts find for example wide golf courses, again and again the wide landscapes offer themselves for wanderings and fishing friends can try their luck in one of the lakes to be passed.
The area has only a few locks and is not open to commercial shipping. Even though the Shannon is a river with a natural course, the current is not very strong, and on the lakes, to which it opens again and again, the channels are buoyed and easy to navigate even for beginners.
Climate: temperate with temperatures between 8 and 15 degrees
Season: April to October
Houseboats Ireland
If you have decided to rent a houseboat in Ireland, then a vacation amidst vast green landscapes lies ahead of you. Discover Ireland from the water and let yourself be captivated by the mystical country. A large part of the waterways in Ireland is the river Shannon. It rises in the northwest of the country in the Culicagh Mountains and flows into the Atlantic Ocean after 370 kilometers west of Limerick. Of its stretch, a total of just under 220 kilometers is navigable. Starting from Carrick-on-Shannon, you can explore the upper reaches of the Shannon, or access the Erne via the 63-kilometer Shannon-Erne Canal.
The Shannon -ExperienceIreland's longest river from a houseboat
If you want to rent a houseboat in Ireland to explore the Shannon, 
you can either start from Carrick-on-Shannon in the north of the river, or from Banagher as well as Portumna in the lower southern third. There are sights worth seeing along the route from both destinations. In the north, places like Dromod, Roosky and Tarmonbarry, which are especially popular with anglers. Here the surrounding loughs like Bofin or Boderg are known for their abundance of perch, roach and bream. Active sportsmen and families will also find a variety of offers on and around the lakes, for example for kayak or canoe tours. Lough Ree begins behind Lanesborough. The second largest lake in the course of the Shannon is dotted with numerous islands. One of them is the island of Inchcleraun. Today it is uninhabited but there are the remains of an early Christian monastery and two churches. Especially children will enjoy a discovery tour through the ruins on the mythical island.
There is also a lot to discover along the shore. Smaller towns with landing places invite you to make stops. Explore the surroundings on one of the numerous hiking trails or stop for a drink in one of the cozy pubs. Coosan Point, at the southern end of the lough, is famous for the Lough Ree Inn, where you can enjoy traditional music, often played live in the summer months. On the opposite shore, the Glasson Golf Club invites you to play a few shots with a view of the lake, and in nearby Athlone, the capital of the Midlands, you can learn about the history of Irish country life in the 18th century at the Derryglad Folk Museum. From Athlone, you will now also travel on the Shannon again. Soon you will pass the ruined monastery of Clonmacnoise. It is considered one of the main attractions on the Shannon. Built in the 6th century AD, it developed into a spiritual and craft center of the country. Today, only ruins remain for the most part, but they are still impressive due to their size.
Halfway between Lough Ree and Lough Derg, the largest lake through which the Shannon flows, lies the charming little town of Banagher. It developed early as a rural market town because the river could be crossed here. The first bridge on this site was built as early as 1049. The bridge that crosses the river here today, however, dates from 1843. Three hours' drive and one lock south of Banagher brings you to Portumna. The last town before Lough Derg. Portumna is a popular destination. Not least because of the local Portumna Castle, a castle built at the beginning of the 17th century by Richard Burke, the 4th Earl of Clanricarde. An exhibition in the castle walls gives an overview of the history of the house and the area. To explore Lough Derg, you will need about a week from Banagher. Crossing the lake from north to south takes about 6 hours of pure driving time, but you also need time to take in the beauty of nature around the lake and visit the small, atmospheric towns along the lake.
In Mountshannon, visit Holy Island. Another ruined monastery, also dating back to the 6th century. Explore the ruins and listen to the ancient stones tell stories. The area around the town is perfect for exploring the Midlands on hikes, and at the nearby "Woodpark" even the little ones can swing a golf club at miniature golf. The lake itself is considered one of the best addresses for anglers in Ireland. Roach, pike and bream can be caught here and if you rent a dinghy with your houseboat, you can even catch trout in lonely bays. Nature lovers can discover a variety of plants and animals in the landscapes, such as floodplains and bogs, around the river on hiking trails and nature trails as well as from the boat.
Killaloe at the very south of the lake is the southernmost point to which you can travel by houseboat. A walk through the narrow streets of the village, which wind up the hillside, is a nice afternoon pastime. Small shops, cozy cafes and one or the other pub invite you to browse and linger. If you want to get an overview of the lake, you can make a trip from here to the viewpoint in Tountinna, the highest point of the Arra Mountains, and experience the lake from a bird's eye view.
The Shannon-Erne Canal - a paradise for anglers and nature lovers
The Shannon-Erne-Waterway is a 63 kilometers long canal, which connects the river Shannon and the river Erne between Limmerick and Killaloe. Again and again, especially for active vacationers or nature lovers, there are beautiful walks along the canal. In Leitrim, not far from Carrick-on-Shannon, at the Shannon-Erne-Waterway for example, there are some nature trails, where you can get to know interesting facts about flora and fauna of Ireland. In Ballinamore you can also experience this on horseback trails. Again and again there is also the possibility to rent bicycles, or you rent these directly to the houseboat in addition. This is possible if the houseboat of your choice lists bicycles among the extras. Children's bicycles and child seats can also be rented. In Ballyconnell, anglers will find an extensive lake district in the hinterland and golf lovers can improve their skills on the green at the Slieve Russell Hotel and Golf Club. Then, in Inishfendra, your canal cruise comes to an end and you transfer to the Erne.
The Erne -Houseboat vacationon one of the most beautiful water systems in Europe
The river Erne is characterized by the two lakes it flows through:
the Upper Lough and the Lower Lough. Between the two lies the village of Enniskillen, where the only lock on the Erne is located. The Upper Lough is mostly very shallow and crossed by many islands. It is reminiscent of the Swedish archipelago and offers with its numerous bays an ideal cruising area for those seeking peace and quiet. For anglers, especially trout anglers, both lakes are a true Eldorado. Beginners will find here a quiet and, due to the lack of commercial shipping, not too crowded area to get to know houseboating in a relaxed way. On the Lower Lough, which is much deeper and a little less interspersed with islands, there can be stronger waves when the wind comes up, so the Upper Lough is better suited as a starting area.
Whatever you decide and whether you start in the north and sail the Shannon-Erne-Canal and the Erne or follow the Shannon in its course towards the south or if you start in the south and choose Lough Derg as your destination, you will have an unforgettable time in one of the greenest spots in Europe.
Ireland does not seem to be the right place for your houseboat vacation? Then take a look at the other European destinations for houseboat vacations. You don't want to drive far to be able to start with your houseboat? Then you will also find beautiful areas in Germany to experience a relaxing time on the houseboat with your family or in the company of your friends. Here you will find an overview of the areas that you can easily reach by car in and around Germany.
Houseboats Ireland - houseboat vacation in Ireland with 1a Yachtcharter!
