Breaks, holidays and vacations in on the Shannon river, Ireland
Pubs, Restaurants, Accommodation, Activities, Tourism and tourist Amenities.

Boat Hire and Travel Guide to the Shannon River in Ireland.

Boat Hire
All of the cruisers available for hire on the Shannon River in Ireland
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How long to get to...
Approximate cruising times to help you plan your cruise
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Gallery

Photos sent by past clients to help get you in the mood
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Cruising FAQ
Everything you need to know about hiring a cruiser - don't be afraid to ask!
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Ballinamore is a thriving rural centre situated at the foot of Sliabh an Iarann in county Leitrim. The Gaelic translation of Sliabh an Iarann is 'Iron Mountain' as Iron was once mined from the slope of the mountain. Irish folklore has a different account of how the mountain got its name. According to the legend, the use of iron was discovered on the iron mountain by Tuatha De Denann, a mythical race reputed to have invaded Ireland pre historic times. They used the iron from the mountain to create spears that they used to defeat the Foromorians at the battle of Magh Tuiredh.

Ballinamore has a population of over 800 people, and has an adequate supply of hostelries and entertainment, as well as churches, banks and all the facilities associated with a town of its size.

History

Ballinamore means 'Mouth of the big ford', as it was the main crossing point on the Yellow river, now known as the Shannon-Erne waterway. The canalised river that leads from the river Shannon at Leitrim village to the Erne river at Belturbet was originally built as a famine relief project between 1845 and 1860. The project was a failure in the 19th century, but has since reopened as part of the navigable inland waterways of Ireland.

This travel guide is available free of charge due to the travel agents commission taken on boat hire services on the river. Feel free to browse the site at your leisure - all we ask is that if you are taking a boating holiday on the Shannon, you book it through the Shannon River web site.