Lough Erne and the Shannon

Lough Erne and the Shannon waterways stretch from Belleek to Limerick, over 160 miles of cruising! Lough Erne flows from Belturbet to Belleek and centres on the island town of Enniskillen. Lower Lough Erne lies to the north of Enniskillen and Upper Lough Erne lies south of the town. The Shannon-Erne Waterway joins the Upper Lough and connects the Erne to the River Shannon in Southern Ireland.

The best way to explore Lough Erne and the Shannon is from on the water. Based in the heart of Lower Lough Erne, approximately 1 ½ cruising hours from Enniskillen is Manor House Marine. Collect your cruiser from our base and your holiday adventure begins. Discover many a restaurant and activity centre on the Lough Erne and the Shannon. Moor up and explore any of the numerous islands scattered throughout the waterway. You will find many moorings on the islands and ashore where you can stay overnight; the majority of these moorings are free of charge.

Unlike the Shannon and the Erne-Shannon canal, the Erne is virtually free of lock gates. The Erne has only one lock that is rarely used, ensuring a hassle free cruising paradise. Passage at the Lough Erne lock is free, passage in the Erne-Shannon locks is by means of a pre-paid smartcard and passage through the locks in the Shannon is by payment to the lock keeper.

Check out our Holiday Cruisers

For further information on the locks see www.waterwaysireland.org

Lower Lough Erne

  • Island Moorings: Hay Island
    Situated opposite the marina, a good quiet overnight mooring spot, currently inhabited by a herd of wild goats
  • Island Moorings: Innish Davar
    Sheltered from west winds; a beautiful spot for a quiet picnic or woodland walk. A carpet of Bluebells in May.
  • Island Moorings: Davy's Island
    Secluded and wooded ideal for an overnight stay. A much understated and important monastic island of Lough Erne, Davy's Island is also worth a visit for anyone interested in the monastic islands and history of Lough Erne.
  • Island Moorings: White Island
    One of the most visited islands on Lough Erne as it is home to 8 enigmatic figures carved in stone dating back to the 6th century. The figures have been collected from islands around Lough Erne and set into the wall of the 12th century church. The island is part of a working farm and animal graze the area outside the church walls. A great place for fishing.
  • Crevinshaughy Island
    There are two jetties at opposite ends of the island; popular with powerboat owners, jet and water skiers.
  • Castle Archdale Marina
    Large private marina and caravan park with limited mooring space available. There is a restaurant, shops and a pub on shore. Castle Archdale Country Park is a conservation area and includes a nature trail, butterfly gardens and wild flower meadows. During the 2nd world war it was an important base for flying boats and a small war time museum is situated in the courtyard.
  • Tom's Island
    Not really an island but a peninsula with lovely forest walks and abundance of wildlife in the area. A pathway connects the area to the Castle Archdale Caravan Park.
  • Kesh Jetty
    The scenic tree lined Kesh River is narrow in places, moor at the main jetty just before the bridge. Kesh village has all the amenities you would expect in a small town including shops, post office, ATM's and pharmacy as well as pubs, restaurants and take-a-ways.
  • Muckross Jetty
    Just north of Kesh; the jetty can be busy with water skiers especially at the weekends with moorings and toilet facilities. The sandy beach is very popular with families.
  • Lusty Beg Jetty
    This is a private 75 acre island with excellent facilities. There is a restaurant and bar as well as various walks and nature trails. From Lusty Beg you can take the chain ferry to Boa Island to visit the Caldragh Burial grounds and see the famous carved stone statues.
  • Castle Caldwell
    This is a very peaceful and secluded spot. The 16th century castle; once owned by a founder of Belleek Pottery is now a ruin surrounded by forest, a sanctuary for wild birds and deer. There are a number of forest walks of different lengths and a beautiful bed of Bluebells can be seen on the forest floor during May. At the entrance is a 1.5m high stone fiddle erected in memory of a local fiddler who drowned in 1770.
  • Belleek Harbour
    A large border town; part situated in the Republic of Ireland and the majority in Northern Ireland where all shops operate dual currency. It is well known all over the world for its distinctive handcrafted Parian China and a trip to the visitors centre is a must. There are many restaurants, pubs and coffee shops as well as numerous craft and gift shops. The Donegal coast with its sandy beaches and big Atlantic waves is only half an hour away by bicycle.
  • Tully Castle
    The remains of a 17th century fortified house along with beautifully restored gardens. A tragic history highlights Ulster's turbulent past. There is a small exhibition in nearby cottages that illustrates the history and landscape.
  • Lough Erne Golf Resort
    The Resort is the ultimate expression in old world heritage and new world luxury, set on its very own 600 acre peninsula, between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, just outside Enniskillen, with stunning panoramic views from almost every vantage point. The resort includes a 5 star hotel and spa and a championship golf course (7,167 yards Par 72)
  • Devenish Island
    One of the most important monastic sites in Ireland dating back to the 6th century including well preserved example of an Irish round tower. The ruins of 12th century Augustinian Abbey and St Molasise's House and interesting graveyard are well worth a visit.
  • Enniskillen
    Enniskillen is the county town of Fermanagh and by far the largest settlement in the area. It is located on a natural island separating lower and upper Lough Erne with several moorings dotted along the banks. There are two 24hr supermarkets and the Erne Shopping Centre as well as the numerous shops, restaurants, pubs and all the amenities you would expect on the high street.

Island Moorings: Hay Island

Situated opposite the marina, a good quiet overnight mooring spot, currently inhabited by a herd of wild goats

Island Moorings: Innish Davar

Sheltered from west winds; a beautiful spot for a quiet picnic or woodland walk. A carpet of Bluebells in May.

Island Moorings: Davy's Island

Secluded and wooded ideal for an overnight stay. A much understated and important monastic island of Lough Erne, Davy's Island is also worth a visit for anyone interested in the monastic islands and history of Lough Erne.

Island Moorings: White Island

One of the most visited islands on Lough Erne as it is home to 8 enigmatic figures carved in stone dating back to the 6th century. The figures have been collected from islands around Lough Erne and set into the wall of the 12th century church. The island is part of a working farm and animal graze the area outside the church walls. A great place for fishing.

Crevinshaughy Island

There are two jetties at opposite ends of the island; popular with powerboat owners, jet and water skiers.

Castle Archdale Marina

Large private marina and caravan park with limited mooring space available. There is a restaurant, shops and a pub on shore. Castle Archdale Country Park is a conservation area and includes a nature trail, butterfly gardens and wild flower meadows. During the 2nd world war it was an important base for flying boats and a small war time museum is situated in the courtyard.

Tom's Island

Not really an island but a peninsula with lovely forest walks and abundance of wildlife in the area. A pathway connects the area to the Castle Archdale Caravan Park.

Kesh Jetty

The scenic tree lined Kesh River is narrow in places, moor at the main jetty just before the bridge. Kesh village has all the amenities you would expect in a small town including shops, post office, ATM's and pharmacy as well as pubs, restaurants and take-a-ways.

Muckross Jetty

Just north of Kesh; the jetty can be busy with water skiers especially at the weekends with moorings and toilet facilities. The sandy beach is very popular with families.

Lusty Beg Jetty

This is a private 75 acre island with excellent facilities. There is a restaurant and bar as well as various walks and nature trails. From Lusty Beg you can take the chain ferry to Boa Island to visit the Caldragh Burial grounds and see the famous carved stone statues.

Castle Caldwell

This is a very peaceful and secluded spot. The 16th century castle; once owned by a founder of Belleek Pottery is now a ruin surrounded by forest, a sanctuary for wild birds and deer. There are a number of forest walks of different lengths and a beautiful bed of Bluebells can be seen on the forest floor during May. At the entrance is a 1.5m high stone fiddle erected in memory of a local fiddler who drowned in 1770.

Belleek Harbour

A large border town; part situated in the Republic of Ireland and the majority in Northern Ireland where all shops operate dual currency. It is well known all over the world for its distinctive handcrafted Parian China and a trip to the visitors centre is a must. There are many restaurants, pubs and coffee shops as well as numerous craft and gift shops. The Donegal coast with its sandy beaches and big Atlantic waves is only half an hour away by bicycle.

Tully Castle

The remains of a 17th century fortified house along with beautifully restored gardens. A tragic history highlights Ulster's turbulent past. There is a small exhibition in nearby cottages that illustrates the history and landscape.

Lough Erne Golf Resort

The Resort is the ultimate expression in old world heritage and new world luxury, set on its very own 600 acre peninsula, between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, just outside Enniskillen, with stunning panoramic views from almost every vantage point. The resort includes a 5 star hotel and spa and a championship golf course (7,167 yards Par 72)

Devenish Island

One of the most important monastic sites in Ireland dating back to the 6th century including well preserved example of an Irish round tower. The ruins of 12th century Augustinian Abbey and St Molasise's House and interesting graveyard are well worth a visit.

Enniskillen

Enniskillen is the county town of Fermanagh and by far the largest settlement in the area. It is located on a natural island separating lower and upper Lough Erne with several moorings dotted along the banks. There are two 24hr supermarkets and the Erne Shopping Centre as well as the numerous shops, restaurants, pubs and all the amenities you would expect on the high street.

Upper Lough Erne

  • Ardhowen Theatre Jetty

    A popular overnight stop in Enniskillen, as well as staging variety of performances the theatre also has a good restaurant and two bars. It is only a short walk from this jetty to the National Trust Property of Castlecoole

  • Killyhevlin Hotel Jetty

    A popular stop for the hotel facilities; bars, restaurants and spa

  • Bellanaleck Moorings

    Moorings with showers and toilets. Food and fuel available locally

  • Carrybridge Jetty

    Carrybridge is a very popular marina on Lough Erne. It is home to a number of privately owned craft of all types. It is a very busy place during the boating season. The public moorings are well serviced with shower, toilet, shore power and picnic facilities. The hotel is very popular with visiting cruiser crews.

  • Belle Isle

    There are no mooring jetties on this 470 acre estate spread over 8 picturesque islands. The Estate has a Bistro/ Bar as well as scenic walking trails.

  • Knockninny Jetty

    There is a small sandy children's play beach with showers and toilets at the jetty, sewage pump is also available. For the energetic a 7km walk to the top of Knockninny Hill will provide an unforgettable view over almost the entire upper lake.

  • Inis Rath Jetty

    Home to a welcoming Hare Krishna Community where you can experience a fully functional Hare Krishna Temple. It is also a nature reserve home to Peacocks, Herons, Deer and Squirrels, where you can enjoy peaceful woodland walks.

  • Crom Jetty

    The Crom estate is a National Trust property which includes 2 castles, one of the most important nature conservation area in the UK and 2000 acres of woodland and home to the largest Heronry in Ireland. There are a number of walks and nature trails; the old farm buildings have been converted into a visitors' centre and coffee shop.

  • Galloon Island

    Moorings, toilet and pump out. A graveyard dating back to the 6th century can be found here.

  • Belturbet

    One of Ireland's best known fishing centres Belturbet is a small town with excellent facilities for visiting cruisers. There are extensive jetties, plentiful bars, restaurants shops and banks.

Ardhowen Theatre Jetty

A popular overnight stop in Enniskillen, as well as staging variety of performances the theatre also has a good restaurant and two bars. It is only a short walk from this jetty to the National Trust Property of Castlecoole

Killyhevlin Hotel Jetty

A popular stop for the hotel facilities; bars, restaurants and spa

Bellanaleck Moorings

Moorings with showers and toilets. Food and fuel available locally

Carrybridge Jetty

Carrybridge is a very popular marina on Lough Erne. It is home to a number of privately owned craft of all types. It is a very busy place during the boating season. The public moorings are well serviced with shower, toilet, shore power and picnic facilities. The hotel is very popular with visiting cruiser crews.

Belle Isle

There are no mooring jetties on this 470 acre estate spread over 8 picturesque islands. The Estate has a Bistro/ Bar as well as scenic walking trails.

Knockninny Jetty

There is a small sandy children's play beach with showers and toilets at the jetty, sewage pump is also available. For the energetic a 7km walk to the top of Knockninny Hill will provide an unforgettable view over almost the entire upper lake.

Inis Rath Jetty

Home to a welcoming Hare Krishna Community where you can experience a fully functional Hare Krishna Temple. It is also a nature reserve home to Peacocks, Herons, Deer and Squirrels, where you can enjoy peaceful woodland walks.

Crom Jetty

The Crom estate is a National Trust property which includes 2 castles, one of the most important nature conservation area in the UK and 2000 acres of woodland and home to the largest Heronry in Ireland. There are a number of walks and nature trails; the old farm buildings have been converted into a visitors' centre and coffee shop.

Galloon Island

Moorings, toilet and pump out. A graveyard dating back to the 6th century can be found here.

Belturbet

One of Ireland's best known fishing centres Belturbet is a small town with excellent facilities for visiting cruisers. There are extensive jetties, plentiful bars, restaurants shops and banks.

Shannon/Erne Waterway

  • Leitrim

    Leitrim village is the gateway to the Shannon-Erne Waterway and boasts a jetty with excellent facilities for the cruising traffic which pass through. It is well kept village with an excellent reputation in the Tidy Towns competition. Lively night -time entertainment is assured as there are several good pubs. The village also has a trekking centre.

    There are several cruiser hire companies offering boat holidays in Ireland. Within Lough Erne the group of hire companies form an Association called the Erne Charter Boat Association (ECBA) of which Manor House Marine is a member. All members offer a warm welcome to all visiting craft.

  • Ballyconnell

    Located at the end of the Shannon Erne Waterway overlooked by the Slieve Russell mountain is Ballyconnell, a town named after a Celtic Ford. Highly regarded for its coarse fishing, it has also won numerous National Tidy Town awards. Just outside the town is a replica of the Killycluggin Stone which was found here. Dating back to the Iron Age, this important stone contains Celtic motifs first found at La TŠne in Switzerland. The original is now on display in the National Museum.

  • Ballinamore

    The town is a fine example of a nineteenth century Irish rural market town – a continuous Main/High Street, with many fine shops and townhouses, important landmark buildings of different periods and blend of attractive colours and fascinating details. The Leitrim Genealogy Centre in Ballinamore library has been set up to deal with enquiries from people who want to trace their Irish ancestors.

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Leitrim

Leitrim village is the gateway to the Shannon-Erne Waterway and boasts a jetty with excellent facilities for the cruising traffic which pass through. It is well kept village with an excellent reputation in the Tidy Towns competition. Lively night -time entertainment is assured as there are several good pubs. The village also has a trekking centre.

There are several cruiser hire companies offering boat holidays in Ireland. Within Lough Erne the group of hire companies form an Association called the Erne Charter Boat Association (ECBA) of which Manor House Marine is a member. All members offer a warm welcome to all visiting craft.

Ballyconnell

Located at the end of the Shannon Erne Waterway overlooked by the Slieve Russell mountain is Ballyconnell, a town named after a Celtic Ford. Highly regarded for its coarse fishing, it has also won numerous National Tidy Town awards. Just outside the town is a replica of the Killycluggin Stone which was found here. Dating back to the Iron Age, this important stone contains Celtic motifs first found at La TŠne in Switzerland. The original is now on display in the National Museum.

Ballinamore

The town is a fine example of a nineteenth century Irish rural market town – a continuous Main/High Street, with many fine shops and townhouses, important landmark buildings of different periods and blend of attractive colours and fascinating details. The Leitrim Genealogy Centre in Ballinamore library has been set up to deal with enquiries from people who want to trace their Irish ancestors.