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Ireland is a golfer's paradise, an angler's dream, but above
all it offers spectacular and beautiful waterways.
Since the renovation of the 76 kilometre long link
between the Shannon and the Erne in 1994, Ireland's two main
waterways are now one, offering a veritable choice of lakes
and rivers stretching almost 540 kilometres between Belleek
in County Fermanagh and Killaloe in County Clare.
No other country in Europe has such an expanse of water
dedicated to the pleasures of cruising, angling and
holidaying on the water in total tranquillity, far from the
stress and noise of our modern day lives.
The locations of our three bases have been carefully
selected to allow for a wide variety of cruising
experiences.
Navigating on large lakes such as Lough Derg or Lough Ree
is quite different from that on rivers such as the Erne. Our
three bases, Belturbet, Carrick-on-Shannon and Portumna, at
the northern tip of Lough Derg, are your gateways to a wide
variety of landscapes which will ensure your holiday is
memorable.
Belturbet
Located on the Erne in County Cavan, offers you landscapes
which are quite different from those of the Shannon. Delve
into the marvellous labyrinth of waters which form the Upper
Lough Erne. About a fifth of the surface area of the lake is
taken up by islands. This is an angler's paradise, with
numerous moorings.
Four hours cruising brings you to Enniskillen, the
gateway to Lower Lough Erne. You can navigate on this
expanse of water and moor in the village of Belleek on its
western point. Places to visit include the Marble Arch
caves, the impressive Florencecourt, Coole Castle, the
domain of Crom and the famous Belleek Pottery. You can
choose to cruise on the Shannon-Erne Waterway and discover
the charms of this recently-restored waterway.
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Enniskillen Castle |
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Traditional shops at Athlone |
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Fishing on Lough Derg |
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Carrick-on-Shannon
The upper course of the Shannon is formed
from the confluence of the Boyle and the
Shannon. These two rivers come together just
to the north of our Carrick-on-Shannon base.
You can therefore cruise up to the sources
of both rivers, in Lough Key for the Boyle
and in Lough Allen for the Shannon (via a
narrow, tree-lined, canal).
From Carrick, a short cruise brings you
to Leitrim village and the lock which
controls access to the new Shannon-Erne
Waterway. There is an extremely wide variety
of trips from Carrick-on-Shannon all of
which offer easy access to numerous villages
and moorings. Do not miss the Lough Key
Forest Park and, nearby, the 12th century
Cistercian Abbey and the recently-restored
17th century King Town House in Boyle.
Upstream, a fairyland of meandering rivers
and lakes awaits you as the Shannon
intensifies in its slow progress to the
South. You can admire the mysterious reedy
marshes and cruise on Carnadoe, Kilglass and
Grange Waters. Visit Lough Ree. Follow the
water and your boat will take you to
Lecarrow or Hodson Bay or to the river Inny.
Portumna
Emerald Star's Portumna base is at the
northern tip of Lough Derg. This vast lake
is almost 40 km long and 18 km wide at its
widest point. Terryglass, Dromineer,
Garrykennedy or Mountshannon are all
recommended moorings and provide delightful
stopovers. This lake nestles in the midst of
grassy hills and the landscapes are lush and
green. Killaloe is a small sailing harbour
at the Southern tip of Lough Derg. Further
upstream, the Shannon makes its way
peacefully between embankments dotted with
grazing herds.Do not miss the famous
monastic settlement of Clonmacnois, founded
in 545 AD, then continue your cruise towards
the dynamic country town of Athlone. |
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| There is so much to see and visit
in Ireland that one trip will only whet your
appetite... and the warmth and hospitality of the
Irish will bring you back time and time again. |
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