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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Ballyconnell is located 11km west of Belturbet, close to the Fermanagh border and at the foot of Slieve Russell mountain. It has a wide range of amenities, and is a well known coarse fishing centre. This lovely town has won the national tidy towns competition twice, a remarkable achievement by any standards. The 17th century Church of Ireland is surrounded by earthen fortifications, and there are two diamond shaped redoubts dating from the war between James II and William of Orange in 1689.

Down river from the town is Lough Garadice, a jewel in the waterway dotted with wooded islands well known for fishing. There are also four smaller lakes, Derrycassan, Coologe, Ballymagauran and Woodford.

History

The town is named after Conal Cearnach, (Conal the Victorious), a central figure in many pagan iron age tales. He was killed here in by the men of Connaught in vengeance for the death of their king, reputedly in the 1st century BC. The Killycluggin stone is said to be from the same period, and lies 5km from the town. It is carved with La Tene patterns and may have been used to inaugutate the kings of the time.

There is an ancient pagan cult-centre about 6km from the town, where many sacrifices are said to have take place. St. Patrick reputedly came here inn 432AD and cast down the sacrificial stones. The area is known as Magh Sleacht (The plain of slaughter).

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.