Search & Book

FAQs

More Boating-guide

Experience

  1. What if I have never been on a boat before?

    Don't worry - you are in good company. Half of our clients have never been on a boat before, but they soon get to grips with the very simple controls.

  2. Is there any tuition given beforehand?

    You can complete the Boat Craft Tutorials at any time prior to arriving at the marina. They provide a lot of information and are great fun too! If you do not complete the tutorials, there will be a period of classroom instruction when you arrive at the marina, during which time information will be given on the routine maintenance of the boat and also basic navigation and safety procedures. There will then be an on-board demonstration when an instructor will demonstrate the controls in practice and take you out for a short run. In addition, you will be sent a Captain's Handbook with your final confirmation with a lot of very useful navigation advice.

General

  1. Do I have to pay for fuel?

    Yes - you get the boat full of fuel and when you come back at the end of your holiday, we fill the boat again and you pay for the fuel used! Typical fuel bill is €150 to €300 for a week depending on the size of boat.

  2. We also offer an all-inclusive package to include all your fuel, the damage waiver, cleaning and one bicycle. Cost depends on the type of boat and length of holiday. Ask for details with your agent or when you arrive at the marina.

  3. Can I bring my dog?

    Pets are only allowed on the Waveline Boats and Carlow class cruisers for a charge of €80 per pet. For those of you travelling on other types of boat, we can recommend excellent local kennels.

  4. Apart from the hire cost, what else do I have to pay?

    Unless you add anything extra to your booking like airport transfers or bicycles, the only extra costs will be the insurance (see below) and the fuel. There are no charges for mooring at public marinas. A small charge of around €2 is made if you go through any locks.

  5. What are the pick-up and drop-off times?

    We have to clean and service every cruiser before it can be put out on hire, therefore cruisers are normally available for pick-up between 4 and 5pm. In certain circumstances we may be able to arrange an earlier pick up. You will be required to vacate your cruiser by 9am on the day of departure.

  6. Where do I get the navigation chart?

    A navigation chart covering the entire Shannon and Erne Waterways has been produced by Carrickcraft and will be given to all hirers on arrival at the marina. The chart shows where you can moor and the different facilities available at each mooring. An online preview is also available.

Insurance

  1. Is insurance included?

    Insurance for accidental damage and public liability is included in your hire cost. However we do ask for a returnable insurance excess of between €1,200 and €1,750 depending on the size of the boat hired. This may be reduced to €150 - €250, by paying a non-refundable waiver of between €105 and €165, according to the size of boat. Payment of the waiver will be permitted at the company's discretion and will not be allowed for short breaks on the Rocommon class. We cannot, however, provide for wilful or negligent misconduct. The insurance cover provided is set out in the Conditions of Hire.

  2. Does the insurance cover personal belongings?

    The insurance does not cover you for personal injury or loss or damage to your own property. We strongly recommend that you take out Personal Travel Insurance before you travel.

Inventory

  1. Are towels and bed linen provided?

    Bed linen is provided and includes pillows, duvets, blankets, sheets and towels.

  2. What cooking facilities are there?

    All our cruisers have a full-sized cooker with burner rings, grill and oven and a small fridge. There is a full inventory on board appropriate to the size of each cruiser. This includes everything from pots and pans to cutlery and crockery.

  3. Is there electric on board?

    All electrical services on board eg water, lighting, radio, showers etc. are powered from batteries which are charged from the engine (12V). We can provide an invertor for small electrical items like mobile phone chargers. Any other electrical items can only be used when moored using shore power. Some boats are equipped with hairdryers and DVD players, see boat descriptions for details.

  4. Is there a TV or radio on board?

    All of our boats have a radio and CD player, similar to a car stereo. Some boats are equipped with a TV/DVD player and, for all other boats, this can be hired at a cost of €60 for a week. It should be noted however that there is not always a good TV reception when on the water, so they are hired as a DVD player.

Reservations

  1. Can I book any number of nights?

    The minimum hire period is 3 nights. On the Clare, Kilkenny, WavePrincess, Limerick, WaveDuke, Tyrone and Carlow class cruisers, you can book any number of nights, starting on any day except Sunday. For all other boat tyes, you can only book in advance for 7 nights, starting on a Saturday. We may accept short breaks on these boats up to 2 weeks before the start date, subject to availability.

Transport

  1. How do I get to the Marina from the airport?

    We can offer scheduled transfers from Dublin airport to all marinas at a cost of €40 per person single or €75 return on Saturdays and €50 single or €95 return Monday to Friday. Our scheduled transfers are between 12 and 6pm on arrival and up until 10am on departure. If you are travelling outside these times, we can organise a private transfer at the cost of a taxi or minibus.

  2. Can you arrange ferry-crossings?

    Yes. If you contact us by e-mail or phone, we can arrange crossings from Holyhead and Stranraer.

  3. Can I leave my car at the marina?

    Yes, unsecured parking is available free of charge at all of our 3 marinas. This is not under cover.