Boating Holidays from Blue Water Holidays

Boating Holidays on Lough Erne and the Shannon-Erne Waterway

The River Shannon and the Erne are connected by the restored Shannon-Erne waterway. The 63km long canal has 16 locks, electronically operated by "smart card", built and faced with the original hand cut stone.

The waterway leaves the River Shannon at Leitrim village, just upstream of Carrick on Shannon. It has opened up to boaters an undiscovered region of great natural beauty with a wide variety of cruising waters, scenery, wildlife and activity.

The Upper Lough Erne is filled with hundreds of islands amidst lush green rolling meadowlands. This is a land of lakes - paradise for birdspotters, botanists and fisherman.

Enniskillen, lying midway between Lower and Upper Lough Erne, is a picturesque market town and fascinating heritage centre. This busy town has a castle, a museum, and a wealth of shops, pubs, and restaurants.

Lower Lough Erne, the most northerly of the two loughs stretches from Enniskillen to Belleek. This great expanse of open water is fringed by spectacular cliffs rising to 900 feet that then lead on to uninterrupted open moorland.

Upper and Lower Lough Erne are waters particularly prized by fishermen - a fishing permit and rod licence is required in Northern Ireland only.


Area Highlights

Highlights of Ireland - Erne Waterways

  • Belleek’s pottery
  • Picturesque villages of Ballyconnell and Belturbet
  • Golf at Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell
  • Swan Island Open Farm in Ballinamore
  • Cycle Kingfisher Trail
Penichette in Ireland

Useful Information:

  • To cruise on the Shannon-Erne waterway, you will need to buy a smart card to operate the locks, these are available from all bases at a cost of approxomately €13 for 20 units. Locks and bridges on the River Shannon cost approx €1.50 each.
Ireland Boating Map

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