As an island nation Ireland is uniquely attractive for boating and sailing holidays.
River Boating in Ireland
Ireland is subdivided by water. The Shannon system is an interconnecting series of rivers, lakes and canals which bisect the country longitudinally along the line of the longest river in the British Isles. To the east, the River Shannon is twice connected with Dublin by the Royal and Grand Canals, while a further canal system along the River Barrow to the south connects the Grand Canal with the ports of New Ross and Waterford, and with the open sea. Further northwards, the Ballinamore and Ballyconnell Canal passes though the hills of County Leitrim and connects the Shannon with Lough Erne and the counties of Cavan, Donegal and Fermanagh.
Until the advent of the railways this was Ireland's main commercial thoroughfare, which brought our agricultural produce to the ports in the east of the country, and thence to markets in England. Now, after a long period of stagnation and disrepair, these waterways have found a completely new purpose; recreation and tourism.
Motor cruisers, some of which provide living accommodation for large parties, can be hired at Carrick, Bannagher, Portumna and Killaloe, while long boats, also providing accommodation, can be hired on the Grand Canal at Tullamore. At various points along the way, visitors can hire canoes, punts and rowing boats, all of which make an enjoyable and inexpensive way to spend some time afloat. For an additional charge most rowing boats can be hired with outboard motors, making them ideal for a fishing trip or a more ambitious day of exploration, possibly including a picnic on the water.
Canoeing can be enjoyed on many Irish rivers or at sea throughout the year. Many of the houses can arrange guided canoeing trips in their local area.
Sailing in Ireland
As an island nation Ireland has a long tradition of seafaring and, in addition to our major ports, our coastline is surrounded by plethora of smaller fishing harbours. Many of these are now also used for recreational purposes, largely as bases for inshore sailing. Generally this involves sailing dinghies; fast, light, easily launched craft which can readily be transported from one sailing centre to another, towed behind a car.
Sheltered harbours, where sailing may continue in windier weather conditions, have become dedicated sailing centres, some with a number of different sailing clubs. These include Strangford Lough; Dublin Bay (Howth and Dun Laoghaire); Wexford, Waterford and Cork Harbours (where the Royal Cork Yacht Club at Crosshaven is the oldest yacht club in the world) and the beautiful harbour of Kinsale. While these are perhaps the best known sailing venues in Ireland, there are yacht and sailing clubs dotted along our coastline.
Inland too, there are thriving sailing clubs on the river Shannon, particularly on Loughs Derg and Ree, and again on Lough Erne. Most sailing clubs provide expert tuition for beginners, and sailing lessons, especially for the younger members of the family, are an ideal day-time activity while staying in one of Hidden Ireland's historic private houses.
Cruising in Ireland
Our coastal sailing harbours are also bases for off-shore cruising yachts, which can be hired for the week by experienced yachtsmen, and are ports of call for ocean-going yachts from all over the world. The Irish coastline is justly famous as a cruising ground. The famous Fastnet Race, from Cowes to the Fastnet Rock off the West Cork coast and back, is a premier ocean race and the culmination of England's Cowes Week. But it is also treacherous, particularly along parts of the west coast, where the weather and tides make a deadly combination, suitable only for experienced yachtsmen in appropriate craft.
A boating, sailing or cruising holiday in Ireland combines perfectly with a stay at one of the Hidden Ireland houses. There are Hidden Ireland houses strategically placed for most sailing venues, and what better way to relax that sitting down to a long, leisurely dinner followed by a soft, warm bed, after a long day at sea!