Boating holidays in Ireland have become very popular in recent years. People and as the global financial crisis bites harder, and more than rest of Great Britain are traveling shorter distances away from home during your vacation. Ireland was part of that thought perfectly.

The Emerald Isle has courses and rivers to rival the best in Europe, or even worldwide. From the very popular and well known of the River Shannon and Erne, to the least known of Ballyconnell Canal and Lough Ree, there is something for everyone.

The River Shannon is the main river in Ireland, and not surprisingly, most boating holiday in Ireland to have at least a part of this waterway. A 240 mile long Shannon is the longest river in Ireland, out to sea west of Limerick city on the estuary of Shannon.

The River Shannon has three large lakes along its course. These are Lough Ree, Lough Derg and Lough Allen. There are many excellent opportunities for sailing in all these lakes. In all of the great river network in Ireland, many of which dominates the west of Ireland, there are about 500 miles of navigable rivers, canals and lakes.

Of course, using extensive waterways in Ireland is nothing new. Trade and commerce has focused on the waterways as a means of moving products over centuries. The enemies of Ireland have also used the rivers and lakes on the occasion. In 937 the Vikings based in Limerick fought with the Vikings in Dublin when met in Lough Ree.

There is also a network of canals that many of the Boating Holidays in Ireland to good use. Shannon and Erne rivers are related with a channel, and the River Shannon is linked by canal to Dublin. One of the most popular channels including the Newry Canal, Grand Canal, Royal Canal and the Canal of Ulster.

The lakes, Loughs, Ireland can be very satisfying places to explore. They all have their own peculiarities and special charm, and no two are alike. Lough Key, for example, is an excellent river to explore if you like islands. The lake is dotted with small islands, especially near its eastern and western coasts. In the along the northern shore of Lough Key is Curlew mountains, which seem more than they really are.

Lough Ree, located just around the central point Ireland also has its share of small islands. One of the largest lakes in Ireland. It is about 20 kilometers long and extends six miles and fourth in its widest point. Lough Allen, by contrast, is almost free of the island, but has the majestic mountain of iron, or Sliabh an Iarainn, dominating the southeast area. If you needs a break from cruising through the canals, this is an excellent mountain walking.

Boating holidays in Ireland can be as varied as you wish it to be. You can choose a large cruise ship, a barge Nichetto © PA or a traditional narrow boat suitable for exploring the canals and navigation systems more closely. Whatever the size of the boat you choose, one things is certain, you will discover some hidden secrets of Ireland, and was surprised how green of the Emerald Isle it really is.

David A Robinson
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