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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The village of Belturbert is a relaxed market town situated on the east bank of the river Erne midway between Lough Oughter and Upper Lough Erne and was originally the sole crossing point between the two lakes. This was once a thriving market town, second only to the countys' administrative capital, Cavan town. Market day was on Wednesday of each week, and local farmers and traders would bring their goods and produce to the town for trading. As a thriving market town, many skilled artisans plied their trade in Belturbet at the beginning of the twentieth century, such as jewellers, watchmakers, boat builders and furniture manufacturers. Some skills have been carried on through generations, and many craftspeople still work in and around Belturbet.

There was also a fair which took place on the first Thursday of every month at Fair Green, The Diamond, Holborn hill and Main Street. The fair was established by charter by Charles 1, and from that charter came the name 'Market Town'.

History

The history of Belturbet is dominated by the fact that it was the main market town for west Cavan and south Fermanagh. The charter that gave the town its standing allowed the local authorities to enact their own bye-laws without reference to national laws. One of the laws stated that no Catholic was allowed inside the town after sunset. It is reputed that any Catholic caught transgressing this law was brought to the 'Ducking Stool' at the river, and ducked repeatedly until they agreed to never again break the law. The ducking stool in question was used to load coal from carts onto barges for transport on the river.

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.