August is rarely a wicked month in Ireland - it often passes for high summer, as we know it! It's peak holiday period so early booking advisable - and some harbour/berthage areas will fill up early in the day.

Both "river stretches" - Portumna to Athlone and Lanesboro through to Lough Erne are interesting, tranquil areas, usually. For geological reasons, Lough Derg is a more interesting cruising ground than Lough Ree, with lots of small, safe harbours. Lough Ree is more restricted with few accessible refuges. If you start from Athlone and head north , take good advice from the hire companies - or call into Sean's Bar in Athlone where a lot of the boat-people hang out! You might even catch some music, there!

Currents are rarely a problem in high summer - shortage of water is more likely. That said, the water levels are to some extent controlled for hydroelectric purposes - your hire company should advise.

Regards.