Discover
the river Shannon, the Erne and the
Shannon-Erne-Waterways.
It will be the most original way to
discover the Republic of Ireland and
Northern Ireland. The river cruises
are equally sought after by fishermen,
golfers and the lovers of wildlife.
The Pénichette® is an excellent
way to access cities and towns like
Carrick-on-Shannon, Boyle or Enniskillen
where you will always find pubs full
of life!
Boating
Holidays with the Pénichette
on the Shannon River, the Erne River
and the Shannon-Erne-Waterways gives
you the chance to discover the pure
nature of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
These waterways are not only very popular
amongst the admirers of the preserved
nature, but also amongst anglers and
golfers. Moor next to charming cities
as Carrick-on-Shannon, Boyle or Enniskillen.
From Ballinamore, fairest village
in the county, you enter the majestic
Shannon, Ireland's longest river, which
unrolls before you in all its variety.
Free from all commercial traffic, and
navigable for 220km with only 6 locks,
this river and the lakes it flows through,
some more like inland seas, make a
delicious combination of natural landscapes
and historic sites...
On its banks all the way is superb
parkland, as well as bird and wildlife
sanctuaries. 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.
Not far away is Clonmacnoise, the
largest monastic site in Ireland, founded
in 548 and flourishing over many centuries:
you will find here eight churches,
a cathedral, two round towers, three
great carved crosses, the remains of
a castle, and more than 200 carved
headstones dating from the 6th to the
12th centuries. Limerick, Ireland's
fourth biggest city, is a lively artistic
centre and boasts fine Georgian houses
as well as noble bridges across the
Shannon.
FISHING In the Irish Republic
you're absolutely free to fish as you
will. Welcome to a fisherman's paradise
: bream, roach, tench, pike, perch
and salmon ( special regulations apply
for this) are all abundant.
In Northern Ireland however a fishing
licence is required, and checks are
made. Upper and Lower lough Erne
are waters particularly prized by
fishermen. Ballinamore has an excellent
shop for fishermen where you can
get good advice and where they will
recommend suitable baits for each
type of fish at differing times of
year.
Upper
and Lower Lough Erne are waters
particularly prized by fishermen.
In the Irish Republic, you need a
licence but only for certain type
of fish; Ask for more details at
the base. Warning; laws have changed
and have become more restrictive
since 2006. In Northern Ireland however
a fishing licence is required (about € 12,50
for 3 days and € 40 for 21 days
(checks are made). Ballinamore has
an excellent shop for fishermen where
you can get good advice and where
they will recommend suitable baits
for each type of fish at differing
times of year.
GOLF
Ireland boasts around 300 of the world's
finest golfcourses. The game arrived
here from Scotland at the end of the
18th century and has become a part
of the way of life, played on lush
courses often set in magnificent scenery.
Along your cruising route there are
a number of 9 and 18 hole courses open
to the public.
IRISH
HIGHPOINTS
Music has always played an important
part in Irish life and still does so
without any false touristic overtones.
The songs and ballads of the past are
handed down from one generation to the
next. Typical instruments like the fiddle,
and uillean pipes (a variety of bagpipe)
are still played, and every Irishman
knows the words of dozens of folksongs.
In Ireland the gentle climate is ideal
for the many well-stocked gardens lovingly
tended by generations of gardeners.
In this verdant land, the golfcourses
too benefit from the softness of the
climate. The lush pastures produce
lamb, hams and sausages incomparable
in flavour. Irish cuisine will agreeably
surprise the most demanding gourmet
ADVICE
FOR NAVIGATION
In
Ireland, the locks work with a
magnetic card that can be bought
at the base for the price of € 13.
Locks are open everyday from 9am
to 8pm. The same card allows access
to the toilets in public ports,
showers, washing machines and also
to empty the used water holding
tanks. Spending the night in public
ports is free but costs about € 15
in private marinas. It is forbidden
to spend the night anchored on
the lakes.
Leaving
from Leitrim and going south,
the locks are manual
and cost about € 1.50. Navigation
on the lakes is forbidden in
rough weather (Force 3 Beaufort).
Children up to the age of 17
must wear a life jacket. On
the lakes, make sure you stay
in
the middle of the channel.
Otherwise you risk running aground.
Refloating
a boat entails significant
costs and these are covered neither
by the insurance nor by the
accidental
damage waiver and will be for
you to pay should this happen
Suggested
Cruises in Ireland
Cruises - Shannon, Erne, Shannon Erne Waterway Out and Back
Ballinamore -
1 week - Ballinamore, Ballyconnell, Belturbet,
Crom Castel (Estate), Enniskillen, Southernend
of the Lower Lough Erne. Length
of Cruise : 221
Km, 12 locks, 4 h 45 / day
Cruises - Shannon, Erne, Shannon Erne Waterway Out and Back Ballinamore -
1 week - Ballinamore, Leitrim, Carrick-on-Shannon,
Roosky, Lough Key, Boyle. Length
of Cruise : 151
Km, 21 locks, 4 h / day
Cruises - Shannon, Erne, Shannon Erne Waterway Out and Back
Ballinamore -
2 weeks - Ballinamore, Ballyconnell,
Belturbet, South of the Lower Lough Erne,
Ballinamore, Leitrim, Carrick-on-Shannon,
Roosky, Lough Key, Boyle. Length
of Cruise : 372
Km , 33 locks, 3 lifting bridges, 4h
/ day
Cruises - Shannon, Erne,
Shannon Erne Waterway Out and Back
Ballinamore -
2
weeks - Ballinamore, Ballyconnell, Belturbet,
Enniskillen -> Ballinamore,
Leitrim, Boyle, Carrick-on-Shannon, Lanesborough,
Banagher, Portumna, Athlone. Length
of Cruise : 320
Km , 28 locks , 4h / day
Cruises - Shannon, Erne,
Shannon Erne Waterway Out and Back
Ballinamore -
2 weeks - Ballinamore, Leitrim, Carrick-on-Shannon,
Roosky, Lanesborough, Athlone, Lough
Key, Boyle, Lough Allen. Length
of Cruise : 360
Km, 29 locks, 10 lifting bridges, 3h
45 / day
Cruises - Shannon, Erne,
Shannon Erne Waterway Out and Back
Ballinamore -
3 weeks - Ballinamore, Leitrim, Carrick-on-Shannon,
Roosky, Lanesborough, Athlone, Banagher,
Portumna, Lough Derg, Killaloe, Ballina,
Lough Key, Boyle, Lough Allen Length
of Cruise : 632
Km, 33 locks, 4h / day
