It is ideal for cruising , with a slow flow of water and a large number of connecting lakes .
It is ideal for cruising , with a slow flow of water and a large number of connecting lakes . There is a waterways map on board which makes it very clear where you can and can ’ t go . Other on-board information tells you approximately how long it will take you to travel from point to point , where you can moor and what you can expect to find in each waterside town or village . Some people like to plan their holiday itinerary in fine detail . Others enjoy waking up each morning and chatting about what to do that day , around the breakfast table .
You have the option of returning your boat to the same base you started from , or cruise one-way between two bases . We had a 1-week journey mapped out : a one-way trip from Carrick on Shannon in the north to its sister base in Portumna , taking in stops at Dromod , Roosky , Tarmonbarry , Lanesborough , Athlone , Clonmacnoise , Banagher , Terryglass , and cruising through Lough Ree along the way .
There is a one-way fee and option to transfer your car , which must be prebooked .
Our FIRST DAY was all about checking in , loading up the boat , getting a run through the operation of the boat , a safety brief and chat about our route on Shannon-Erne waterway map .
We had booked the ELEGANCE BOAT , a 43ft monster of a boat that had 3-bedrooms , each with 2-beds , which comfortably slept 6 . With the kids opting to share a twin , that meant our puppy manged to wangle his own room .
As expected , everything was very well planned out with ample space . The cabins we comfortable , offering hot water , showers and toilets . Two dining tables and fully-equipped kitchens – offering everything you ’ ll need to be self-sufficient for the duration of your holiday . On deck there was plenty of seating space and sunbathing space at the front . Controls were both indoor and outdoor , so you were protected on wet days – but try to keep up top if you can – you see more of the landscapes and it ’ s actually quite fun when the odd shower passes over .
But as first timers , it was daunting to process all of the information so we took our time and used the first evening to stay put and explore Carrick on Shannon .
CARRICK-ON-SHANNON is the largest town in the county of Leitrim , and one of Ireland ’ s fastest growing resorts . It is the perfect destination for a short break with an abundance of visitor attractions , top-class restaurants , nightlife and shopping . Parke ’ s Castle , situated in an idyllic setting on the banks of Lough Gill , was built in 1610 when Robert Parke completed his fortified manor house on the site of an earlier 15th century castle . Visit the unique Costello Memorial Chapel , reputed to be the second smallest chapel in the world , and erected by Edward Costello to mark his devotion to his wife , who died in 1877 . The ruins of the old Carrick Castle can be glimpsed on the Carrick Bridge . The Mulvey Centre offers a children ’ s play area , suitable for all ages , plus indoor bowling . For us , we visited the local supermarket to “ stock up ” and a takeaway to bring back to the boat .
We woke to blue skies the next morning , but with concerns over a weather warning on the news that a rare storm was due to pass over Ireland later that week . That changed things , as strong winds and increased river flows could be a bit dangerous in places when going under bridges , in locks , or cruising the huge Lock Ree , which is tidal and has its own specific navigation routes . Emerald Star staff where very helpful and accommodated us that we could change our original itinerary and return the boat to our starting point in Carrick on Shannon . As it turns out , that change of route meant that we could visit Lough Key to the north , which the kids were particularly excited about .
With our new route organised , we headed north . Following the Waterways map , we navigated our way past all of the number and colour coded markers , correctly passing fellow cruise enthusiasts on the right hand side and feeling very in control , until we came across OUR FIRST LOCK .
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