Discover
Carrickcraft activities
Carrickcraft has been the specialist in river cruising holidays for over 50 years.
When you hire a boat from Carrickcraft, you will benefit from the advice of experts who are
passionate about boating and who will do their utmost to ensure you have a great holiday.
History & HeritagE
Discover Ireland’s rich cultural history on a cruising holiday on the Shannon and Erne Waterways.
Ireland is famed the world over for its heritage and history, and on a cruising holiday with Carrickcraft, you will find numerous fascinating sites of historic interest, castles, gardens and heritage centres right on the river or just a short walk from the many moorings. To provide protection from invaders, many of the fortifications were built on islands or close to rivers, so with a Carrickcraft cruiser, you have access to many sites only accessible by boat – just moor up alongside and view at your leisure. You will be amazed at how the country’s traditional culture has been preserved in modern day Ireland. As well as the many attractions described here, there are many towers and ruins alongside the river or on islands which you will cruise past, such as the round tower at Banagher or the medieval ruins on Trinity Island in Lough Key. Particular attention should also be paid to the many locks and bridges which have historic interest such as Meelick Lock and the magnificent 16 arch bridge at Shannonbridge. Even the harbours themselves tell us much about bygone days, for example the historic Richmond Harbour at the entrance to the Royal Canal.
History & heritage on lough erne
Cruise from Enniskillen to Devenish Island on Lower Lough Erne, famous for its perfect 12th-century round tower, ruined Augustinian abbey and intricately carved 15th-century high cross in the graveyard. This is one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. Or visit White Island, which is only accessible by boat and features the ruins of a 12th century Castle with fantastic Romanesque doorway. There are also intriguing archaic stone figures set into a wall that predates the Church. You will find out lots about the history of Fermanagh at Enniskillen Castle, built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires. Guarding one of the few passes into Ulster, it was strategically important throughout its history. In the 17th century it served as part of a military barracks. This historic site houses two museums, Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum.
Heritage sites on the River Shannon
Be transported back in time at the fascinating 6th century site at Clonmacnoise, one of the great monastic sites of early Europe. Or visit one of the historical sites on the shoreland around Lough Ree and the many islands. In Lough Derg, take your dinghy from Mountshannon to Holy Island, an early monastic site with connections to many early saints. Pay a visit to Athlone Castle, which dominates the town centre and features exhibitions and audio visual presentations on the siege of Athlone, John Count McCormack, River Shannon wildlife and history with folk and military museums.
Traditional Irish Music
Ireland is renowned for the Traditional Music which is played in hundreds of pubs and bars up and down the country. And along the Shannon and Erne there is no shortage of pubs where you can tie up for the night and head into town for a memorable night of music.
If you are wondering what you will hear, the fiddle is the mainstay of the band, likely with a flute and whistle and the traditional Irish percussion, the Bodhrán. If you’re lucky you will also hear a harp and maybe the Uilleann Pipes. Other instruments in the larger bands may be the guitar, banjo and accordion. Many of the pubs encourage you to sing along, so you’ll need to have a pint of Guinness ready to keep you going through the evening. The music is often accompanied by an impromptu dancing session, so you’ll need to have your dancing shoes at the ready.
Most pubs only have music on a few nights a week, so you should plan your journey to be in the right place at the right time.
Irish Music on Lough Erne
The small town of Belleek in the far north has a few venues that offer music on certain nights, including The Black Cat Cove and Moohan’s Fiddlestone. In Enniskillen, the Crow’s Nest features Traditional Irish Music as well as a modern nightclub for the young and the young at heart. The Widow’s Bar in Belturbet is the home of Irish music on Upper Lough Erne and you will often hear the sound of the fiddle played into the wee small hours.
Shannon River Music Pubs
You will find music pubs in most of the towns and villages along the Shannon, just be sure to phone ahead to check what’s on on any given night. Cryan’s in Carrick-on-Shannon is a traditional pub that has kept its charm throughout the years and is very popular with locals and tourists for its traditional music sessions. Sean’s Bar in Athlone, famous as the oldest pub in Ireland is the life and soul of the town and they feature live entertainment 7 nights a week. In Banagher, the famous Hough’s Singing Pub will have you tapping your feet all night long and on Lough Derg, Garrykennedy, Mountshannon and Killlaloe all have traditional music pubs. The Irish are welcoming people and they love to see visitors coming along to join in the music sessions.
Angling
The Shannon and Erne Waterways in Ireland are an Angler’s paradise. The Irish climate is well suited to sport angling. It is temperate and kind to the angler with moderate summers, mild winters and adequate rainfall throughout the year.
There are some differences between the North and South as far as regulations and licences are concerned. No licence is required for coarse or pike fishing on the Shannon, but a share certificate is required for game fishing. A licence is required for all types of fishing in Northern Ireland and these are available to at angling.nidirect.gov.uk
In Ireland, conservation is necessary to protect the variety of fish in our waters. Local fishery bye-laws are very strict and you must make yourself aware of them before you arrive. There is no close season for coarse fishing in either the North or south. The season for game fishing varies in different regions.
Don’t forget to book your dinghy and outboard motor, so you can while away the hours fishing on the many lakes in the Shannon and Erne navigation system.
Fish Species
Historically, Ireland was noted for its salmon and trout fishing, but it has now developed an excellent reputation for the quality of its pike fishing. There is no statutory close season for pike in Ireland and anglers may fish for pike all year round. Pike are now one of the most highly sought after sport fish species in Europe and North America and there has also been a huge increase in the popularity of pike fishing among Irish anglers. Ireland boasts thousands of lakes (Loughs) and several thousand kilometres of pike bearing rivers and canals which are largely underutilised. The availability and quality of fishing means that Irish pike angling can satisfy the expectations of specialist, experienced and novice anglers alike. Conservation measures have been put in place recently to ensure the quality of pike fishing into the future.
Other species of fish that are commonly found in Ireland are bream, tench, roach and perch.
Where to fish
Many stretches along the Shannon are popular for fishing. The Lower Shannon is very good for coarse fishing, in particular the Two Mile Gate outside Killaloe, the numerous backwaters around Banagher and the Hot Water section below Shannonbridge, which produces some wonderful big tench along with good catches of bream. The River Suck is also very good and a permit is required in this area. Lough Erne is one of the finest coarse fishing waters in Europe and has become popular as a competition venue for visiting anglers. Fishing in the Upper lough is concentrated between Enniskillen and Newtonbutler with Broadmeadow, Dolans Ring, Cornagrade, Scotch Store and Schools stretches being popular. For the specialist angler tench can be found in the weedy areas in the summer. Roach are everywhere with bream, pike, perch and eels, in abundance.
Walking Trails along the Shannon and Erne
Along the Shannon and Erne waterways, you can enjoy a lakeshore stroll, forest trail or a more strenuous mountain hike. The canal sections often have a tow path which is perfect for a stroll with the whole family. Castle Caldwell on Lough Erne is a peaceful, secluded spot, near Belleek and a walk around the Forest Park and nature trails is a must to experience the “get away from it all” feeling. In Lanesborough, The Commons North Woodland Walk is a very attractive and accessible 4.5km circular route, starting just behind the Parish Hall in the town and heading south towards Lough Ree. There are 2 looped walks about 3 km from the village of Lecarrow in Lough Ree. The Rinn Duin Loop is a 3 km walking trail marked by a green arrow and takes you around Rinn Duin Castle. The Warren Point Loop is 4.5 km and marked by a blue arrow. It also goes around St. John’s Wood, one of the oldest oak tree woods in Europe. From the harbour, take the road away from the village and walk for 3km to find the start of the walks. In Garrykennedy, there is a lovely Lakeside Forest Walk, with picnic areas.
Long Distance Walking Trails
The 68 km Lough Derg Way starts in Dromineer and continues in a southerly direction around the Eastern Shore of Lough Derg to Killlaloe before continuing to its end at Limerick. Following the first few kilometres is a very pleasant walk with lush scenery and lakeside vistas.
In Killaloe, the Lough Derg Way meets the East Clare Way which is a 180km circular route starting and finishing in Killaloe that wends its way through the wildest parts of the region. There are a number of looped walks starting in Mountshannon or Scariff that form parts of the East Clare Way, so there are lots of opportunities to explore this region west of Lough Derg.
The Leitrim Way is a long distance waymarked way starting in Drumshanbo and initially following the Eastern shore of Lough Allen. Although the entire walk is 50km, the first few kilometres provide panoramic views of Lough Allen.
Mountain Hikes
Why not leave the boat for a while and stretch your legs on some of the more strenuous hikes in the area. In Lower Lough Erne, moor at Magho jetty and hike to the very scenic Lough Navar Forest Park and the cliffs of Magho. A short walk will take you to the look-out point, or venture to the top of the cliffs (a strenuous 8 mile walk) for dramatic views across Lough Erne to the Donegal Mountains.
In Drumshanbo, A series of way marked hill walks have been developed in the nearby Sliabh An Iarainn Mountain, varying in length from 30 minutes to 3 hours. They are marked on a map board at Aghacashel Post Office and further details can be obtained in the shop. It is about 10 minutes taxi drive from Drumshanbo.
In Lough Derg, explore the area around Mountshannon, with the backdrop of the Slieve Aughty Mountains, taking in some of the looped walks on the East Clare Way.
Cruise and Golf
A Carrickcraft cruising holiday allows easy access to over 20 of the top golf courses in Ireland. Whether your cruise starts at Bellanaleck on Lough Erne, Carrick-on-Shannon or Banagher on the Shannon, with Carrickcraft you have the enviable position of mooring just minutes from some of Irelands finest curvaceous greens and rolling fairways. Experience the laid back approach of the unspoilt waterways, sampling en route the breath-taking scenery, great golf and warm hospitality, a natural replenishing antidote to modern day stress. Most of the golf clubs have bar and restaurant facilites – either bar snacks or full gourmet menus are available. Other services including hire of golf clubs, carts and motorised buggies can be arranged for a small charge. Soft spikes are mandatory on all courses. We recommend that you contact the club well in advance to book your tee time and date- they can be very busy in the summer months, in particular at weekends.
Golfing on Lough Erne
The renowned Lough Erne Golf Resort, near our marina in Bellanaleck provides the ultimate 36 hole golf experience. The 5 star luxurious resort has 2 Championship Golf courses with state of the art facilities, a luxurious spa for any non-golfers in your party and a choice of dining options. Also on Lough Erne is Enniskillen Golf Club, located within the confines of Castle Coole Estate, a parkland course which commands outstanding views over the town and surrounding countryside. Mooring at Belleek on the northern tip of Lough Erne, a short taxi ride will take you to Bundoran Golf Club, a championship links course on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. The highly acclaimed Slieve Russell Golf and Country Club has always proved very popular with our visitors. If cruising on the Erne, it is just 5 miles from Belturbet, or if cruising the Shannon/Erne Waterway, it is just one mile from Ballyconnell.
Golfing on the Shannon
On the Shannon, Glasson Golf and Country Club is renowned as one of the most breath-taking courses in Ireland. A Championship parkland course, surrounded on 3 sides by Lough Ree, it is easily accessed by mooring up just at the 17th hole. Also on Lough Ree is Athlone Golf Club, just yards from the mooring at Hodson Bay. Athlone is a mature parkland course of exceptional quality and beauty which has played host to numerous Golfing championships. Mooring at Dromineer on the Eastern shore of Lough Derg, a 20 minute taxi journey will take you to Nenagh Golf Club, a superb Championship course with scenic views across Lough Derg and the surrounding Arra Mountains. Just 5 minutes from Mountshannon on the Western shore of Lough Derg, East Clare Golf Club is a parkland Championship course with majestic views of East Clare.
Horse Riding
Ireland has long been known as “The Land of the Horse”, so why not take the opportunity to combine a Carrickcraft cruising holiday with some horse riding. Whether you have never been on a horse before or you are an experienced rider, there are a number of equestrian centres with excellent facilities and horses to suit all levels of ability, for both adults and children alike. Enjoy a new experience, spend a day cantering along country lanes or enjoy top class training from an expert.
Horse Riding on the Upper Shannon
Moor at Dromod or Rooskey for Hayden Equestrian Centre, which offers trekking, riding and lessons to all stages. Interesting treks will lead you along quiet country roads and into wild moorlands where you can enjoy the pure wilderness of the Irish countryside. Drumcoura Equestrian Centre, close to the marina in Ballinamore, boasts a purpose built equestrian forest trail as well as indoor and outdoor riding arenas. Specialising in Western Horse Riding, this is the place for you if you have ever dreamed about riding an American Horse like the ones in the Western films. Even beginners will learn western riding with a few lessons. The Western theme is continued throughout the resort with a western style saloon bar and restaurant, complete with swing doors.
Horse Riding on the Lower Shannon
On the Lower Shannon, moor at Killaloe for Lough Derg Equestrian Centre which has excellent facilities including a floodlit indoor arena. Also near Killaloe is Clonlara Equestrian Centre, on 130 acres of farmland, making it ideal for trekking.
From Banagher, you could try Birr Equestrian Centre, situated on 140 acres of farmland, which provides a perfect arena for trekking. The Centre also runs treks on the nearby Slieve Bloom Mountains.
The countryside around the Shannon makes it ideal for taking some time away from the boat and trying something different for all the family.
Watersports
What could be better than mooring at one of the many water activity centres along the Shannon and Erne Waterways and trying out some of the many sports on offer. With your accommodation right on the water, this is the perfect opportunity to try something new. If you are a seasoned waterskier, you can even take a speedboat or skiboat with you as many of our larger boats will easily tow another boat. The Shannon and Erne offer excellent sheltered waters for skiers and wakeboarders.
Whatever the wind direction, there is always a lee shore somewhere with calm water and generally no speed restrictions. Jetties worth trying are Carrickreagh and Governers Quay on Lower Lough Erne or Naan Island on Upper Lough Erne. And there is a super stretch upstream of Portumna on the River Shannon which is close to our marina at Banagher.
Activity Centres on Lough Erne
Make a splash in Upper Lough Erne at Share Discovery Village’s thrilling inflatable Water Park with an amazing variety of fun obstacles such as the Rock Slide, Side Kick, Bridge and Wiggle Bridge!
Take on the many challenging obstacles on the huge inflatable and make a splash into Lough Erne off the sensational trampoline. Many other activities are available at the Share Village from windsurfing to stand up paddle-boarding. If you prefer activities on land, you could take on the escape room or the climbing wall, or you could just relax with a tea and cake in the café!
If you prefer more gentle watersports such as canoeing or kayaking, you will find an abundance of activity providers around the lakelands of Fermanagh.
Watersports on the Shannon
Why not try out a stand up paddle-boarding safari along the Shannon Blueway with Leitrim Surf Co. based in Leitrim Village. Or experience a kayaking adventure along the Lough Allen canal with Lough Allen Adventure, under the backdrop of Sliabh and Iarainn, the Iron Mountain. If you take part in a gentle kayaking experience at River Shannon Adventure in Rooskey, the best way to finish it off is by taking on the slippery, slidey Mud slide, sure to get you laughing!
Just beside the mooring at Hodson Bay on Lough Ree, you will find Bay Sports, Ireland’s largest inflatable water park, with the biggest collection of original, one off, award winning floating slides, rockers and challenges, entertaining and delighting people of all ages and abilities.
After an exhilarating day spent at one of the many activity centres, retreat to your accommodation on the water or move to another location for further adventures the next day!
Fun for the kids
Children of all ages will love the thrill of driving their own cruiser and the freedom that comes with a Carrickcraft holiday. They can spend days exploring the lakes and rivers and be transported to a magical land where time stands still. We like to encourage the kids to play a part in the maintenance of the cruiser and they are often happiest when they are given a particular responsibility. You may be content to spend all your time on the water, but if the children need any further entertainment, there are many opportunities for family fun along the river. Many of the towns and villages along the river have very good play parks, in particular around the Lower Shannon. Shannonbridge, Shannon Harbour, Banagher, Portumna, Terryglass, Dromineer and Garrykennedy all have very good children’s play areas located near the harbour. Acres Lake, near Drumshanbo in the Lough Allen canal has great facilities for children, including outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, children’s playground and a pool table.
Lough Key Forest Park
North of Carrick-on-Shannon is Lough Key Forest and Activity Park which has excellent family attractions and Forest Park facilities. There is an information centre directing visitors to nature walks and a new visitor centre with many activities for all the family. While here, the children will be entertained for hours at the children’s play area and the Boda Borg Challenge will entertain adults and children alike, with mental and physical challenges provided with no instructions! Other attractions include the Looking Tower and views from the top are spectacular – you can also wander around the old church ruins or take a walk along Ireland’s only Tree Canopy Trail. One of the latest additions is Zipit Forest Adventures with high wire circuits for adults and children.
Family Cycling Trails
Whether you take your own bikes with you or rent bikes from Carrickcraft, you will find lots of opportunities to take some time away from the boat on a cycling trail. There are canal tow paths and cycling paths in and around the many forest parks or you could go further afield around the country lanes in the hidden heartlands of the Shannon. Take a picnic and spend a day exploring one the of many islands of Lough Erne or visit the National Trust property of Crom Castle or Castle Caldwell. Or you could cycle the Acres Lake Boardwalk along the Shannon Blueway and take in the spectacular views of Lough Allen.
