our destinations

Upper Shannon

Enjoy the most famous Locations of the Upper Shannon

Lough-Key-Upper-Shannon

The River Shannon rises in the Cuilcagh Mountains in Co. Cavan, forming a silvery ribbon through the centre of Ireland, past picturesque towns and villages, ancient castles and monastic sites, world class golf courses and extensive forest parks. 

The Upper Shannon is the busiest of the entire navigation system and you will find many activities for young and old alike, world class restaurants and lots of pubs, where you will find the music and craic that the Irish are famous for. 

Lough-Key-Upper-Shannon

Exploring the Upper Shannon

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! 

Carrick-on-Shannon

Our Carrick-on-Shannon marina station bustles with cruisers and cosmopolitan crews busily preparing to cast off for their waterway adventures.

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Boating Holidays on the Upper Shannon

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

Acres Lake, Drumshanbo
Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Lough Allen as you walk or cycle along Ireland’s first floating boardwalk or venture into the Sliabh An Iarainn Mountain.
Lough Key Forest Park
Spend a day enjoying all the facilities the park has to offer, including tree top walk, Boda Bord Challenge, Zipit Forest Adventures and a Looking Tower with spectacular views across Lough Key and beyond.
Richmond Harbour
Moor in the historic harbour where the Royal Canal meets the River Shannon, where flax from the old mill was transported to Dublin and where many journeys to the New World began.
The Shed Distillery
Visit the home of Gunpowder Irish Gin in the town of Drumshanbo, take a tour of the distillery and a taste of the many creations offered.
Cavan and Leitrim Railway
Experience the age of steam transport with this beautifully restored Narrow Gauge Railway in the picturesque little village of Dromod.
Hayden Equestrian Centre, Rooskey
Enjoy pony trekking along the quiet country roads and into the wild moorlands of Co. Leitrim.
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Discover the Shannon River

Discover the Shannon River

Rooskey-upper-shannon

A few miles from its source, the River Shannon flows into Lough Allen, the most northerly of the three large loughs on the navigation system.  The beautiful setting of Lough Allen has Sliabh an Iarainn, the Iron Mountain, to the East and the Arigna Mountains to the west.  It has become a popular location for watersports and is home to Lough Allen Adventure Centre. The river is then bypassed by the Lough Allen canal and the town of Drumshanbo, the starting point for many fascinating walks in the surrounding area.   

The Shannon is then joined by the narrow, tree-lined Boyle River to the north west.  A detour up the Boyle River will take you to the picturesque Lough Key, with its many islands to explore and Lough Key Forest Park which has a host of activities from the splendid nature trails to the more adventurous zip lines!

Continuing southwards, you soon reach the town of Carrick-on-Shannon, where Carrickcraft opened their first marina in the early 1970’s.  The town has expanded over the years but it is still considered the centre of cruising in Ireland

Rooskey-upper-shannon
Carnadoe

Further south is the Jamestown Canal and then on to the tributary of the  Carnadoe Lakes,  which is a haven of peace and tranquility.  This is Ireland’s stunning scenery at its best and is the perfect location for a spot of fishing or for simply watching the abundant and diverse wildlife.

The Upper Shannon then flows gently by a cluster of small towns and villages, all well worth a visit.  In the small, typically Irish town of Clondra, sits the historic Richmond Harbour, where the Shannon meets the Royal Canal, built in the late 1700’s to transport goods and  passengers to Dublin.

At Lanesborough, the River Shannon enters Lough Ree, the second of the major loughs on the system.  Lough Ree is a vast, inland sea that boasts inspiring scenery, diverse wildlife and lots of islands and bays to explore.

OUR CURRENT
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
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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.
Why choose
?
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.

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