About Carrickcraft
Welcome to Carrickcraft, one of Ireland’s longest established and most experienced cruiser hire companies. Operating along the majestic Shannon and Erne Waterways, Carrickcraft have provided idyllic cruising holidays in Ireland for almost 50 years.
The company was established in the 1970’s, just as inland cruising on the River Shannon was becoming popular as an active holiday activity. The first marina was opened in Carrick-on-Shannon, which was then, and still is, considered by many to be the centre of cruising on the Shannon.
History of Carrickcraft
The second marina was opened some years later in Banagher, on the Lower Shannon, which allowed holidaymakers to travel on a one-way cruise, starting in one marina and finishing in another.
In 1994, a historic move by the British and Irish Governments, saw the re-opening of the canal which links the Shannon with Lough Erne in Northern Ireland. This allowed for one-way cruises between Carrick-on-Shannon and our third marina on Upper Lough Erne. We have since relocated to Bellanaleck, near Enniskillen.
In 2015, Carrickcraft merged with Waveline Cruisers, which was a well-established company offering cruising holidays on the Shannon, particularly within the German, Austrian and Swiss markets. They are now based in Germany and look after all the Carrickcraft business within the German-speaking areas.
In 2017, we added some Linssen cruisers to our expanding fleet and joined Linssen Boating Holidays. Linssen boats are renowned throughout Europe for the quality of their design and build.
In 2018, Carrickcraft joined the Locaboat group of companies, and we now have a selection of Penichettes® in the fleet.
What makes us unique?
Carrickcraft is unique in that our 3 strategically placed marinas give access to the entire Shannon and Erne Waterways.
We still specialise in one-way cruises and one of the most popular routes is a 2 week cruise starting at Banagher on the Lower Shannon and cruising to Bellanaleck on Upper Lough Erne, where 700km of interconnecting canals, rivers and lakes unfold before you.
With a choice of over 23 different cruisers to choose from, we are sure to have the perfect cruiser for you, in the perfect location.
To make planning your holiday as hassle-free as possible, we provide an Online Tutorial, Boat Demonstration videos, detailed navigation chart, maps, grocery ordering service and transfers to and from the airport.
We will endeavour to meet all requests, large or small.
Carrickcraft Crew
Our staff are our biggest asset and they will give you a big welcome and help you out whenever they can. In addition to our permanent staff, we have dozens of casual staff in the summer who will clean and prepare your boat.
They are always willing to give advice on where to go tomorrow, maybe where the local pub is having a traditional music night, or maybe where you shouldn’t go!
We are very proud of our company and the service we offer and our aim is to make sure every customer enjoys the Carrickcraft experience from start to finish.
