Do I need experience at handling a boat?
No. All of the cruiser companies we represent provide full tuition when you first take the boat, and will stick at it until you're happy that you can handle the boat.
Do I need a licence to drive a boat on the Shannon River?
No. At present no license is necessary to drive a boat on the river.
Can I hire a boat for less than a week?
Yes. Most (but not all) of the companies will let a boat for a period of three or four nights. These short breaks are subject to availability and usually can't be booked until two weeks before the cruise is due to begin but some of the larger companies are more flexible. Prices for short breaks vary from company to company - please contact us for a quote.
What's the minimum age to hire a cruiser?
The minimum age varies to hire a cruiser 21.
Can I take a pet on board?
Yes, but your choice of boat is severely limited by taking a pet on board as most of the cruiser companies don't allow it. Those that do allow pets will charge a fee of €50-€70 per pet.
What are the collection and return times?
Seven nights is really six and a half days as the boat can be collected from 16:00 and must be
returned by 09:00 on the last day. For short breaks most companies will allow a 14:00 collection.
Can I hire a boat at any time of year?
Yes. Although all of the cruiser companies operate from March to October only, we represent one barge company that operate all year round.
What are the payment terms?
Payment terms with all of the cruiser companies is 33% of the boat hire fee to confirm the booking and the balance is paid six weeks before the cruise is due to begin. For short breaks the full hire fee is required to confirm the booking.
How do I Pay?
At Shannon River we can take payment by credit card, bank transfer or cheque - cheque payments should be made at least six weeks before the cruise is due to begin. You can send your card details with the booking form that we send, or we can take it over the phone. Our bank details are available on the booking form.
Are there any hidden costs?
Two costs to bear in mind is the refundable damage deposit and fuel. Refundable damage deposits vary from €350 to €1500 depending on the boat and are paid directly to the cruiser company when you arrive using cash or a credit card. The damage deposit is fully refunded when the boat is returned undamaged. Many companies offer a damage waiver instead of the deposit - this is a smaller amount than the deposit but is not refundable. The main difference between the two is that the amount you pay is the maxumum amount you're liable for should the boat be damaged. You'll find more information with the listing for each boat. Fuel averages at €100 - €150 per week, depending on how much cruising you do, and is paid for at the end of your cruise.
Are the boats insured?
The boats are fully insured against damage, although there is an excess with each boat equal to the refundable damage deposit. Please note that your belongings are not insured and you may need to take separate travel insurance for these items.
Do I need a fishing license?
It's recommended that you buy a license for a nominal fee if fishing in the Shannon - these are usually available from the cruiser company. A license is required to fish on the Erne. Please note that live bait is not allowed on the boat at any time.
How do I get to the marina?
All of the companies that we represent provide a transfer service from Major airports to their marinas. Shared transfers take passengers from several flights and take them to marinas on the river, and these cost between €65 and €80 per person for the round trip (airport-marina-airport), and one way transfer are available for approximately half the price. More information on prices for transfers is available on each company page (go to the map page and click on the name of the hire company). Shared transfers are available on Saturday for most companies, and Wednesday or Friday may also be available depending on the time of year and the company in question. Private transfers are also available, prices on request.
What's on the boat?
Everything that you need to live on board is provided on the boat. Fresh bed-linen and towels, all cutlery and crockery, cooking utensils etc. Every boat has at least one bathroom with shower, and from four berth up most will have two or more. There is a fully functional galley on board with a small cooker and oven/grill and a small fridge.
Is there electricity on the boat?
All of the boats have 12v cigarette lighter sockets for charging mobile phones or laptops,
although you'll need to bring your own adaptor. Some of the larger boats have limited 220v
outlets, and some have special low-voltage hairdryers, televisions and DVD players.
Are life jackets and safety equipment provided?
Life jackets are provided for crew members of all ages, and the marina staff will be happy to fit
life jackets to children. Fire safety equipment is also on board - fire extinguishers and fire blankets.
All of the boats have 12v cigarette lighter sockets for charging mobile phones or laptops, although you'll need to bring your own adaptor. Some of the larger boats have limited 220v outlets, and some have special low-voltage hairdryers, televisions and DVD players.
How fast do the boats go?
Not very fast. The idea of a Shannon River cruise is to relax and unwind, and most of the boats have a maximum speed of about 10 knots.
What do I need to take with me?
All of the cruisers are fully equipped with everything you need to live on board - bed linen, towels, soap, toilet paper, a fully equipped galley with cooker and hob, all crockery and cutlery, a fridge. Life jackets are available for adults and children and fire extinguisher(s) and a first-aid-kit are on board. Most of the companies will supply a torch, binoculars and a dinghy. One thing we always recommend at Shannon River is that you take some extra towels if possible. You will of course have to provide your own food and drinks and optional recommended items include rubber-soled shoes for grip and soft luggage that stores easily (although most of the companies will store hard luggage for you on request).
Do I have to pay to moor the boat?
Although there are some private marinas that charge for mooring, there's free mooring at every town and village on the length of the Shannon and Erne waterways.
There's a charge to moor at Athlone and this mooring is supervised. At busy times it's acceptable practise to moor alongside another boat if there are no free spaces.
What about Locks?
Your cruiser company will supply information on how to operate any locks that you come across. There are 16 locks on the Shannon Erne Waterway, all of which are automatic, and you will need a swipe card to use these locks. Swipe cards are available from your cruiser company, as well as from many shops along the waterway. These swipe cards can also be used to access facilities at harbours along the river, such as showers or laundry.
Locks on the River Shannon are operated by lock keepers, and cost €1.30 to pass through. The opening hours for the locks are:
March to Early April: 9:00 to 18:30 on weekdays, and 10:30 to 16:00 at weekends
Early April to late September: 9:00 to 20:30 on weekdays, and 9:00 to 18:00 at weekends
Late September to early November: 9:00 to 19:30 on weekdays, and 10:00 to 16:00 at weekends
Early November to March: 9:00 to 12:30 on weekdays, and 10:00 to 12:30 at weekends