Boating

Boats moored in Lanesborough at sunset, photo by Brigid Mullooly

Longford contains the longest county shoreline of the River Shannon and also the Inny and Camlin rivers as well as Lough Gowna and Lough Ree.  In Lanesborough there is a public marina on the western banks of the Shannon at Lanesborough, built by Waterways Ireland. In pleasant surroundings, as well as moorings for cruisers, the marina includes a slipway which can also facilitate the launch of boats, jet skis and canoes or kayaks.

An interesting fact, the original bridge across the river in Lanesborough was made from wattles, and in 1706 a many arched stone bridge was built using the stone from a Norman castle which stood where the car park is now situated. A harbour was built in the 1820's and the present bridge was added in 1847.  The harbour was refurbished and is still in use by river traffic to this day.

Quaker Island on the shores of Lough Ree, photo by Media Eagle

Shannon River can arrange cruising holidays in Longford as part of your journey.  Lakeside Day Boat Hire hire out boats for full and half day use on Lough Ree.  Lough Ree Boat Hire offer guided tours of Lough Ree including Quaker Island and Barley Harbour.  Lough Ree Access for All also provide boat trips out to the islands and on the Shannon, see Lough Ree Boat Trips for details.  

Cruiser Boats Ireland cater for cruising holidays on the River Shannon.  Located in Lanesborough they offer fantastic options for all, ideal for a friends getaway, long weekend trip or family vacation.   

Discover the Shannon and find the right boat for your holiday. Choose from Carrick Craft, Emerald Star or Silver Line Cruisers and make the most of your holiday by exploring Co Longford on the banks of the River Shannon, Lough Ree and the Royal Canal.

Lough Ree (Irish: Loch Rí) is the second largest lake on the Shannon after Lough Derg. The other two major lakes are Lough Allen to the north, and Lough Derg to the south.