Frequently Asked Questions
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 - four weeks in the case of Emerald Star. Prices for short breaks vary from company to company - please contact us for a quote.
How do I plan my holiday?
At Shannon River we provide a complete service to help you plan your river cruise. We have information on every town and village on the Shannon and Erne in our travel guide and approximate cruising times to help you plan your days. We also have an interactive map with information on the towns, villages and cruising companies. Our advice at Shannon River is to make a plan and if you stick to it, that's good. If you don't stick to it, that's good too!
What's the minimum age to hire a cruiser?
The minimum age varies from company to company from 18 to 21 - some companies will allow persons of 18 only with written parental consent.
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 two barge companies that operate all year round.
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 €54 and €65 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.
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 VCRs.
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. 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 14 - April 3 : 9:00 to 18:30 on weekdays, and 10:30 to 16:00 at weekends
April 4 - September 25 : 9:00 to 20:30 on weekdays, and 9:00 to 18:00 at weekends
September 26 - Nov 1 : 9:00 to 19:30 on weekdays, and 10:00 to 16:00 at weekends
Nov 2 - March 13 : 9:00 to 12:30 on weekdays, and 10:00 to 12:30 at weekends
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 €50 - €100 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.
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.
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