our destinations

Erne River & Lough Erne Boat Hire

Take a cruise on Lough Erne

The jewel in the crown of Co. Fermanagh. In the North west of the island of Ireland lies an interconnecting network of loughs, rivers and backwaters that would take a lifetime to explore.

With over 150 islands, many with a history dating back thousands of years, this is one of the best cruising areas in Europe.

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.

Welcome to the wonderful cruising area of Lough Erne

Come and explore the Irish waterways and discover its secrets in a brand new way. These locations are remarkable regions for boating holidays in Ireland, now could be the time!

Bellanaleck

Bellanaleck is ideally placed to explore the whole of the Erne and gives easy access to Enniskillen and on up to Kesh and Belleek via Devenish Island and other historic sites.

READY TO EXPLORE ?
BOOK YOUR BOATING HOLIDAY NOW!

CHECK AVAILABILITY

Boating Holidays on Lough Erne

Discover the best places to go on Lough Erne ! Sail away on your licence-free cruiser and discover the magnificent Erne River and all its wonders !

Devenish Island

Discover one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, which is only accessible by boat, with a number of ancient churches, a superb 15th century High Cross and a well-preserved round tower.

Enniskillen Castle and Museums

Hear the secrets of the castle that has guarded the island town of Enniskillen and the main crossing point of the Erne since the 16th century.

Share Discovery Village

Make a splash at Fermanagh’s largest inflatable water park or try the climbing wall, archery or the Escape Room. Lots of land and water based activities for all the family.

Crom Castle

Visit one of Ireland’s most important nature conservation areas, with 2000 acres of woodland to explore, nature trails, a visitor centre and tearoom. Managed by the National Trust.

Belleek Pottery

Home of the famous 150 year old fine parian china, where you can see the manufacturing process and visit the museum and showroom where you are sure to find a souvenir of your holiday.

Lough Erne Resort

Moor at the luxurious resort where you can play a round of golf, relax at the Thai Spa or dine in the award-winning restaurant overlooking the lake.

Previous slide

Next slide

Upper and Lower Lough Erne

The River Erne rises in Slieve Glah in Co. Cavan flows northwards through an array of loughs, both small and large, past numerous forest parks, towns and villages, sheltered bays and secluded islands.

The River starts in the Republic of Ireland and a small part of it forms the border with Northern Ireland. The first large town is Belturbet in Co. Cavan, but the vast majority of the Erne navigation is in Northern Ireland. Shortly after crossing the border, it is joined by the Woodford River to the west. Following this small river leads to the Shannon Erne waterway, which will take you on the mighty River Shannon, which flows south through the heartlands of Ireland.

Because the River Erne flows northwards, the first lough you encounter is Upper Lough Erne (although on a map it looks like it should be the Lower Lough!). This part of the navigation is characterised by a fascinating network of islands and interconnecting rivers.

One of the larger islands on Upper Lough Erne is Inishmore and you can cruise around either side of the island, then a long stretch of more narrow water brings you to Bellanaleck, Carrickcraft’s marina on Lough Erne, the ideal location to start your cruise as it gives easy access to all of Upper and Lower Lough Erne and is just a short cruise from the county town of Enniskillen.

Continuing northwards into Lower Lough Erne, you will pass a number of small islands and peninsulas that are worth a visit. You will find a secluded picnic spot, a beautiful nature walk and the peace and tranquility that comes with a cruise on Lough Erne.

Further north, we leave the small islands and narrow channels behind as the vast expanse of Lower Lough Erne opens up before us. You have the option of continuing to head in a northerly direction towards the beautiful tree lined Kesh River and the town of Kesh or you could head in a westerly direction to the border town of Belleek, famous as the home of Belleek Pottery, the perfect place to find a souvenir of your holiday. This is the limit of navigation, but the River Erne continues to flow, crossing the border once again into the Republic of Ireland and into the Great Atlantic Ocean.

Shannon-Erne Waterway

The reopening of the old Ballinamore-Ballyconnell Canal has revitalised a facility and a hinterland rich in natural beauty. Linking the renowned Shannon and the Erne, the waterway weaves together the streams, rivers and lakes which are picturesquely scattered between Leitrim Village on the Shannon and Lough Erne.

Passing under 34 stone bridges it is checked by 16 locks on its scenic course through wild unspoiled countryside. Each lock takes about 15 minutes to negotiate and the cruising time for the 62.5 kilometers of navigation is approximately 13 hours.

Special Offers

We have many permanent discounts available throughout the year and these are already included in the prices quoted. We also have Last Minute Discounts and Flash Sales available throughout the year. Check out our latest offers below

2025 Early Booking Discount

Book Now for 2025
10% Early Booking Discount

Discount on all 2025 Bookings

10% Discount

Valid until 31st January 2025

25% off Penichettes

Book any Penichette and get 25% discount off online prices

Available on all dates, all marinas

25% Discount

Offer ends 31st January

10 nights for the price of 7

Travel before 9th May or after 6th September and get 10 nights for the price of 7

Available in April, May, Sept and Oct

10 for 7

Clare, Kilkenny, Wave Princess, Carlow

2025 Early Booking Discount

Book Now for 2025
10% Early Booking Discount

Discount on all 2025 Bookings

10% Discount

Valid until 31st January 2025

25% off Penichettes

Book any Penichette and get 25% discount off online prices

Available on all dates, all marinas

25% Discount

Offer ends 31st January

10 nights for the price of 7

Travel before 9th May or after 6th September and get 10 nights for the price of 7

Available in April, May, Sept and Oct

10 for 7

Clare, Kilkenny, Wave Princess, Carlow

Read Away

We’re changing to HVO Sustainable Fuel

Carrickcraft are now using sustainable HVO Fuel

Best Things to See and Do in Carrick-on-Shannon [A Local Guide]

Relaxing breaks, romantic escapes, family holidays or hens and stags, Carrick-on-Shannon has it all. Explore our local guide to the best things to see and do!

Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

Whether you want to explore the waterways or discover more on dry land, our tips on the best activities in Enniskillen will give you some inspiration.

We’re changing to HVO Sustainable Fuel

Carrickcraft are now using sustainable HVO Fuel

Best Things to See and Do in Carrick-on-Shannon [A Local Guide]

Relaxing breaks, romantic escapes, family holidays or hens and stags, Carrick-on-Shannon has it all. Explore our local guide to the best things to see and do!

Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

Whether you want to explore the waterways or discover more on dry land, our tips on the best activities in Enniskillen will give you some inspiration.

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.