Your Questions Answered
This section gives you all the general information
you need to decide on your canal boat holiday
How are boat hires priced?
When do hires start?
How do I get to the boat base?
How much experience do I need?
Is there a minimum age?
Do I need a licence to steer a boat?
Where can we take our boat?
How do I find pubs and shops along the route?
Can we fish on any rivers?
Where can we stop overnight?
Can we bring our dog?
Can we bring or hire bicycles?
What about fuel and water?
Can I charge my mobile phone and camcorder?
How are boat hires priced?
The hire charge is quoted for the boat with up to the maximum number
of people. The hire charge will vary with the time of year - high
summer is most expensive. A refundable Security Deposit is also
charged, payable at the base, to cover the first part of any damage
claim. A Fuel Deposit may also be charged with cost of fuel used
deducted from the Deposit. Cancellation Insurance is usually available
as an optional extra. Personal Insurance is recommended.
When do hires start?
Canal boat hire in Ireland usually starts on a Saturday and lasts
for a week or two weeks. The boat is collected late Saturday afternoon,
and returned early Saturday morning. Short breaks for a weekend or midweek are
only possible outside peak periods.
How do I get to the boat base?
You can make your own way to the boat base or you can be collected from Dublin
or Shannon Airports at a charge.
How much experience do I need?
No experience is necessary for the boats featured here. Most boats
are extremely easy to handle with very simple forward and reverse
gears. A cruising guide is usually provided and tuition will normally
be given at the start of the holiday.
Is there a minimum age?
Most boat firms require hirers to be over 21. Many firms do not
allow under-25 or all-male or all-female groups on some or all of
their boats.
Do I need a licence to steer a
boat?
No, you don't need a licence or certificate to steer a boat for
up to 12 people, the maximum boat size on the canals.
Where can we take our boat?
Canal boats in Ireland are restricted to the canals and narrower
rivers. They are not insured for travel on to the larger loughs
on the River Shannon or the Erne system.
How do I find pubs and shops along
the route?
You will be given useful advice and information at your starting
base, where books and guides will be available.
Can
we fish on any rivers?
In Ireland, you can fish at any time. No licence is needed for
coarse fishing. A small fee is payable for a trout fishing licence.
Where can we stop overnight?
There are plenty of free moorings along most waterways. You can
also tie up at private or local authority marinas, quays and harbours,
where a small charge is usually made. Mooring along canal towpaths
is free, but be careful not to restrict access to locks or bridges.
Mooring spots near popular pubs and eating places can get busy at
peak times.
Can we bring our dog?
Many boats allow up to 2 well-behaved pets, although there may
sometimes be an additional cleaning charge. It is best to check
when booking.
Can we bring or hire bicycles?
Some firms allow bicycles to be taken on a suitably protected boat
roof. This may not be possible on routes with many lift bridges.
Cycle hire may be available.
What about fuel and water?
A full tank of fuel is provided, giving two weeks cruising time
on average. Your boat also comes equipped with a full tank of water,
which can be refilled at any of the numerous water points. This
may need to be refilled daily depending on water usage.
Can I charge my mobile phone and
camcorder?
Most boats are fitted with a 12 volt cigar lighter, so if your
phone or camcorder can be charged from your car, it will work from
the similar socket provided on the boat. You will need to bring
your own lead.
See other pages in the Narrowboats section for further details
of boats and canals.
See also the Royal Canal and the Shannon-Erne
route pages for further details on routes.
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