Explore Ireland by houseboat? Why not? Ireland is known for its breathtaking landscapes, deep-rooted culture, and lush green hues. While most vacationers travel the country by car or camper/caravan (like us), the island can also be explored from the water.

We spent almost a week traveling with Julia and Paddy from the travel blog “Globusliebe” in a houseboat on the Shannon River in Ireland. Ireland’s longest river winds its 370 km gently through the country and offers a great opportunity to get to know the “other side” of the island.

And the most important thing right away: You don’t need a driver’s license to rent a houseboat in Ireland. Cool, right? Join us through the island’s “hidden heartlands” and learn everything about houseboats in Ireland. Have fun browsing!

• Ireland Podcast
• General information about the Shannon River
• Requirements for a houseboat holiday in Ireland
• Best time to travel for a houseboat holiday
• Our houseboat for Ireland
• How do you get to the houseboat?
• Costs for a houseboat in Ireland
• Our route and duration
• Activities in the area
• Driving the houseboat
• Moorings along the Shannon
• Fueling the houseboat
• Shopping & food
• Packing list for the houseboat in Ireland
• Conclusion of our trip

Ireland Podcast

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General information about the Shannon River

The Shannon River is not only the longest river in Ireland, but also a major landmark of the country. With a length of around 370 kilometers, it crosses almost the entire island from north to south (220 km can be navigated by houseboat). It rises in County Cavan and flows into the Atlantic near Limerick. Its waterways have been a lifeline for trade, culture, and history for centuries.

The Shannon flows through some of Ireland’s most idyllic landscapes, past small villages, green meadows, and historic sites. Many travelers on the Shannon also visit the large lakes such as Lough Ree and Lough Derg, which are connected to the river. These areas are especially popular with nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, anglers, and those seeking peace and quiet.

Requirements for a houseboat holiday in Ireland

Exploring Ireland by houseboat is easier than you might think. You don’t need a driver’s license or special license, nor any previous boating experience. Most operators provide comprehensive instruction before departure, where you’ll learn how to steer the boat, navigate locks, and follow safety rules.

A certain degree of flexibility and patience is essential, however, as the weather in Ireland can be unpredictable. Rain is often a factor, but with the right equipment—waterproof clothing and a good mood—this won’t be a problem. You shouldn’t mind if the boat occasionally rocks a little due to the waves on the lake.

Best Time for a Houseboat Holiday

Generally, the most pleasant weather conditions are from May to September, with mild temperatures and longer daylight hours. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t rain occasionally. The months of August and September, in particular, are wetter. We had four days of rain and only two days of sunshine at the beginning of September. You can’t influence the weather, so you just have to have a bit of luck.

Popular travel months in Ireland are May and June, as the weather is generally dry. Temperatures are around 12–18°C, and there are fewer tourists, so the waterways are often quieter. In midsummer (July & August), the highest temperatures (16–22°C) await you. However, this is also the peak travel season, which can lead to more activity on the water.

A few rain showers are always possible in Ireland, but the summer months often offer stable weather conditions. In early autumn (September), temperatures remain mild according to climate charts, and the weather can continue to be pleasant. Then the high season begins to slowly decline, allowing you to explore the rivers and lakes in a somewhat quieter atmosphere.

Our houseboat for Ireland

There are various providers who rent houseboats for trips on the Shannon River and other waterways in Ireland. The most popular include:

• Le Boat / Emerald Star
• Silverline Cruisers
• Carrickcraft

Houseboats in Ireland vary in size and amenities. We had the boat “Kilkenny” from Carrickcraft. The boat accommodates four people and has two small sleeping cabins, two bathrooms with toilets and showers, a very well-equipped kitchen, and a lounge area with a table and seating area – which can be converted into another bed.

On board upon arrival were a large towel per person, as well as sheets, a pillow, and a blanket with a cover, a small towel per bathroom for drying hands, as well as dish soap, a sponge, two towels, and a cloth in the kitchen. We really liked the boat in terms of space, layout, and steering.

Another plus point: Since the start of the 2014 season, all 240 boats in the fleet have been using a new, environmentally friendly fuel called “Sustainable HVO.” This fuel reduces CO2 emissions by 92% (from 1,340,000 kg CO2 to just 107,200 kg CO2).

What we didn’t like:

Our boat was very rustic and functional furnished. The sleeping cabins were quite narrow, and the sleeping area was relatively small and hard. At night, it usually got cold and damp in the cabins, which also made clothes and bedding a bit damp. We could have used the heating, but only for about an hour overnight. Alternatively, we would have had to leave the engine running.

The only power supply on board comes from a 12-volt cigarette socket, like the one you’d find in a car. Fortunately, the rental company gave us two adapters so we could alternate between charging our cell phones, drones, and batteries. We could only charge our laptops with low power while driving. However, since most vacationers probably don’t have laptops or drones with them, this topic probably isn’t relevant for everyone.

The lighting concept on board is also functional rather than cozy. The light from the lamps is very bright and cold. We actually bought a 3-meter-long string of lights from the nearest Aldi, which created a warm glow on board. We highly recommend it, even if it might sound a bit ridiculous.

Unfortunately, there was no covered seating area or comfortable cushions up on the deck. In general, we would have preferred more comfort, especially since we spent a lot of time on board due to the bad weather. If you are interested in a houseboat, take a look at the provider’s other models.

How do I get to the houseboat?

There are 3 stations in Ireland from which you can start your houseboat trip with Carrickcraft: Carrick-on-Shannon, Banagher, and Bellanaleck. You can either rent a taxi yourself (approx. €250 one way) or book a transfer through your houseboat provider.

With Carrickcraft, the transfer (approx. 1.5 – 2 hours) from Dublin Airport to Banagher costs €55 per person (€100 round trip). An alternative would be to take public transport, but you should allow at least 4 to 5 hours for this.

Costs of a houseboat in Ireland

Rental prices vary depending on the season, boat type, and rental period. On average, the cost for a week is between €1,500 and €3,500. Additional costs include fuel, final cleaning, and insurance. Be sure to check the contract terms in detail. Costs for meals and leisure activities are also added at the end.

If you’re traveling with family and friends, you can easily split the costs. We generally recommend traveling with several people. This makes navigating through the locks, among other things, much easier. It’s also much more sociable, and you can divide the tasks among yourselves.

Example: Our boat Kilkenny costs from €1,294 per week (prices vary depending on the time of travel and duration). The final cleaning of the boat is charged at €60. Insurance for accidental damage and third-party liability is included in the rental price. A security deposit of €1,500 must be paid upon pick-up. For a fee of €130, you can reduce the deposit to €175.

For a week with 4 people in September, you should expect to pay at least €800 per person (houseboat, shopping, restaurants & transfer). Please note: With Carrickcraft, the minimum rental period is 3 nights.

Our route and duration

The most popular routes for houseboat trips in Ireland lead along the Shannon River, including Lough Ree and Lough Derg. The routes offer picturesque landscapes, historical sights, and small villages where you can stop. The northern section also features Athlone, the largest city along the river.

We had our houseboat from Monday (arrival) to Saturday (departure), although we were only on the river from Tuesday to Friday. The duration of the trip was perfect for us. We explored the southern part of the Shannon River between Banagher and Scarriff.

Our houseboat route in Ireland:

• 1 night in Banagher
• 1 night in Portumna
• 1 night in Scarriff (stopover in Mountshannon)
• 1 night in Terryglass (stopover in Garrykennedy)
• 1 night in Banagher

This route took us past small villages, some historical sites, and a beautiful green hilly landscape around Lough Derg. We particularly enjoyed the trips through the narrow canals. We limited the travel time to three to four hours, so we still had time to explore the area or relax below deck.

IMPORTANT! Don’t expect any gigantic sights or large cities, as there are none on this route. Slowing down and relaxation are clearly the priority here. When the weather is good, you can enjoy the sun, the water, and nature. If it should rain, it’s best to get the board games, puzzle books and books out of your suitcase.

Activities in the area

There are several activities you can enjoy during your trip around the Shannon River. These include kayaking, fishing, hiking, water sports, cycling, and even golf. Derg Isle Adventure and Lough Derg Watersports, among others, offer great activities.

We booked 4 additional bicycles for our houseboat trip, which allowed us to explore the area flexibly. By the way, you can also book a small dinghy for fishing with Carrickcraft.

A few spots along the route:

Banagher: A traditional Irish village with a friendly atmosphere, pubs, and beautiful views of the river from the bridge. A good starting and ending point for the trip.

Portumna Castle: A stately home with beautiful gardens and a history dating back to the 17th century. Entrance fee: €5 per person. We also cycled through Portumna Forest Park.

⛵️ Lough Derg: A large lake known for its picturesque surroundings and outdoor activities such as fishing and sailing. We crossed this lake and its small islands completely.

Canal towards Scarriff: A beautiful, narrow canal, somewhat reminiscent of the Amazon. At the end, there’s a quiet little harbor for mooring.

Terryglass: A small village with the cool pub “Paddy’s Bar” and the top restaurant “The Derg Inn Terryglass.” Great atmosphere, delicious food, and a super friendly team.

Driving a Houseboat

Upon arrival, we received an introduction to the boat, as well as helpful tips during a short test drive. This introduction usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Since Paddy completed Carrickcraft’s online course before the trip and is already familiar with this type of boat, the introduction only took 40 minutes for us.

Houseboats are often larger and less maneuverable than other watercraft. Such boats also often have a longer reaction time. Steering movements are therefore somewhat delayed. At first, you may find yourself driving in a zigzag pattern until you get the hang of it. Overall, the guys said driving the boat wasn’t particularly difficult.

Marco and Paddy steered the boat throughout the week. You can steer the boat up on deck or down in the saloon, which is especially advantageous in rain and strong winds. Riding a houseboat requires teamwork and it is advisable to assign each member a specific task before departure.

Example:

• Person 1 steers the houseboat
• Persons 2 and 3 secure the boat with ropes at ports and locks
• Person 4 fills up water, disposes of rubbish, etc.

Moorings along the Shannon

There are numerous moorings along the Shannon River. At the start of the trip, we received a comprehensive guide with all the information about moorings, locks, shops, pubs, bridges, etc. The moorings on site offer varying levels of amenities and equipment. However, most harbors have toilets, showers, electricity, and water.

Since we were traveling outside of peak season, we had no trouble finding a place to stay overnight. Peak season is naturally busier. We’ve heard that you can moor your boat to another boat if there’s not enough space in the harbor. But be sure to ask for permission again. We also thought it was really cool that you don’t have to pay for most of the spots.

Our berths:

• 2 nights in Banagher (toilets, showers, water)
• 1 night in Portumna (toilets, showers, electricity, water, wastewater pump)
• 1 night in Scarriff (toilets, showers, electricity, water, wastewater pump)
• 1 night in Terryglass (toilets, showers, electricity, water, garbage disposal)

Smart Card

Important to know: Most showers, toilets, and pump-out stations at the harbors can only be used with the so-called “smart card.” You can get this on-site from your houseboat provider. The card can be loaded with 10 units for €6.35 or 20 units for €12.70. These units are then used to pay for the services. You can find all sales outlets here: Smart Card Providers.

• Shower (2 units)
• Washing machine (5 units)
• Drain (2 units)
• Toilets (0 units)
• Empty toilet (2 units)
• Electricity 2 kWh (1 unit)
• Lock (1 unit)

Usage: For the toilets or showers, it works as follows: Insert the card into the device in front of the door and wait. Only remove it when prompted to do so on the display. Then you will hear a loud beep and the door will open. The shower can then be used for approximately 10 minutes.

Fueling the houseboat

The houseboat was filled with fuel before our departure, and according to the provider, we could have cruised for 60 to 80 hours. We only cruised for approximately 16 hours during the week.

If you are planning a longer trip, you will find information about gas stations on the waterways in the on-board guide. The houseboat will be refueled upon return, and you will be billed for the fuel costs.

On average, a boat with two berths consumes approximately 3.5 liters per hour, and a boat with four berths consumes 5 liters per hour. and a boat with 6 sleeping places uses about 7 liters per hour.

Shopping & Food

We thought the shopping service at Carrickcraft was really cool. We were able to fill out a list in advance with all the groceries we wanted for our trip. These were then delivered to our boat upon arrival. In Banagher, we were able to pick up the last few groceries at the supermarket.

Generally, you can do your bulk shopping for your trip yourself on site. You can usually find smaller mini-markets or larger shops in the towns along the river. In addition, almost every town has at least one pub where you can eat delicious and inexpensive food.

The on-board navigation guide shows you exactly where you can find a pub, restaurant, ATM, shop, or supermarket. And another tip: In the harbor of Banagher, you will find a small table near the toilets and showers with items and groceries that other guests have brought with them. of their trip there. Here you can help yourself freely and completely free of charge.

Restaurant and pub recommendations:

• Flynn’s Bar & Restaurant in Banagher
• Paddy’s Bar in Terryglass
• Nuala’s Bar & Restaurant in Scarriff
• The Derg Inn Restaurant in Terryglass

Packing list for the houseboat in Ireland

The packing list for a houseboat holiday is similar to the packing list for a camper trip. We’ve listed the most important things you definitely shouldn’t forget.

• Waterproof and windproof clothing (rain jacket, water-repellent trousers)
• Warm clothing (it can get cold on board)
• Slippers/clogs/flip-flops for in-between wear and for the toilet/shower
• Swimsuit & towel (preferably quick-drying)
• Headwear (cap & hat) and sunglasses
• Sunscreen & mosquito repellent
• Games for bad weather days (e.g., Cabo*, The Mind*, Wizzard*, Scout*)
• Power adapter for Ireland*
• Power bank* for charging your cell phones in between
• Garbage bags (best bought locally at the supermarket)
• Fairy lights (makes the atmosphere on board much more cozy)
• Binoculars (you can even get them from the local provider)

Conclusion of our trip

Exploring Ireland by houseboat is definitely an adventure in itself. However, our houseboat trip on the Shannon River also demanded a lot from us in terms of the Irish weather. The constant rain often made the trip less relaxing and comfortable than we would have liked.

But despite the weather, we also had some really beautiful moments. The few sunny days showed us the idyllic landscape along the Shannon River and offered a refreshing contrast to the gray rain clouds. On our next trip, we would We’ll choose a more comfortable boat and explore the northern part of the Shannon.

We recommend a houseboat trip as a complement to a tour of Ireland. If you have some time left, you can add a few days and explore Ireland from the water.