Table Of ContentGuide to
Ireland’s Inland Waterways
Navigation and recreation information
Ireland’s Inland Waterways
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Ireland’s Inland Waterways – Contents
Contents
A Glimpse of Ireland’s Inland Waterways 5-11
Navigational Information 12-15
• Lower Bann 16-19
• Erne System 20-21
• Shannon-Erne Waterway 22-25
• Shannon Navigation 26-29
• Royal Canal 30-31
• Grand Canal 32-35
• Barrow Navigation 36-37
Cruising Times 39-41
Visitor Centre 42
Activities 43-56
Contact Information 57-58
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Ireland’s Inland Waterways – Introduction
Introduction
For a rich experience and long memories
The regions traversed by Ireland’s inland waterways are a boating and water sports
enthusiasts’ paradise.
When you take a boat or barge out on Ireland’s
networks of canals, lakes and rivers you are
embarking on a journey of discovery. You are
the captain with the freedom to decide where to
go, when to stop and what to visit.
From the breathtaking scenery of the Shannon
and the Erne to the lush valleys of the Barrow,
you will find hundreds of kilometres of water
serving as a playground for boaters, canoeists,
kayakers, anglers alike.
All you need to experience the adventure and
enjoy the splendour of the waterways is the
time.
Gathered together in this publication is
the navigational, promotional and practical
information that will help you on that journey.
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Ireland’s Inland Waterways – A Glimpse of Ireland’s Inland Waterways
The Lower Bann
The Lower Bann is navigable from Lough enjoyment in mind. Rowing and canoeing are
Neagh to the sea at the Barmouth between available via a number of active clubs on the
Castlerock and Portstewart Strand. With only system with waterskiing being widely practiced
and actively encouraged in dedicated zones.
five locks (one a double lock) there are long
Jet-skiing has its base at Newferry and power-
rural stretches of open water allowing for
boating promises a real taste of adventure.
some leisurely cruising along this wonderfully
tranquil waterway.
The Giant’s Causeway is so close to the Lower
Bann it’s no surprise that visitors will discover a
rich and dramatic history. Also well worth the
visit is the accessible Mountsandel Fort outside
Coleraine which is the earliest known human
settlement in Ireland at 7000 years old.
On the North Coast, a short distance from the
Lower Bann, you can enjoy a number of thrilling
spectacles; the North West 200 motorcycle
race is recognised as one of the premier road
racing events in Europe, or look to the skies for
the NI International Airshow. For water based
The Lower Bann is very popular for watersports,
excitement be sure not to miss the ‘Riverfest’
angling and cruising alike and with a cruiser hire
in Coleraine, showcasing world class jetskiers,
company now offering boat hire in Coleraine,
wakeboarders and waterskiers.
there are plenty of opportunities in place to
accommodate varied interests. Privately owned
boats navigate Lough Neagh where a myriad
of additional recreational opportunities await.
Alternatively some boats may head to sea to visit
the outstanding attractions of the spectacular
Giant’s Causeway, Rathlin Island and the towns
and islands along the North Coast.
The Lower Bann is clearly a haven for
watersports, with a range of water based
activities and tuition for the novice and
experienced in waterskiing, wakeboarding, and
kneeboarding. Careful zoning ensures that
all activities are conducted with safety and
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Ireland’s Inland Waterways – A Glimpse of Ireland’s Inland Waterways
The Erne System
As a trade route for the Vikings, the Erne canoes. Short and long trails are provided by a
System has never been a modern commercial range of outdoor centres, or take your own trip
navigation. It is a truly rural, unspoilt and following the designated Lough Erne Canoe Trail
and using the shore based accommodations as
tranquil leisure orientated expanse for boating
your stop off points. Waterskiing, windsurfing
enthusiasts, game and coarse anglers and
and power-boating take place on both lakes,
watersports fanatics. As many of its moorings
with plenty of room for everyone to enjoy their
are on islands dotting the waterway, true
waterway experience.
isolation is possible on the Erne System.
Wherever you go on the Erne System, you’ll
The Erne System has its share of dramatic
be spoilt for choice. You can walk, cycle and
landscapes and historical treasures; the
climb mountains; you can explore castles and
monastic round tower at Devenish Island
museums; you can go shopping and pick up
rising up from the Lough, the ruined remains
traditional crafts; you can try horse riding or hit a
of Tully Castle, the picture postcard image of
few golf balls; or you can simply relax and enjoy
Enniskillen’s medieval castle on the edge of its
the scenery and wildlife and let the world pass
island banks and the National Trust’s Castle
you by.
Coole and Crom Estate all compete for your
attention.
With a number of hire companies along its
length, the Erne System is a boaters dream.
Cruisers are readily available for exploring
Upper Lough Erne, or taking in the magnificent
mountain scenery that grips the shoreline of
Lower Lough Erne. Alternatively, you will find
a world of entertainment waiting in any of the
towns and villages that spring up along your
route. In Enniskillen, the theatre has its own
mooring just metres from the door, as does the
shopping centre, for the more practical aspects
of waterway holidays.
Both leisure and competitive sailing take place
on the Lower Lough, with the Lough Erne Yacht
Club based at Killadeas. Rowing is another
popular activity on the waterway while the
islands and shoreline of both the Upper and
Lower Loughs provide an ideal location for
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Ireland’s Inland Waterways – A Glimpse of Ireland’s Inland Waterways
The Shannon-Erne Waterway
Re-opened in 1994 after restoration, the At the heart of the Shannon-Erne Waterway is
Shannon-Erne Waterway is 63km of river, its tranquillity. Relax and restore your strength,
lake and still-water canal. Running between while contemplating how to spend your time; as
well as carefree cruising there are walking and
Leitrim Village and just north of Belturbet, the
cycling trails adjacent to the waterway. There
Shannon-Erne Waterway links the two great
are mountains for the more adventurous and a
waterways on the island, the Erne System and
myriad of wildlife, including swans and otters.
the Shannon Navigation.
Anglers will find a paradise of fishing and local
people more than willing to point you to the best
spots.
Canoeing and rowing are also popular with the
rowing clubs based in Belturbet and Carrick-on-
Shannon taking full advantage of the waterway,
with canoeists using the many slipways to gain
access. It won’t take long before you’re on your
way to tranquil settings, a wonderful array of
islands and welcoming villages and towns with
all the entertainment that they have to offer.
The waterway has opened a countryside
which few had ever seen and over the past
two decades this tranquil stretch of water has
grown in popularity, particularly in the towns and
villages along its length.
Cruisers and barges move freely along its
waters, mooring up in some of the six fully
serviced public marinas found along its
length. Sixteen locks are managed electro-
hydraulically by a smart card which helps ease
your passage through the locks. A number of
boat hire companies offer barges and cruisers
for weekend trips or week long journeys. This
is a popular option as you can visit both the
Shannon and the Erne with ease.
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Ireland’s Inland Waterways – A Glimpse of Ireland’s Inland Waterways
The Shannon Navigation
The Shannon is a treasure waiting to be 16-arch bridge at Shannonbridge, reputed to
discovered. The longest river in Ireland, the have been built against a feared invasion by
River Shannon and its lakes are a bustling, Napoleon, to the 1,400 year old settlement
of Clonmacnoise with its round towers casting
colourful navigation. Once a major waterway
shadows over one of the oldest monastic
the backbone of Ireland the Shannon still
communities in Europe, there is a rich and
holds onto the legacy of bustling harbours and
varied history to be found on the waterways.
peaceful bays, lively towns and villages and
fascinating heritage and historical sites.
Moorings are readily available if you prefer to
spend time off the water enjoying the towns and
villages but, wherever you are, you’ll be spoilt for
choice. Dotted along the banks of the Shannon
are great Irish music pubs, and some of the
finest dining restaurants in the region. Plan your
visit around the many community festivals and
events held during the year, all capturing the
unique mood of the area. There’s the Scarriff
Harbour Festival and the Iniscealtra Festival of
Arts to be enjoyed along with a huge range of
music, sporting and cultural events happening
up and down the country.
You will be amazed at the range of activities
and at the stunning natural scenery. Harbours
and marinas in towns and villages along the
Shannon welcome all kinds of watersports
and boating enthusiasts. With any number
of thriving boat hire companies and activity
centres based all along its length, you will have
everything you need for an enjoyable experience.
You can enjoy a meandering walk through heath
covered bogs, an adrenaline charged aerial view
from in up the clouds or a relaxing ride from the
seat of a bicycle or horse. There are wonderful
opportunities too throughout the country for
golfing and fishing.
The inland waterways of the Shannon Region,
once discovered will cast its spell and entice you
As you venture out on the Shannon you will back to its tranquil waters.
discover many interesting sights. From the
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Ireland’s Inland Waterways – A Glimpse of Ireland’s Inland Waterways
The Royal Canal
The Royal Canal, on its 146km journey from
the River Liffey in Dublin to the Shannon,
passes 46 working locks, 10 of them double-
chambered. Started in Dublin, the work on
constructing the canal was completed in
1817 when it reached Richmond Harbour in
Clondara. By the 1950’s the canal had fallen
into disrepair and was officially closed in
1961. Following extensive restoration work
the Royal Canal was opened to navigation in
2010 reigniting enthusiasm for the triangular
route from Dublin to the Shannon via the
Royal and Grand Canals.
The Royal Canal is truly a snapshot of the past.
There are bridges dating back over 200 years
and buildings in Abbeyshrule that can be traced
back to 1200 A.D. As with old buildings some
superstitions have thrived, like Deey Bridge at
the 13th Lock, which is reputed to be haunted;
the old boatmen would never moor there
overnight.
As with all of Ireland’s waterways the canal Angling is another popular activity, with roach
passes through some of Europe’s most beautiful proving to be one of the most popular fish, along
countryside and, whether you are on a boat, or with pike, tench and bream. Canal bream rarely
simply on foot, you’ll have ample opportunity exceed 4lbs, but pike can offer a real challenge,
to enjoy it all. The towpath that has been so weighing in at 20lbs, and anglers of all levels of
lovingly cleared has now been designated The experience will find excellent conditions along
Royal Canal Way (a National Way Marked Way). the Royal Canal.
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Ireland’s Inland Waterways – A Glimpse of Ireland’s Inland Waterways
The Grand Canal
Built amid the 19th-century canal fever that If venturing out on the calm peaceful waters
swept across Ireland, the 125 mile Grand you have a choice of transport. It’s easy to rent
Canal stretches across the country from barges, canoes and kayaks along the route,
ensuring you have plenty of time to enjoy the
Dublin to the Shannon. From its historic
scenery, to fish, and to explore the small towns
origins, when horse-drawn barges originally
and villages that line the canal. When you grow
travelled this water route, the canal today
tired of onboard life, hike the Grand Canal Way
has emerged as a relaxing haven for anyone
(a National Waymarked Way) which parallels the
seeking the leisurely pace and secluded spots
canal, or spend the night in a canal-side guest
along its banks.
house or hotel.
The most relaxing way to see the Irish landscape
is by water; a landscape full of shallow marshes,
alive with birds and wildlife, and rolling farmland.
There is a variety of wildlife along the route and
the canal offers the best opportunity to get close
to kingfishers, herons and even otters.
Two hundred and fifty years of history are waiting
to be discovered along the banks of the Grand
Canal. Much of it can be seen from the water,
or on foot, from the towpaths. The canal enters
the heart of Dublin through Inchicore, where
flocks of Mute Swans gather every autumn,
delighting tourists and locals alike. The city
canal stretches offer close access to the
museums and galleries, theatres, shopping and
nightlife. Travelling by boat offers you the option
to change your scenery, as outside Dublin the
canal passes through more rural countryside,
with village life providing a different type of
entertainment.
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