About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Cruising the Lower Shannon from Banagher
Banagher marina in County Offaly sits on the Shannon south of Athlone and is well placed for cruising down into Lough Derg. "You can't beat Banagher," goes the old saying, and that is why Carrickcraft chose it for their southern base. The Lower Shannon winds slowly through rolling green countryside full of history and Irish character, past Clonmacnoise, the ancient Christian capital of Ireland, and out into the wide expanse of Lough Derg.
On this stretch of the river, life slows down and you see fewer boats, so the sounds of nature take over again. The suggested routes are only ideas, and you can stop wherever you like. You could moor at Castle Harbour and visit Portumna Castle and Gardens. Its Forest Park covers 1,500 acres and is home to plenty of plants and wildlife, including a herd of rare Irish red deer. Glasson, known as the "Village of the Roses", is well known for its restaurants, and you could also play a round on one of the most scenic golf courses in Ireland.
Life on board
Half of Carrickcraft's guests have never been on a boat before. The controls are simple, and you'll get a practical demonstration when you arrive, with videos for each boat type to watch beforehand. Every cruiser has a full-sized cooker with a grill and oven, a small fridge, and everything you need in the kitchen, from pots and pans to cutlery and crockery. Each guest gets a sheet, pillow, duvet, blanket and towel. The power on board runs off 12V batteries charged by the engine. An inverter can be provided for phone chargers, but other electrical items work only on shore power, which not every boat has. All boats have a radio and CD player. Some also have a TV/DVD player, though TV reception on the water is unreliable.
Bookings and logistics
The minimum hire is three nights, and you can start any day except Sundays and Bank Holidays. Some of the more popular boats are hired by the week only, from Saturday to Saturday. Boats are usually ready between 4 and 5pm, and you need to leave by 10am on your last day. Scheduled transfers run from Dublin airport, and free open-air parking is available at the marina. Pets are welcome on most boats. You'll receive a navigation chart of the Shannon and Erne Waterways on arrival, showing moorings and facilities. You get the boat with a full tank and pay for the fuel you use. Mooring at public marinas is free, there's a small charge at locks, and an all-inclusive package is also available.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The closest canal holidays on Mooch, by trail, then region, then country. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
