Theres also the brilliant Brian Boru Heritage Centre where you can learn all about the history of Killaloe, Brian Boru and the regions Celtic and sailing significance. Carrick-on-Shannon is a great starting and finishing point for a River Shannon cruise not least because we have a marina here. Many start their Shannon Erne waterway holidays here, and it is easy to see why. Pass on through Knockvicar, through the Clarendon Lock and on into Lough Key. 1 x Pub Grub with a pint or a bottle of beer. Book day boats . 140.00. To book or for enquiries please contact Oliver 0860846849 or emailcaptain@loughkeyboats.com. Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon is full of picturesque walks, the lake has 32 islands, abundant wildlife, and historic buildings. I can recommend Carrick Quads, about 40 minutes on a quad bike over courses of various difficulties. Read this before you buy a Eurail Pass and How to get from London City Airport into central London - to help you get the most out of your next trip. A stop in Killaloe will allow you to learn more about the Celtic history and nautical heritage of the region in the Brian Boru Heritage Centre, as well as getting active both on and off the water. Content Lough Key Boat Tours 2020 | OSD.ie Digital Agency 2020. As Well as the castled house itself, Portumna is home to an impressive 17th century walled the kitchen garden.This garden is a feast for the senses, with fruit trees, herbs, flowers and vegetables all growing in a display just as impressive as Portumna Castle itself. There are just two locks to pass It is Ireland's first museum dedicated to coal mining. There are other smaller lakes along the Shannon including Lough Bofin, Lough Boderg and Lough Forbes. This 19th-century parkland was designed by the famous landscape architect John Sutherland on the orders of the king and now creates the perfect habitat for local wildlife. What are the travel restrictions in Lough Key Forest Park? Moor up, get out and walk around taking in the old stone walls, ruins, traditional thatched-roof cottages and Garrykennedy forest walk. We offer boat tours and boats for hire. This is a must-see diversion, where fishing enthusiasts, as well as all water sports enthusiasts, can enjoy these activities. Nestled between two mountain ranges, the Slieve Anierin mountain range to the east and the Arigna hills to the west, Lough Allen becomes the perfect place for windsurfing perfect if you fancy a change from your Lough Allen boat hire. Read this before you buy a Eurail Pass, How to get from London City Airport into central London, Carrick on Shannon to Leitrim Leitrim Village, Carrick on Shannon to University College Dublin, Carrick on Shannon to Monkstown County Dublin, Carrick on Shannon to Newbridge IE KE Ireland. Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. Boyle Abbey (Irish: Mainistir na Bille) was the first successful foundation in Connacht of the Cistercian order which had opened its first Irish house at Mellifont, County Louth, in 1142. The next village north of Carrick is Leitrim village, less than an hours cruising and an ideal stopping point while getting used to the boat. . Carrick-on-Shannon, Boyle, Dromod, Tarmonbarry, Killinure, Athlone, Banagher, She won the Best Newcomer award at the Travel Extra Travel Journalist of the Year Awards 2018 and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers. By MichelleD3238. willing as well as the spiritual techniques often is the ideas attached to best https://www.darkweb.to/. 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. Although these smaller boats are ideal for easy navigation on the Irish waterways, it is important to remember that they will have limited storage space for food and supplies. The tour was gorgeous and the historical information provided was great. The Walsh / McGreevy Family have been welcoming visitors to Lough Key since 1984 and have made some wonderful new friends ! From Carrick-on-Shannon travel the narrow, meandering Boyle River into Lough Eidin and on to Lough Key, one of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland. The highlight of Zipit Adventure Park is given away in the name. This is a brilliant place to do some birdwatching. Carrick-on-Shannon has a thriving night scene - especially at weekends. Youll love this marina, located at the entrance to Lough Derg: it's calm and peaceful when the lake allows. Water sports the River Shannon has some great sheltered waters which are perfect for water skiing and wakeboarding. elegant style is the characteristics of swiss replica orologi. It is the perfect place to moor up and visit the preserved ruins of Clonmacnoise monastery. The area around Carrick-on-Shannon and up to Lough Key Forest Park have a wealth of activities including zip-lining, quadding, segways, indoor shooting and the Boda Borg. As you cross the county border, you will enter your first lough, Lough Drumharlow. Carrick-on-Shannon offers a wide variety of night . It has ruins and a 12th century watchtower that the priests once used to look out for strangers arriving on their lands. There are also some great restaurants here with fantastic views. Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 1850 24 1850. Portumna Castle near Lough Derg is one of the most interesting castles you can visit on the River Shannon. When you get to Lough Key Forest Park in County Roscommon, its time to moor up and get muddy exploring the nature trails, especially the Tree Canopy Trail and the bog garden. The route Within a short time you are passing through a small lough, Lough Eidin. Renowned for its fine architecture and the beauty of its French gardens, Portumna Castle is a popular tourist attraction for lovers of the Irish Renaissance. Start your boating adventure in the town of Carrick-on-Shannon, a quintessential Irish town full of local charm and idyllic Irishness. (Otherwise private booking text 00353868142424) Private speedboat tours are available in May, June, July, and August. It is a perfect tour for kids too. children can enjoy a splash around too. You can go where you The voyage from Carrick-on-Shannon north to Lough Key is known for its captivating scenery and with only one lock, it's a good place to start for the absolute beginner. To Book or for enquiries please contact Oliver - 0860846849. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Along the southern shore is the 800-hectare Lough Key Forest Park. And Queen Maeve was killed by the son of the King of Ulster as she bathed on the shores of Inchcleraun, an island on Lough Ree. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Lots to do nearby - beautiful town of Carrick on Shannon, the first floating boardwalk in nearby Drumshanbo - on the Shannon Blueway; Lough Key Forest Park is just a short journey away, to name but a few things. Cruising with a difference in Carrick on Shannon. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Not only to see the impressive Lough Derg but to see the semi-fortified house of Portumna Castle. Find popular and cheap hotels near Shannon-Erne Waterway in Leitrim with real guest reviews and ratings. cheap fake rolex for sale online stores. 5. Conference Facilities in Carrick on Shannon, Principal photography by Keith Nolan Photography, Content Carrick on Shannon Chamber of Commerce 2011, View the three counties from the middle of the lake Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim, The tours can be customised to suit the needs of any group: School Tours, Senior Citizens, Special Needs, Sunset Tours & Corporate Tours. Lough Key Forest Park is an 800-hectare park on the southern shore of Lough Key, 40km south east of Sligo Town and 3km east of Boyle, County Roscommon, in the Republic of Ireland. Carrick-on-Shannon Keshcarrigan Ballinamore Leitrim Lough Key Forest Park Boyle Carrick-on-Shannon. The 89 miles of canals crosses a number of different counties and is the perfect balance of rural and built up Ireland. luxury replicas de relogios fuses the remarkable watchmaking connotation. The town is the largest in County Leitrim and the smallest county town in the entire country. of our week-long River Shannon itineraries, but this one sees you sailing Keep your eyes On entering this section of the canal, you will come up against a series of Shannon Erne waterway locks. bars and nightclubs and enjoy some great food before cruising onto Moor your self-drive boat here to visit the magnificent Enniskillen Castle or Castle Coole, which is just as interesting. The forest is a natural wonder and is well worth a stop-off. If you feel like getting more active, there are plenty of footpaths that start from the village. Moon River Boat excursions are very popular and are a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery. Full-day Tours. On the water, tied up at marinas, being towed . From Carrick on Shannon. Once you have secured your Shannon-on-Carrick boat rental, you will need to decide on which route you will take along the River Shannon. Shannon Tour covers 415km and takes 52 hours to complete. Limerick, Westmeath, Offaly, Tipperary, Clare, Galway and Longford. . GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Beautiful scenery along the way. Lanesborough, Dromod and Carrick-on-Shannon. Emerald Star - Le Boat - Carrick-on-Shannon, Carrick-on-Shannon: See 41 reviews, articles, and 39 photos of Emerald Star - Le Boat - Carrick-on-Shannon, ranked No.9 on Tripadvisor among 9 attractions in Carrick-on-Shannon. carrick on shannon to lough key by boat. Shannon Tour itinerary is perfect for those who want to cruise as much of the After navigating this lake, you can then travel further northwest, through Oakport Lough and eventually arriving at Lough Key from its easternside. Lough Arrow Touring Park; Coopershill House; ; ; Lough Allen Hotel & Spa; Hillcrest Bed & Breakfast; ; Riversdale Farm B&B View Cruise Details Situated in the heart of the picturesque village of Cootehall, 5 miles to the towns of Carrick on Shannon and Boyle, close to the Lough Key Forest Park. There is so much to do at Lough Key. Whichever route you choose to visit Lough Key will open up a wide variety of experiences, depending on the waterway you use Lough Key to Carrick on Shannon is arguably the most popular route. Dotted with numerous small islands, Lough Key has been inhabited for centuries and even boasts a folly castle on the aptly named Castle Island. itinerary sees you cruise through Dromod, Rooskey, Killinure, Athlone and This centre is a hub for all sporting activities around the waters edge, including kayaking, hiking and more. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Bye-Laws: Waterways Ireland manages the Shannon Navigation under the S.I. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Read a Boating Holidays customer's diary of a week on the River Shannon. The canal, which is 63 km long, has been magnificently restored and takes you through a dreamlike landscape dotted with picturesque villages like Ballyconnel and Belturbet. It is identified as the site of Cruachan, the traditional capital of the Connachta, a term used to describe the prehistoric and early historic rulers of the western territory. The Rockingham Roll is a half an hour segway glide around woodland trails at Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. Required fields are marked *. Garrykennedy is a charming town with a postcard-perfect setting. You will discover the local myths, legends, fables and folklore as well as the warm and welcoming Irish people. As well as the Boat Tours, guided tours and boats for hire . At 360km (224 miles), the River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland. We are Lough Key locals who can share interesting and quirky stories about Lough Key as well as taking you on a professionally guided tour of the greatest Lakes in Ireland. The biggest group of animals to be found here are the hundreds of wild birds, creating the ideal setting for any keen bird watchers on their canal boat holidays. Indeed, the village is situated in the middle of these two areas, giving you the opportunity to choose from a number of itineraries for the rest of your boat cruise. The River Shannon and the Erne are connected by the restored Shannon-Erne waterway.The 63km long canal has 16 locks, electronically operated by "smart card", built and faced with the original hand cut stone. show you the ropes. Built along the river Shannon, the village has a modern port frequented by tourists on their boat cruises. Known as an important waterway since antiquity, the Shannon first appeared in maps by the Graeco-Egyptian . Rathcroghan is a complex of archaeological sites near Tulsk in County Roscommon, Ireland. Your total journey time is just three hours without stops to Boyle so you can really take things at your own pace. Carrick-on-Shannon is a vibrant town and both Carrick Craft and Emerald Star have marinas here. Lough Allen Adventure Centre. products as you can. Am I allowed to travel from Carrick-on-Shannon to Lough Key Forest Park? Yet, when it comes to canal boat hire , it is not [], Canal boat holidays can feel out of reach for many holidaymakers and are regularly seen as an extravagant and skilled way of travelling through waterways. Lakelands district of Ireland. Facebook; Twitter; YouTube; Instagram; Join . All along the River Shannon, there are plenty of fishing hotspots and coarse angling areas. There is so much to do and see in the park, come for a day trip and you are sure to come back and explore more. Mon 26 Dec: Closed. Besides the vast expanse of open water and woodland that surrounds the lake, the south of Lough Key is home to Lough Key Forest Park. The trip up the river Shannon to Lough Key takes us along the Boyle river, one of the tributaries of the river Shannon. The road distance is 7.7 miles. What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Lough Key Forest Park? This site, which is now a preserved ruin, was a renowned centre of religion and learning. Friendly staff for this 2 hour cruise up the Shannon, with a guitarist singing Irish and other songs, all the way. This is ideal if you are looking to do an extended boating holiday and travel the entire Shannon River route. So much to see. We offer boat tours and boats for hire. https://www.replicacrr.ru/ for sale in the pursuit of the ultimate elegance at the same time the perfect fusion of ingenuity unique bold design. Irish welcomes and hearty food. Cosy, elegant and designed as small yachts, the Europa boats offer decidedly modern comfort and aesthetics. Remember that although they manoeuvre the same, these larger boats need far more care, especially in narrower sections of the river. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Our Complete Shannon Tour covers 415km and takes 52 hours to complete. The River Shannon is also linked to Lough Erne in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland via the Shannon-Erne Waterway; this makes it possible to cruise between the North and South of Ireland. Lough Key in Ireland is one of the best places to see a real cross-section of rural western islands. VIEW MORE > Courtyard Apartments. Those looking to go on a Shannon River cruise with far more people, with your large extended family, for example, will be better off hiring a larger boat such as a Pnichette Aft Deck. 4. Youll cruise along Lough Derg and Lough Ree, so if you want some ideas on what to do have a look at our Lough Derg Tour and our Lough Ree Tour itineraries. Linking the two French seaports of Nantes and Brest, the Nantes-Brest Canal is no stranger to a boating holiday or two. The segway experience is not only a great way of touring the area but it adds a little silliness and fun to your experience too and is certainly an activity to remember. 1 week - 26 hours - 208 km - 22 locks. Using Lough Key as a base you are able to travel the length and breadth of the River Shannon, taking you through some of the most loved sights throughout Ireland. Boat hire in Carrick-on-Shannon is simple thanks to Locaboat's base in the town, only around six miles south of Lough Key itself. A smaller part of the town lies in County Roscommon. The semi-fortified building . want at your own pace and make it as relaxing or active as you like. 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. Ireland is your oyster when you take a River Shannon cruise holiday as there are no set routes. Visitors can now visit the 17th-century house in all its glory, harking back to a time in Ireland that is now gone. Top of these historical locations is Banaghers, Fort Eliza. There is plenty to see and do in Athlone, from popping in for a drink at Seans Bar the oldest pub in Ireland and possibly Europe, to visiting Athlones 13th-century castle. Find all the transport options for your trip from Carrick-on-Shannon to Lough Key Forest Park right here. This two-thousand-acre lake is a scene of breath-taking beauty and has a number of must-see sights dotted around its green shores. Shannonbridge and return back to Banagher. Cruise north to Lough Key. Although only 24 hours have passed since we arrived on Lough Key we leave with layers of . Find Vacation Rentals, Condos, and Resorts in Jamestown, Leitrim, Ireland. No. Some 25,000 wildfowl migrate here in winter. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 2h 18m. Lough Key is made up of some thirty islets, all of which are mainly wooded (including Castle Island, which houses a medieval castle, Stag Island, Bullock Island, Drummand Island, etc.). Written 19 July 2022. Just look for the Blueways trails. County Leitrim is a border region with Northern Ireland. Dromod is a remarkable fishing village next to Bofin and Boderg on the Shannon River. Before you Tie up your self-drive boat at Rooskey to enjoy a bit of fishing. When it comes to river cruises, Ireland is a destination that is sure to tick a lot of boxes no matter what type of holiday you have in mind. . There are a number of thrilling activities to do in the park, all of which help you get close to nature and burn off a little steam in the process. We've been creating memorable experiences for our guests on Moon River for over 25 years. She runs her own blog, Travel Eat Write Repeat (www.melaniemay.com) and you can follow her travels over on Instagram@_maymelanie, Lough Ree Sunset Lough Ree Sunset by Bob Fox is licenced under CC BY 2.0, The Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Athlone, Staycation on the River Shannon Why a Boating Holiday Rental Should be On Your Irish Getaways List, Carrickcraft, Unit 4, 3 9 Fairgreen Road, Markethill, Co. Armagh, BT60 1PW, VAT Registered: GB574696878, Site Map | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Conditions of Hire, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland, information on our website to help you prepare, fishing hotspots and coarse angling areas, permit requirements for fishing in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, planning their boating holiday in Ireland, best things to see and do in Carrick-on-Shannon, Viking battle took place on Lough Ree in 937, Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Athlone, Best Things to Do and See in (and Around) Banagher, Self-Guided Irish Cycling Holidays along the Shannon Erne Waterway, Best Scenic Walks in Irelands Midlands Near the River Shannon, Stay and Spend & Early Booking Discount on a Shannon River Cruise, Best things to do and see in (and around) Lough Derg, Top 5 Irish Castles To Visit On A River Shannon Cruise. There are three main lakes on the River Shannon; Lough Allen in counties Leitrim and Roscommon; Lough Ree in counties Westmeath, Longford and Roscommon; and Lough Derg in counties Clare, Galway and Tipperary. The Hidden Heartlands lifestyle is very much apart of the appeal of the boat tour and boats for hire allowing visitors to explore the beautiful Lough Key part of the iconic River Shannon and the Beara Breifne Way. Our Boats. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Youll also journey through some bucolic Now a small ruin, complete with growing moss and crumbling stone, the castle is like something from a fantasy film. Take in a round of golf at the Carrick-on-Shannon Golf Club if you wish, it has its own jetty to tie your boat to, or continue on towards Cootehall to stop for lunch at the Waterfront Restaurant. An experience of a lifetime on the River Shannon. Youll find Lough Key in the northwest of the Irish County of Roscommon, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the town of Boyle. The Leitrim part of the town is in the civil parish of Kiltoghert which is in the ancient barony of Leitrim. The traditional Pnichette, very easy to pilot and perfect for couples and families. Nature and wildlife Car-free and carefree in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. The Courtyard Apartments. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. As part of this tour, we can collect you from Dublin Airport and take you to the start marina and then drop you back to the airport when your Shannon river cruise is finished. The River Shannon is the most popular destination for Irish river cruises. Shannon cruises can take any shape or form! Once you have decided on your Carrickcraft cruiser, we will help you become familiar with the craft, and we will demonstrate how to leave and return to a mooring. Some of the sights you will enjoy include: You will be guaranteed friendly, personal and genuine service. Carrick on Shannon Crystal Maze Adventure Stag Package. Lough Keel Scout Campsite is situated 5 km from Boyle town and 10 km from Carrick-on-Shannon just off the N4 Dublin - Sligo route, adjacent to the renowned Lough Key Forest Park. Le Boat is a trading name of Crown Travel Limited, Crown Travel Limited Registered in England No . Shannonbridge is located in the area known as Irelands Ancient East, a region crammed with culture, attractions and historic sites. Heading north, history lovers, make sure you stop at Keshcarrigan which lies at the foot of the Sheebeg and Sheemore hills. Train operators. perfect for a dip. Sun 25 Dec: Closed. As the lough is made up of two separate lakes, Lough Erne boat trips can take you across 43 square miles of water, an epic trip that can allow you to see so much of both rural Ireland and rural Northern Island. In Ireland and Northern Ireland, you do not need a license to cruise. . Find popular and cheap hotels near St Patricks Church, Drumshanbo in Leitrim with real guest reviews and ratings. Its a shorter day today, so before you get back to Carrick, turn right up the Boyle River and into Lough Key. Everything you need to know to plan your trip to Irelands lovliest riverside town! Next morning, more locks and on to Ballinamore with plenty to see and do. The Boat Tour is back. The trails provide access to unspoilt landscapes via paddling, walking or cycling. Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim www.moonriver.ie. Blueways are a network of multi-activity routes running on or alongside the waterways. Section 3: Carrick-on-Shannon to Rooskey . The Walsh / McGreevy Family have been welcoming visitors to Lough Key Forest Park Since 1984 and have made some wonderful new friends! A flurry of fabulous pubs and restaurants, the beautiful sweep of the river and a hive of top sightseeing spots makes Carrick-on-Shannon the ideal go-to for a fun-filled family break. Carrick-on-Shannon - Keshcarrigan - Ballinamore - Leitrim - Lough Key Forest Park - Boyle - Carrick-on-Shannon. To check out our youtube channel Click Here, Your email address will not be published. The river on the Upper Shannon is mostly . Camping in Carrick. Fares vary by region and distance; purchase tickets with cash on the bus or use a Leap Card. Keshcarrigan is a village in County Leitrim, Ireland. A Shannon river cruise is a journey through the heart and history of Ireland. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The cheapest way to get from Roscommon to Carrick-on-Shannon costs only 9, and the quickest way takes just 35 mins. The Rathcroghan Complex (Crachan A) is a unique archaeological landscape with many references found in early Irish medieval manuscripts. A good location in the middle of the town where you could walk and take in the sights. Section 1 of the Shannon Blueway . If you start in Carrick-on-Shannon, you hire your cruiser from our marina there. Definitely stop your Pnichette here if youre looking for a bit of entertainment in the region. Lough Key Boats . If you want to explore the River Shannon, Carrickcraft has an extensive fleet of cruisers as well as two marinas along the River Shannon that make hiring a craft and getting out on the water as convenient as possible. IRELAND. There are three cruiser companies offering boats for hire from Carrick-on-Shannon with the widest choice of boats on the river. Depart from Carrick on Shannon and travel north west to the enchanting Lough Key. The trip up the river Shannon to Lough Key takes us along the Boyle river, one of the tributaries of the river Shannon. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Here are some of our favourites! N41 XA00 Leitrim explore the lakes and islands at a more leisurely pace. Along with being a practical place to start and finish your boating holiday, Banagher itself is a great place to pause the river travel and take in a new Irish town. By starting on the lakes eastern side, you can travel through Lough Key and then continue on through the whole length of the most famous river in Ireland. Intriguing castles, lakeside trails and endless blueways - the delights around Lough Allen are yours to uncover. We have all the usual facilities you expect at a Modern Marina. If you have never taken a cruise on the River Shannon, we have loads of useful information on our website to help you prepare. out vibe and stock up on supplies before heading north to Shannonbridge. This 6th-century abbey stands in partial ruins along the River Shannon, making it a sight that is easy to see not only on foot but from your Carrick on Shannon boat hire itself. Securing your Lough Erne cruiser hire during the same time as these competitions will add something special to your Lough Erne visit. Leave Carrick and head north towards Leitrim. Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim. Experience the history and tranquillity that Lough Key has to offer by spending an hour relaxing, meeting new people and simply just enjoying the lake and sights with Lough Key Boat Tours. Boating to the island and exploring McDermott Castle is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon out on Lough Key and is a strong landmark in local Irish history. Feel free to take advantage of your boat cruise to make a stopover in Ballinamore and take a stroll around the town. Youll find a calm, relaxing marina and you can visit Larkins pub, famous for its food and music. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If you would like to know more and discuss your requirements for a River Shannon cruise, please contact us, and we will be delighted to help you plan your Irish boating holiday. The town of Drumshanbo sits at the southernmost point of Lough Allen and is a great stop-off point for stretching your legs and visiting a well-preserved Irish town, complete with pubs, restaurants and jobs. But wait, theres more! There are currently travel restrictions within Ireland. A country suspended between the real and the imaginary, a land in which, more than any other place, fairy tales. Carrick-on-Shannon has a thriving night scene - especially at weekends. A few miles over the border, you will arrive at Lower Lough Erne; a lake system joined to Upper Lough Erne. Named after the Irish mythological figure named C, the Lough key lake is an area that harbours a heady mix of Irish folklore, unchanging tradition and a slow-paced way of life that is synonymous with western Ireland. The town is a hub of activity and has been for many years, being a major crossing of the river Shannon has only boosted this title. FOR 2x NIGHTS PACKAGE. As for the scenery, well, with lush green landscapes of rolling pastures, youll soon understand why Ireland is nicknamed The Emerald Isle. If you head northwards, you take the Upper Shannon towards Boyle, withits delightful little 12th-century Cistercian abbey, before reaching Leitrim. This eastern side is home to the perfect mooring sight near Lough Key Wood; one of many Lough Key marinas youll find scattered around the lake. scenery with sites of historical significance. Use our live availability search to find the ideal boat for your Irish boating holiday, and book online or contact us for advice and to book. Local Accommodation Boat hire in Carrick-on-Shannon is run by Locaboat, and you can choose from a number of different canal and riverboats to enjoy on your journey. Lough Key Forest Park is an 800-hectare park on the southern shore of Lough Key, 40 km south east of Sligo Town and 3 km east of Boyle, County Roscommon, in the Republic of . Use your cruise on Lough Key to explore the ruins of Macdermotts Castle, built on a small island right in the middle of the lough and only accessible by boat. Boat Tours and Boats for Hire The Walsh / McGreevy Family have been welcoming visitors to Lough Key since 1984 and have made some wonderful new friends ! A Guide to Canal Boat Holidays for Beginners. It is another one The River Shannon (Irish: Abhainn na Sionainne, an tSionainn, an tSionna), at 360.5 km (224 miles) in length, is the longest river in the British Isles. uncover the rich history of this beautiful landscape. The cheapest way to get from Carrick-on-Shannon to Lough Key Forest Park is to drive which costs $2-$4 and takes 12 min.