Updating availability and prices
No on board refreshments are supplied but can be pre-ordered before arrival. Alternatively, the majority of the boat collection points have local shops and restaurants nearby.
Accommodation on board a boat provides a comfortable alternative to a hotel room. Boats offer flexibility - choose to use it as a base in one place or use it to cruise the waterways stopping at desired destinations. The boat will be supplied with diesel (payable on arrival) and a full water tank - enough for 2-3 days. Water stations can be found at intervals along the waterways.
Two people over the age of 18 are required as a minimum for all boat hires. Boat collection is from 4 pm on the first day of the charter and must be returned by 9 am to the pick up point. A collision damage waiver is included for every charter, irrespective of whether the boat will cruise. This provides cover if the boat or any of its equipment or inventory is returned damaged or lost, or if there is any incidental damage to third parties. On arrival, visitors will be taken out onto the waterway for a hands-on demonstration and given an indepth briefing on everything. Each boat is equipped with a first-aid kit, fire blanket and fire extinguishers. The boats must be returned to the base reasonably clean, i.e. with all bedding stripped, all crockery and utensils cleaned and restored, floors swept, decks mopped and rubbish neatly bagged, ready to go ashore.
Depending on how many cabins are booked, a further two people will be able to sleep on a convertible bed/settee in the salon area. Cabins include wet rooms with showers and hairdryers and all have salons and well equipped kitchens with gas hobs, a cooker, microwave, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and enough crockery, pots and pans to suit the number of people on board. Towels (but not beach towels) and bed linen are provided. Life jackets are provided for every member of the crew (children are advised to wear them at all times) and a safety ring is attached to every boat. The cabins also feature a radio and hifi, as well as individually regulated heating.
Highlights of the region include the Shannon and Erne rivers and the surrounding lakes are an angler's paradise, well-stocked with salmon, pike, bream, tench and perch. High-tech locks and hundreds of moorings makes cruising very easy. Traditional Irish pubs and lively Celtic music welcome guests ashore and the majestic scenery around the Upper and Lower Lough Erne, where steep cliffs rise from the shimmering waters, really is a sight to behold. Portumna's National Park with the 17th century castle is ideal for walking and sightseeing, and there are a host of championship golf courses close to the waterways. Further attractions include ancient religious sites, such as Clonmacnoise near Shannonbridge, and the small towns, restaurants and bars around Lough Derg, the largest of the lakes, are also well worth a visit. From Carrick-on-Shannon, the hub of the waterways, visitors can explore the beautiful scenery around Lough Key.
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How to arrive
The base is situated at the northern end of Lough Derg, where visiting boats can drop anchor and moor in safety at the marina in Portumna Bay. It is also a cruiser base and the town itself is just a few minutes' walk away.
To get to the base in Portunma from Dublin airport: follow the signs for Dublin city centre and take the exit for the M50 southbound. This is a toll road (fees apply). Take the N7 for Naas and on to Kildare town. Take the R420 to Tullamore, then the N52 to Birr and finally the R489 to Portumna.
