Cruise Ireland - Lough Erne

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Lough Erne

Cruising Upper and Lower Lough Erne

Lough Erne is a vast network of interconnecting loughs, rivers and backwaters unfolds and would take a lifetime to explore. These waters are framed by magnificent country - lush green rolling meadows give way to craggy uplands with spectacular cliffs that then lead on to uninterupted open moorland. This is truly breathtaking lakeland, unrivalled throughout Europe.

From the loughs the night sky is jet black and studded with a panorama of brilliant stars. The long summer days are so peaceful - hardly another boat will interrupt your calm. There are numerous free moorings along the waterway, many on uninhabited islands - just you and your family.

Lower Lough Erne, the most northerly of the two loughs, is a great expanse of open water fringed by mountains and dotted with islands. Upper Lough Erne is filled with dozens of islands, so it is more like a meandering river than a lake. Some islands have jetties and offer perfect lunchtime picnic stops.

Heritage features high on the Lough Erne tour - a perfectly preserved 12th century round tower on Devenish Island is easily reached by boat - and if you like your heritage older, there are some 6th century carvings on White Island. And for something more active, there are watersports centres on both lakes, offering sailing, waterskiing and kayaking.

Enniskillen, lying between the two loughs, is a picturesque market town and fascinating heritage centre. By day this busy town brims with shops, museums, a sport centre and castle. By night, Enniskillen comes alive with happy holiday merriment from the wealth of original pubs and restaurants that offer delicious international culinary delights.

The Shannon-Erne Waterway (formerly the Ballinamore and Ballyconnell Canal) was re-opened in 1994 and links the Erne to the Shannon. The canal itself is a delightful cruise, meandering through a series of rivers, canals and loughs, with the odd colourful pub and eating place along its banks. There are 16 locks along the canal - but they are all hydraulicly controlled, so life couldn't be any easier.

Those of you taking a one-way hire onto the Shannon will see plenty of the Erne on your way.

SPECIAL OFFERS

  • Our Price Promise

    Our Price Promise: We can't promise to match any price on the Shannon - our boats aren't the same and comparison is impossible. But we do promise to give you a first class service before and during your holiday. We will give you top-rate instruction, both online before you arrive and then on your boat. We will respond to any problem quickly and efficiently and we will do everything we can to enhance your enjoyment.

  • 10 days for the price of 7

    Book 10 nights starting before the 5th May or after the 15th September and pay for only 7 nights. Available on the Clare, Kilkenny and Carlow.

  • Midweek Special

    Book Monday to Friday and get 4 nights for the price of 3.

  • Coleraine Discount

    15% off all bookings on the Lower Bann.

    Prices shown are already discounted

  • Discount for May bookings

    15% off all Kilkennys and Wexford bookings for the week of 19th May!

    15% off all Kilkenny and Carlow bookings on the week of 26th May!

    Prices shown are already discounted.

  • Try before you hire

    Take a Carlow Class cruiser for a day-trip for the special price of €120 (Shannon) or £100 (Erne) and we will refund the money in full against any full-week hire on any boat.

    Terms and Conditions:
    The day's hire is from 10am to 5pm.
    The one-week holiday must be taken during the 2012 season.
    Diesel used on the one-day hire will not be refunded and as a guide the Carlow uses roughly 3.5 litres an hour.
    All bookings subject to availability.