About Shannon and Erne

Feel the irresistible lure of the Shannon-Erne

The River Shannon gives central Ireland it's unique character. It’s an obvious feature if you study a Shannon River map. At a glance, it’s clear that the waters influence the land. The fishing is superb and golf is extremely popular! As you travel, you’ll stop in quaint villages, why not explore the medieval churches and kick back in the pubs!

 

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Map showing where the Shannon & Erne boating region is in Ireland

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Carte de situation de la base de Carrick-on-Shannon

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About Carrick-on-Shannon

Carrick-on-Shannon has a thriving night scene – especially at weekends. It is an excellent start for those wanting to experience the iconic Lough Key (2.5hrs away), with its castle and amazing forest activity park – great for children. It is also gateway to the Shannon-Erne waterway for those wanting a more traditional ‘canal and lock’ experience. Heading south you’re 10-12 hrs from Athlone and the Celtic burial site of Clonmacnoise.

From Carrick-on-Shannon it is:

  • 19hrs (5 locks) to our base in Portumna

View our Carrick-On-Shannon base on Google Maps

Travel connections

BY AIR

  • 74km from Knock (NOC)
  • 158km from Dublin (DUB)
  • 190km from Belfast (BFS)

BY ROAD

  • Address: The Marina, Carrick-on-Shannon, N41 RD29
  • Parking: Free unsecure parking is available

BY TRAIN

  • 1.5km from Carrick-on-Shannon

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Portumna base location map

Details

About Portumna

The whole of the Shannon and Erne is great for fishing, but Lough Derg, a stone’s throw south of Portumna, is a fisherman’s paradise and probably the best fishing spot in Ireland. This spectacular stretch of water is huge and you could easily spend a week exploring the many pretty villages along its shores. Must-see Clonmacnoise, an ancient Celtic burial site, is just 6 hrs to the north of Portumna.

From Portumna it is:

  • 19hrs (5 locks) to our base in Carrick-on-Shannon

View our Portumna base on Google Maps

Travel connections

BY AIR

  • 178km from Cork (ORK)
  • 162km from Dublin (DUB)
  • 94km from Shannon (SNN)

BY ROAD

  • Address: Connaught Harbour, Bridge Road, Portumna
  • Parking: Pre-booked parking available

BY TRAIN

  • 35km from Ballinasloe station
  • 30km from Nenagh station

Sound interesting?

Find out more
Select an END base
Carte de situation de la base de Carrick-on-Shannon

Details

About Carrick-on-Shannon

Carrick-on-Shannon has a thriving night scene – especially at weekends. It is an excellent start for those wanting to experience the iconic Lough Key (2.5hrs away), with its castle and amazing forest activity park – great for children. It is also gateway to the Shannon-Erne waterway for those wanting a more traditional ‘canal and lock’ experience. Heading south you’re 10-12 hrs from Athlone and the Celtic burial site of Clonmacnoise.

From Carrick-on-Shannon it is:

  • 19hrs (5 locks) to our base in Portumna

View our Carrick-On-Shannon base on Google Maps

Travel connections

BY AIR

  • 74km from Knock (NOC)
  • 158km from Dublin (DUB)
  • 190km from Belfast (BFS)

BY ROAD

  • Address: The Marina, Carrick-on-Shannon, N41 RD29
  • Parking: Free unsecure parking is available

BY TRAIN

  • 1.5km from Carrick-on-Shannon

Sound interesting?

Find out more
Portumna base location map

Details

About Portumna

The whole of the Shannon and Erne is great for fishing, but Lough Derg, a stone’s throw south of Portumna, is a fisherman’s paradise and probably the best fishing spot in Ireland. This spectacular stretch of water is huge and you could easily spend a week exploring the many pretty villages along its shores. Must-see Clonmacnoise, an ancient Celtic burial site, is just 6 hrs to the north of Portumna.

From Portumna it is:

  • 19hrs (5 locks) to our base in Carrick-on-Shannon

View our Portumna base on Google Maps

Travel connections

BY AIR

  • 178km from Cork (ORK)
  • 162km from Dublin (DUB)
  • 94km from Shannon (SNN)

BY ROAD

  • Address: Connaught Harbour, Bridge Road, Portumna
  • Parking: Pre-booked parking available

BY TRAIN

  • 35km from Ballinasloe station
  • 30km from Nenagh station

Sound interesting?

Find out more

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Shannon and Erne map

Shannon and Erne Region map

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The perfect boating region for...

Golf

Golf Clubs with blurred background

If you love golf you'll love golfing on the Shannon-Erne. Choose from six world-class golf courses and include golf breaks in your Shannon-Erne cruises. Tee off at the 18-hole golf course at the Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell. Then relax with a pint at the 19th hole!

Fishing

Child fishing

The Shannon-Erne is perfect for fishing holidays! Go for pike, perch, roach, bream and rudd. The Lower Lough Erne is famous for its hefty brown trout, and Upper Lough Erne is a pike angler’s nirvana! Carrick-on-Shannon ranks as one of Ireland’s top coarse fishing centres!

History & Heritage

Portumna Castle

Monastery ruins, medieval churches and stately castles are seen around every corner on the Shannon-Erne history holidays. Let the ruins of Clonmacnoise (circa 6th century) impress you! Not to be missed are the Brian Boru Heritage Centre, Portumna Castle and the Carrigglas Manor.

Nature Lovers

Brown bird

The fields, bogs and islands of the Shannon-Erne exude serenity as you watch ducks, geese, terns, coots and Great-crested grebes. Trekking trails meander through parkland and invite you to stroll in Nature. Bullock Island near Shannon Harbour beckons for bird-watching!

Useful information

Download our Region Guide

Check out our region guideWe've produced a handy PDF guide for this region to give you an overview of all the stops and things to do along the waterway.

Download our region guide