Cruiser Boat Holidays in Ireland
General Information
Each cruiser boat has all the modern facilities you need for a comfortable holiday - a spacious saloon, cabins giving absolute privacy, showers with hot and cold running water, toilets and a fully-equipped galley. Many boats have dedicated toilets and shower rooms for each cabin - some boats have air conditioning.
Most boats have opening sun-roofs and large decks for sunbathing, eating al fresco or just watching the world go by.
Many boats have both internal and external steering positions. Others are steered from inside at the front, centre or rear only.
Boat sizes range from larger models for family parties and groups to boats for smaller families and couples. Your boat must have sufficient beds for everyone on board. The maximum size is 12 people (including babies), the smallest boats are for two adults.
One of the main decisions is whether you wish to use the saloon for sleeping. This means you have to convert the seating area into a bed at night, but it does usually allow a smaller and cheaper boat for the number of people.
Hire prices depend on season, luxury and size of boat. Spring and Autumn prices are lower than for the peak season of July and August.
Cruiser Boat Bases
We offer boats from 6 cruiser boat bases in Ireland:
Upper Shannon River: Carrick on Shannon (2 different boat firms)
Lower Shannon River: Banagher and Portumna
Erne Waterway: Belturbet and Tully Bay
Carrick Base Information
Portumna Base Information
Different types of boat are available from the various bases. The location of each boat type is shown on the Cruiser Boat Fleet information page - link button on right.
Boat hire is normally on an out-and-back basis. In addition we offer one-way trips between Carrick and Portumna, Carrick and Banagher, Carrick and Tully Bay, Carrick and Belturbet. Your car is normally transferred to the return base at a small supplementary charge.
Each boat has a specific departure date - Monday, Friday or Saturday depending on area. Tariffs are normally on a weekly basis with longer cruises of 10/11 days or 2/3 weeks also available. Short breaks may sometimes be possible. Don’t hesitate to ask us about boat availability, start bases and departure days.
Before departure, your boat will have been thoroughly cleaned and all mechanical equipment carefully checked. The full tank of diesel will give you enough fuel for at least two weeks cruising. The water supply should last about two days before you need to refill at one of the many water points shown in your canal guide.
Fuel costs are additional to the hire charge, and a security deposit or non-refundable damage waiver is payable. There are early booking discounts, group discounts, and occasional special offers.
Diary of a week's cruise on the River Shannon
See also Boat Fleet, Questions and Answers