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
Carrick-on-Shannon and the Upper Shannon
Carrick-on-Shannon, in County Leitrim, is where Carrickcraft opened its first marina in 1970. The town has changed a lot since then, but a mile up or down the river it looks as though little has moved on in 50 years. The small, pretty town is Ireland's cruising centre, with plenty of places to stock up on provisions and a wide choice of pubs and restaurants. The marina on St George's Terrace is busy with crews getting their cruisers ready to cast off.
From here you can cruise the Upper Shannon, probably the liveliest stretch of the river. Lough Key, Lough Ree and Lough Allen can all be reached from this base, and there are plenty of small villages along the way with good moorings and facilities. The suggested routes are only a guide, so you can stop wherever you like. Every hirer is given Carrickcraft's navigation chart of the Shannon and Erne Waterways on arrival. It shows where you can moor and what facilities each mooring has.
Life on board
Half of Carrickcraft's guests have never been on a boat before, and the controls are simple. You get a practical demonstration when you arrive, and there are demonstration videos for each boat type to introduce it. Every cruiser has a full-sized cooker with burner rings, a grill and an oven, plus a small fridge. Each also carries everything from pots and pans to cutlery and crockery. One set of linen per person is provided: a sheet, pillow, duvet, blanket and towel.
Power on board runs from 12V batteries charged by the engine. An inverter can be supplied for small items such as phone chargers, and anything else needs shore power while moored, which only some boats have. All boats have a radio and CD player. Some have a TV/DVD player, and one can be hired for the others, though TV reception on the water is unreliable.
Pets are welcome on most boats. The exceptions are the Roscommon, Tipperary, Longford, Linssen, Limerick and Tyrone. Bring a life jacket for your dog if it needs one, as these aren't provided.
Bookings and logistics
The minimum hire is three nights. You can start and finish on any day except Sundays and Bank Holidays, though some of the more popular boats are only available for a week, Saturday to Saturday. Boats are usually ready to collect between 4 and 5pm, and you need to leave by 10am on your last day.
You start with a full tank and pay only for the fuel you use. There is no charge for mooring at public marinas, and a small charge applies at locks. Insurance for accidental damage and public liability is included, with a returnable excess that can be reduced by paying a waiver. An all-inclusive package covering fuel, the waiver, cleaning and a lock card is also available.
Scheduled transfers run from Dublin airport, between noon and 6pm on arrival and between 6am and 10am on departure. Private transfers can be arranged for other times. Free parking is available at the marina, though it is unsecured and not under cover.
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 two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in Ireland. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
