BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland

Subject: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: Amos
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 12:32 PM

The Missus and I are contemplating taking a week to longboat (canalboat) through parts of IReland. We are considering the Shannon, but we might prefer starting closer to Dublin, assuming we would land there from US. Or something else--we are neophytes at this.

Anyone have recommendations of dealers who let boats, or routes, sights and sites, and places where they won't shoot you for singing on deck as you drift by? :D

Who should we talk to to make a great vacation out of this?


A

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: MartinRyan
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 12:47 PM

The Shannon is the main focus of inland boating holidays in Ireland, particularly since it is now possible to connect through to the Erne waterway in the North. Lots of hire companies in the business. Narrowboats/barges not really suitable due to the open water of the main lakes, essentially.

Both the Royal Canal (...All along the banks of...) and Grand canal are, officially, open to navigation from Dublin to the Shannon but have little tourist trade except in one or two areas (Health warning: AS FAR AS I KNOW!).

There is some traffic on the Barrow (South East of the Republic).

The best source of info on inland cruising in Ireland is the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland, a voluntary body of enthusiasts. I'll post some links if I can find them

Regards
p.s. I lived in Athlone - near the mid point of the Shannon's course - for many years and sailed dinghies/small yachts there.

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: MartinRyan
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 01:40 PM

Inland Waterways Association of Ireland

Regards

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: MartinRyan
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 01:44 PM

p.s.

Be prepared to be shocked by hire prices - unless things have changed dramatically in recent years!

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: MartinRyan
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 07:20 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 12:42 PM

Amos, do you have Scandinavian ancestors? :-)
A Longboat is what the Vikings used when they went out a-rapin' and a-pillagin'.
What you're planning to spend your holiday on is a Narrowboat, a whole different thing! :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 12:25 PM

I suggest we wait until after we have heard the Travel Journal for the trip before we start correcting Amos's naming of the boat. ;-)
Quack!
Geoff the Duck. (We know about wet things...)

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: PoppaGator
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 05:14 PM

Amos, as you may or may not realize, the international airport at Shannon (near Limerick) is just about as large and busy and accessible to flights from the states as is Dublin.

Also, you could fly into one of the two airports, travel across Ireland, and begin your trip home at the other. That's how we managed our one and only transatlantic trip a few years back.

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: MartinRyan
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 08:19 PM

I think the main hire companies do routine pickups from both airports, if necessary.

Regards

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: Allan C.
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 09:20 AM

Perhaps you could begin in Dublin and take a tour bus one way to the Shannon area and then do a boat tour. Two years ago Carmen and I stayed at a room in O'Donohues Pub while in Dublin. It is just a half block off St. Stephens Green. The room, although somewhat small, was adequate and well priced. We chose O'Donohues because of its nightly music and proximity to the Green (which is also adjacent to the pedestrian walkway that leads through the shopping district. Tour buses can be boarded at the Green. There is also a nice pub on the next corner away from the Green from O'Donohues where live music can be found. (Upstairs is a rather nice restaurant also.) Many famous sites are within easy walking distance. The only down side I found was that the famous Temple Bar was a very long walk away. If you PM me I would be pleased to share some other info and perhaps offer some photos.

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: GUEST,Paul Burke
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 02:58 PM

There's no reason to use a narrowboat in Ireland, as the canals are all broad. Unless there's a huge difference in cost, get a cruiser or a penichette. Narrow boats are not native to Ireland and they can get very cramped, especially on the off chance it rains.

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: MartinRyan
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 03:04 PM

Rain? In Ireland? Never....!

Regards

p.s. What's a penichette, please?

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: GUEST,Paul Burke
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 03:45 PM

Une p'tite peniche bien entendu. canal boat French- style.

Subject: RE: BS: Advice sought--longboating in Ireland
From: MartinRyan
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 07:50 PM

Thank you.

Narrowboats are occasionally seen in Ireland (particularly on the Barrow) but the main barges seen are conversions from old cargo barges. There were a couple of rather luxurious jobs operating as hotel-barges in my days - not sure if they still exist. Most are privately owned.

Regards