Le Boat - Shannon and Erne, Ireland

Bedrooms & Suites Reviews Overview Need to Know Location

3 Night Minimum Stay
FREE 24/7 Vet Line
Two dogs welcome

Dog-Friendly Boating Escapes

Escape the crowds and discover the fabulous Irish countryside from a different perspective. Together with your furry friend, why not take a self drive river cruiser to meander along the gentle waterways on a comfortable berth packed with modern amenities through routes along the River Shannon. The fabulous green countryside, woodlands and enchanted forests provide a wonderful backdrop for a dog-friendly boating holiday in Ireland. Located on the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland dotted with picturesque towns and villages.and stunning places of natural beauty just waiting to be discovered by you and your best furry friend. Your dog will adore this amazing boating adventure with dog-friendly pubs, as well as fields, gardens and walking paths around lakes just waiting to be explored. All Le Boat river cruisers range from budget to premiere sleeping from two to twelve and come equipped with all you need to enjoy a city adventure with your canine companion.

Begin your boating adventure for the first time or as a more experienced crew member with full tuition provided at the start of every journey. When you arrive at the base, you will be given an in-depth briefing on every aspect of your boat from which knots to use to how the oven works. After your instruction lesson you will be given a temporary permit for the duration of your holiday. Most visitor moorings on canals and rivers are governed by the Canal & River Trust and are free of charge, meaning your boat will be permitted to moor anywhere on the towpath side of the canal as long as no obstruction is being caused.

A suggested route for those wanting a longer escape is Carrick-on-Shannon Return via Belleek where you can cruise in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands and discover that Upper Lough Erne is a wonderland of lush green islands amidst a backdrop of blue. This route from Laggan passes 36 locks and can be completed in 11 nights. Highlights include Carrick-on-Shannon's artistic history, walks with your canine companion around The three churches of Drumshanbo and dog-friendly pubs to relax in after a long hike including The Anglers Rest in Ballyconnell.

If you’re looking for a shorter break, the Portumna return via Athlone & Terryglass route leads you to discover lush green landscapes, historic towns and plenty of Irish charm as you wind through the heart of the Shannon. This short return cruise features four locks and can be completed in three nights. Highlights include dog-walking opportunities around the still forest and castle of Portumna and adventures along the old monastery and castle ruins of Clonmacnoise.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

All dog-friendly river cruisers are available from April to November. Arrive on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday for a 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 or 11 night stay. Please note that each route has individual changeover dates. In a river cruiser berthing 4, enjoy a 3 night stay from £499 or 7 night stay from £839 in the low season, excluding fuel supplement. Supplements apply on summer dates and larger boats.

For more information on payable fees and deposits, check out our Holiday Extras.

What To Expect

It's important to bring along a bed, bowl, food, lead and toys for your dog whilst on board and may be advisable to invest in a harness or life jacket for your dog. A welcome pack can be accessed online and river cruisers are equipped with a variety of power equipment. All river cruisers come with a well-equipped kitchen where you can whip up a meal for your guests and furry friend too. Dog-friendly river cruisers along Shannon and Erne include a water tank covering two to three days of normal use. You will need to refill water by stopping at the marinas along the canal/ river. This service is often charged by the marina. Your boat will be supplied with a full tank of diesel and you will be required to pay for the fuel you use, normally, you would not need to refuel en-route. Before departure, you will be required to leave an engine hours deposit at your start base. At the end of the holiday you will either be refunded the excess or be asked to pay any additional costs as required. Deposit tariffs are based on your boat's engine size and destination region. Life jackets are supplied and safety rings are attached to every boat, it is recommended that children wear their life jacket while cruising.

Bow wow factor

Dogs love boats so this will be especially exciting for them with lots of different sights and smells for them to enjoy every day of the trip with lots of dog-friendly pubs along the River Shannon route.

Need to know

Accessible by Train

Dine With Pet

Pub Within 1 Mile

Rural

Featured Boats

Some boats have separate cabins with en-suite bathrooms giving these canal boats unparalleled privacy. The boats offer a variety of sleeping arrangements from single and double beds to singles that convert to doubles, making it possible for you to cruise with children, single adults or couples plus your four legged friend too! Laundry and towels are included.

Budget

Although the décor is more traditional and the features and fittings are quite basic, they are clean, excellently maintained and come equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Accommodates

8 adults 2 pets

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Comfort Plus and Comfort

These are good-quality, stylish and well-equipped boats of varying ages, designs and styles.

Accommodates

12 adults 2 pets

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Premier

These were designed exclusively by Le Boat, for Le Boat, and come with a light and spacious kitchen and saloon, spacious top deck and both front and rear thrusters make mooring and manoeuvring very easy.

Accommodates

12 adults 2 pets

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Dog-Friendly Nearby

There are many walks around the River Shannon including the Portumna Forest Park on the water’s edge where you can explore the stunning woodland and watch the fallow deer, the Old Rail trail, Portumna castle and the Waves riverside bar and restaurant at Leitrim village.

View all Dog-Friendly Cottages in Co Leitrim