A boating holiday in Ireland is a fantastic way to get out and about explore the country with ease. Unlike hiring a car and navigating through traffic and unfamiliar roads, the River Shannon has a network of rivers, lakes and canals which provide a tranquil, traffic free option! In all, the Shannon flows down through 13 of Ireland’s counties, from its source in County Fermanagh to the Shannon Estuary in County Limerick.
There is no licence required for cruising the inland waterways of Ireland. Here at Silver Line we will provide you with tuition before proceeding to your cruiser. Navigation charts, captain’s handbooks and general information are supplied to you on arrival at our marina.
With so many places to visit the hardest part is deciding where to go!
Take it all in!
Driving your hire boat at an easy, leisurely pace means that you can really take in the scenery around you. The Irish countryside is beautiful with at least 40 shades of green! Near our base in Banagher, the Shannon Callows is teeming with wildlife and wild flowers, many visible along the river bank.
You’ll find many beautiful locations as you cruise along, past picturesque towns and villages north and south of the River Shannon. Moor your boat and take a stroll in the countryside and appreciate the flora and fauna of the region.
See our suggestion for a 7 night family adventure!
Ireland’s longest river is steeped in history!
The heartlands of Ireland have seen many historical events since pre-Christian settlers first began making their homes along the River Shannon. Monastic sites such as Clonmacnoise, offer a glimpse into the lives of the 6th century monks who founded it.
Athlone Castle dates back over 900 years and tells the tales of battle and defence throughout the centuries. Each of the towns and villages dotted along the River Shannon, from Enniskillen to Limerick, have their own history and stories to tell.
Take a look at our list of historical places to visit along the River Shannon.
Make the most of the vast selection of activities
Fishing, golf, water slides, adventure parks, playgrounds, wake-boarding, cycling, forest trails, walking tours, horse riding, museums, the list goes on! There are plenty of activities to suit everyone. Whether you are travelling north or south of the River Shannon, you really are spoilt for choice.
See our map of activities North & South of the River Shannon
Enjoy artisan produce and a vast selection of cuisine
Produce in Ireland has seen a big shift in recent years with many new artisan outlets opening up selling organic and homegrown goods. Pick up local produce from the farmer’s markets and enjoy a variety of homegrown & organic foods to enjoy on your hire boat.
When you are fed up of cooking, you’ll have a great selection of restaurants to choose from all along heartlands of Ireland region!
Soak up the local culture and hospitality!
If there is one thing that goes down well after a long day’s cruise it is a relaxing drink. Soak up the atmosphere from the deck of your cruiser or take a wander and explore, even the smallest of villages will have their local!
Most bars will have live music at the weekends and some will have music 7 nights a week during the summer months. Ireland’s oldest pub is Sean’s Bar, situated in Athlone and they have traditional Irish music each week.
Many festivals take place during the summer months and these are always guaranteed to have something for all of the family. Just make sure to moor up in time as marinas will get busy in July and August!
Make the most of your boating holiday in Ireland
A boating holiday gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and the River Shannon provides a pretty spectacular backdrop. Immerse yourself in the local history & culture. Enjoy a great selection of activities. You will make great memories that will last a lifetime.
We have been hiring boats for over 35 years at Silver Line Cruisers. We have a fleet of boats to suit large and small groups. Each cruiser is decked out to the highest standard with comfort and safety being our top priority. See our FAQ’s for further information.
Choose from a minimum of 3 days hire upwards. Book online or get in touch with us directly on +353 57 91 51112.
