Q. What experience do I need and do I require a licence?
A. No licence is required to cruise on the Inland waterways of Ireland.
Previous boating experience such as sailing or canoeing is helpful but not necessary. If you
are a complete novice then canal cruising is ideal for you.
( click here on History ) After one day you will feel at ease.
You will need a minimum of 2
able bodied crew who will be required to throw ropes, use a barge pole, jump from the boat onto
the bank, open lock gates etc…
The boats are steered from a tiller at the stern and are very
easy to handle. Each boat has a practical guide to boat handling on board.
For the boating enthusiast, The Barrow River is more challenging and requires more navigation
skills. ( click here on navigation )
We provide full instructions to all our hirers on how to operate your boat, all it’s equipment
and how to work a lock.
Q. What about the Locks?
A. The Locks are a feature of Inland cruising. They were constructed over 200 years ago, have
been completely restored and are all manual. They consist of a simple cog and lever system
operated by a Lock Key and assisted by the power of water. They are still fascinating works of
engineering today.
The locks are well spaced and provide a welcome break for the crew from
cruising. There is no commercial traffic on Irish canals however the tradition of Lock keeper
still exists and in many cases the job has stayed in the same family for generations.
They are employed to assist you if you wish.
Q. How far can we go?
A. Remember this is life in the slow Lane. The journey is best enjoyed at walking pace, 4 mph,
and your average distance per day is 16 miles ( 20 Km. )
Q. When is the best time to go?
A. We are open from Easter to October. Each season has something to offer.
Spring – hatching swans, new growth, white blossoms on the Hawthorn hedges.
Summer – long days, wild flowers, rising temperatures, swimming, eating out.
Autumn – The colour of the trees, fruit laden hedgerows.
Sunsets can be particularly good at this time of year.
No matter when you go it is not busy compared with more known tourist destinations.
