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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Belleek has undergone many changes in its history. It has earned worldwide recognition for the craftsmanship produced by Belleek pottery, and has many craft workshops where the fruits of local artisans may be viewed and purchased. The area is steeped in history, with sites dating from early pagan times to castles and forts from early Christian through to the present day. There are also many areas of breathtaking scenery to visit around Belleek, such as Knather wood and Breezy Mountain (see the activites page for Belleek).

The countryside surrounding Belleek had been home to generations of family farmers, breeding cattle and sheep, and cutting turf. There is a multitude of native flora, changing colours with the seasons to create some breathtaking scenic views. There are also many protected bird species in the area, such as kingfishers, kestrel, sparrow-hawk and peregrine.

Belleek and the surrounding areas provide facilities for a wide range of pastimes and interests. The village of Garrison provides lake fishing, as well as sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, While 18 hole golf courses are available at nearby at Bundoran and Murvagh.

History

Long before Edward Blennerhasset founded the village of Belleek in 1610, it was recognised as a strategic position - it is said that the mythical Fionn MacCumhaill's men sharpened their swords on a limestone rock on Belleek falls. The area also had a Norman castle in 1212, stronghold of Hugh Maguire, Chieftain of Fermanagh.

The river Erne has changed a great deal since those times. In 1866, 1.2 million tons of rock was blasted from Belleek falls, and the river has under gone great changes as it was adapted for river transport and power generation. The introduction of sluice gates at the pottery allowed river craft to travel from Belleek to Cavan, and goods from surrounding areas were brought to Belleek for river and lake transport.

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.