The Upper Shannon
Our marina at Carrick-on-Shannon was opened over 50 years ago. The town has changed, but move a mile up or down river and it could be the same place. The north Shannon is probably the most lively section of the river. There are plenty of small villages along the way with good moorings and facilities. If you want to eat out every night, then this is the area you should be going to. North takes you to Lough Key, one of the most scenic areas of the Shannon reached via a meandering river and one (manned) lock. Visit Rockingham Forest Park and climb the tower for spectacular views of the lake. Head up to Boyle with its pubs and restaurants for the evening. An alternative northwards journey takes you to Lough Allen along a narrow canal and through Drumshanbo. (Please note that our larger boats will not be able to traverse the Lough Allen Canal - ask for details). Or head up to Lough Erne through Leitrim and the Shannon-Erne Waterway. With its 16 locks, all electrically operated, it is a fascinating journey through classic Irish scenery. If you travel south from Carrick you will go through the Jamestown Canal, built to bypass Jamestown and Drumsna. Travel through the Albert Lock and into Lough Boderg where you can choose to continue down the Shannon or head off into the Kilglass Lakes - remote even by our standards. Further south is the little village of Dromod or you can continue to Rooskey - another lock! But don't worry, all the Shannon locks are operated by a lock-keeper and easy to use.
Lough Key
Lanesborough is your next port of call, the entrance to Lough Ree, one of the two large lakes on the Shannon. You can head into Portrunny with a new, larger harbour, or head south towards Glassan with its fabulous lakeside golf course. Or tie up at the award-winning Wineport Restaurant for a gourmet delight. Straight across the lake is Hodson Bay with a modern hotel and facilities and home to Athlone Golf Course. The southerly part of this section is at Athlone, the largest city on the River Shannon. Athlone has a good selection of shops, restaurants, hotels, pubs, cinema, sports facilities and more.
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