Shannon

The River Shannon

The River Shannon and the lakes it flows through, some of which are more like inland seas, make a delicious combination of natural landscapes and historic sites. Along the way, superb parkland and bird and wildlife sanctuaries are on its banks.

From Ballinamore or Portumna, you enter the Shannon River, the longest river in Ireland: 220 km with only six locks and no commercial traffic. The Shannon River is genuinely idyllic.

In County Roscommon, the charming little town of Boyle boasts the ruins of a Cistercian abbey founded in 1161, a stunning mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Further south, the town of Athlone is notable for its imposing castle, which has dominated a strategic crossing ever since the 13th century.

The Erne Waterway

Explore the Shannon-Erne Waterway from Ballinamore or Carrick on Shannon to reach the Erne, the second great Irish river system. The 63 km canal with 34 elegant old bridges and 16 locks has been magnificently restored.

Rivers alternate with canals and lakes studded with islands in a unique mixture of peaceful, untouched landscapes and villages offering a traditional welcome. You will head towards Ballyconnell and Belturbet, both with a robust folkloric tradition, and then onwards into County Fermanagh, a land of lakes, a paradise for bird spotters, botanists and anglers, and your introduction to Northern Ireland. The historic town of Enniskillen is an excellent starting point for discovering the unique attractions of Ulster. You are at the heart of one of Europe's last unpolluted paradises.

Ireland's waterways offer miles of gentle waters to explore and navigate, perfect for keen fishermen, family, and friends.