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Where to hire a boat in Ireland

HOSEASONS PRICE MATCH GUARANTEE

There are three main inland waterways where you can hire a boat in Ireland . Lough Erne which is mainly in Northern Ireland or Ulster, The River Shannon and Lough Derg in Southern Ireland or Eire. All three hire centres are in Southern Ireland (Eire) so don’t forget your passport!

Lough Erne boat hire is available at the Belturbet boat hire centre. More Info ...

Shannon River boat hire is available the Carrick-on-Shannon boat hire centre. More Info ...

Lough Derg boat hire is available the Portumna boat hire centre. More Info ...

Boat hire in Ireland is available through UK operators or booking agents like Hoseasons. Who have all three venues covered. Through Emerald Star boat hire. They have cruiser type boats from 2 berths right through to 10 berths - (8 fixed). Only the smaller boats can navigate the Lough Allen canal and the ‘Royal Star’ a 6 berth can not navigate the Shannon-Erne Waterway either.

You do not need any licensing or previous experience to become the helmsman of any of the boats on hire mentioned in this section. It is very easy to manoeuvre any of the boats even the largest. You will be shown an information video and one of the instructors will give you and your crew a full briefing.

You may wish to take out Collision Damage Waiver Insurance at the time you collect your boat. The receptionists will advise you when you arrive and pay your security deposit.

You will only want to cruise 4 or 5 hours a day. There are moorings and easily accessible landing stages (close to local pubs!)

If you book a cruise with Hoseasons you will be sent a ‘Captain’s Handbook’ with your booking confirmation. You shouldl also have access to large scale maps and information on board your craft.

If by any chance anything at all goes wrong with the boat whilst it is out on hire to you – you have a company mobile phone on board and there is immediate technical assistance available.

The boats are fully equipped – have hot and cold running water, showers and flush toilets. All have fitted galley kitchens with refrigerator, cooker, oven and grill. There is also a 12volt charger socket for mobile phones etc. So don’t forget to take any leads you need. All bedding and towels are supplied. So is a dinghy (outboards are available to hire! as are bikes)

There is a full fuel load - enough for about 25hours of cruising, a full tank of water – that will need replenishing periodically from water points along your route. There is also enough propane cooking gas for your entire cruise.

You will have to pay navigation fees to use the locks - average Euro 1.50 at each lock.

You may use your fishing rods on board. You will, however, need to comply with local fishing regulations.

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