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
Click for more...

How long to get to...
Approximate cruising times to help you plan your cruise
Click for more...

Gallery

Photos sent by past clients to help get you in the mood
Click for more...

Cruising FAQ
Everything you need to know about hiring a cruiser - don't be afraid to ask!
Click for more...

Situated in the heart of county Leitrim, this busy village is at the foot of Slieve Anierin (the iron mountain) and the Arigna Mountains. The population of over 700 people make this a friendly town on the banks of Lough Allen, and it is known as an angling resort. Nearby Acres lake provides pleasant surroundings and amenities.

The area is surrounded by scenic woodland, and is easily accessible by boat, road or rail. An annual festival known as 'An Tostal' is held annually in the village, with an emphasis on Irish traditional music.

History

Evidence of a bronze age community was found on O'Reilly's Island in Lough Allen, when the lowering water level revealed evidence of an ancient bridge to the island. Bronze swords and dugout canoes were among the artifacts discovered here. There are remains of some monastic buildings and an ancient frontier earthenwork near rhe village of Dowra.

The Lough Allen canal was originally built to take coal mine from the Arigna mountains down to Dublin via the Royal canal, but was unsuccessful because the coal was more expensive than imported coal, and also due to the completion of the narrow gaouge railway in the area. In the 1920's, Lough Allen was converted to a reservoir, which led to great fluctuations in the level of the surrounding waterways.

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.