The waterways
Get to know the varied waterways of Ireland around the majestic Shannon-Erne Waterway and the unspoiled beauty of the pretty villages that lie between.
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The Waterways
The waterways of this varied region include the vast expanse of Ireland’s inland Sea, the Shannon-Erne Waterway, which runs from the pretty village of Belleek, renowned for its exquisite Parian China, on the northern edge of Lower Lough Erne; down through the centre of the island to the bustling town of Athlone, where you can pop into Athlone Castle and sample the wares from the Tea Room located above the old armaments store; before finally resting at the Christian heritage town of Killaloe on the banks of Lough Derg. The longest river on the island of Ireland and Great Britain, the Shannon will bring you on a magical journey where you can embrace the landscape’s exceptional beauty in all its glory.
Fascinating history
Ireland’s pleasure lake, Lough Derg, is framed by beautiful mountains and pretty little sheltered bays and inlets, but it is probably equally well-known as one of the oldest pilgramage sites in the world, with thousands making the trip to this magical place every year. These days, though, rather than associating this glassy Lough with penance and purgatory, pilgrims now find it a haven of peace and tranquility. Its shallow waters are perfect for paddling, while edging out to deeper waters the surface is sometimes so mirror calm it offers you a glimpse of the landscape in its reflection.
Winding your way down the waterways
There are several routes you can follow along the waterways, including Carrick-on-Shannon to Tarmonbarry with its charming villages and ancient monuments; the unspoiled and remote Lough Ree, which boasts some very beautiful islands; Lough Key, which is reputed to be the most beautiful lough on the Shannon System, and the equally majestic Lough Allen.The Mid-Shannon region, meanwhile, is bestowed with historical stops and ancient fords, the mysterious and undiscovered River Erne and, of course, Lough Erne. Comprising two loughs – Upper and Lower Lough Erne – the area is one of the most beautiful in the country with plentiful panoramic vistas to treat the eye, and the loughs boast fascinating little islands that are ripe for exploring
