Inland cruising is a great way to explore Ireland, with boat routes that take you through rivers, lakes and canals in the midlands of Ireland. Whether for a short break or longer trip, inland cruising is accessible whether you have your own boat or not, with rentals available in most locations.
One of the best-known cruising areas is called the Shannon Navigation, which is the navigable waterway system centred on the River Shannon, including the lakes through which it flows and all connected waterways. The route stretches from the upper Shannon through Lough Ree and Lough Derg, with popular stops including Carrick-on-Shannon, Athlone and Killaloe. The Shannon Navigation was developed over centuries, with locks, canals and other works making the river navigable for boats.The Shannon-Erne Waterway links the Shannon system with the Erne waterways, running for around 61 kilometres between Leitrim Village and the Erne system. It has 16 locks and provides a route between the two waterway networks. While for a more traditional canal experience, the Grand Canal runs from Dublin towards the Shannon, while the Royal Canal provides another route west from Dublin, running through hidden heartlands like Mullingar town.
Inland cruising is an exciting, different way to cruise, and an opportunity to navigate between towns by passing through locks and beneath bridges, while stopping for lunch and finding quiet moorings for the evening times. This kind of cruising combines boating with opportunities for walking, cycling, fishing and exploring Ireland’s towns and countryside.
For route information, navigation, and all facilities, visit Waterways Ireland.