Bellanaleck, Lough Erne

Bellanaleck and the Erne

Bellanaleck is 5 miles from Enniskillen, on the river between Upper and Lower Lough Erne. From here you can cruise the whole of the Erne. You can reach Enniskillen and carry on up to Kesh and Belleek, passing Devenish Island and other historic sites on the way. Heading south, you pass through Carrybridge on the way to Upper Lough Erne, which the operator describes as a place of complete tranquillity.

The suggested routes are only a guide, and you can stop wherever you like. One suggested stop is a monastic site dating back to the 6th century, with a well-preserved round tower and ancient churches. It is one of the most important in Ireland. Another is a small town at the Erne end of the Shannon–Erne Waterway. It has good restaurants, and from there you can walk along the Woodford River to Annagh Woods. The marina at Bellanaleck has its own bar and restaurant, and a shop and take-away are a 10-minute walk away.

Life on board

Every cruiser has a full-sized cooker with burner rings, grill and oven, plus a small fridge. Each boat carries a full inventory to suit its size, from pots and pans to cutlery and crockery. Each guest gets one set of linen: a sheet, pillow, duvet, blanket and towel. All boats have a radio and CD player. Some also have a TV/DVD player, and you can hire one for the others, though TV reception on the water isn't always good.

Water, lighting, showers and the radio run off 12V batteries, which the engine charges. An inverter is available for small items such as phone chargers. Anything else works only when you're moored on shore power, and only some boats have it, so check each boat's description. If you've never been on a boat before, the controls are simple. You'll get a practical demonstration when you arrive, and the operator provides all the tuition you need.

Bookings and logistics

The minimum hire is 3 nights. You can start and finish on 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 to collect between 4 and 5pm, and you'll need to leave by 10am on your last day. Scheduled transfers run from Dublin airport, between 12 noon and 6pm on arrival and between 6am and 10am on departure. Outside those times the operator can arrange a private transfer. Free, uncovered and unsecured parking is available at the marina.

You set off with a full tank and pay for the fuel you've used when you return. An all-inclusive package covers fuel, the damage waiver, cleaning and one lock card. Mooring at public marinas is free, and there's a small charge for going through locks. Insurance for accidental damage and public liability is included, though a returnable excess applies. It doesn't cover personal injury or your own belongings, so take out travel insurance. Pets are welcome on all boats except the Roscommon, Tipperary, Longford, Linssen, Limerick and Tyrone, and you'll need to bring a life jacket for your dog if it needs one. To enter the UK, which includes Northern Ireland, you need a valid passport and an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), which you apply for online.