Q. where can I rent an open canoe in order to paddle the shannon - erne waterway. thanks

A. If you contact the Irish Canoe Union, Tel: 00353 (0)1 6251105; email: office@canoe.ie; web: http://www.canoe.ie or The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland email: office@cani.org.uk; web: http://www.cani.org.uk/. They may be able to advise you.
Areas(s) : Activities Canoeing

Q. i am thinking about buying a crusier for the shannon and would like to know where i can find information on permenant safe moorings in the letrim (carrik on shannon) or belterbut areas but i can not find any information on what annual charges are. Any information or help in where to look would be great

A. Private moorings in the Carrick-on-Shannon area are: Butler's Marina, Carrick-on-Shannon. Tel: +353 (0)1 6610036 or +353 (0)86 2556603. Web: http://www.butlersmarina.com/web/ Albert Marina, Jamestown. Tel: +353 (0)71 9634415 or +353 (0)87 7859148. Private moorings in the Belturbet area are: Quivvy Marina, Belturbet. Tel: +353 (0)49 952 2891 or +353 (0)86 819 6753. Web: http://www.quivvy.com/ The local tourist offices may also have a listing of private marinas in those areas. You should contact the individual companies regarding charges as they may vary from one marina to another.
Areas(s) : General Activities Shannon Navigation Erne System Cruising

Q. I would like to know if i need to register a jet ski -if so where can this be done and do i need insurance for a jet ski? are there any restricted areas in galway and or galway county such as lakes where it is prohibited to use the jet ski? thank you

A. You do not need to register a Personal Water Craft (PWC) jet ski to have it on the Shannon Navigation. Use of a PWC elsewhere in the Republic of Ireland is generally a matter for the local authority e.g Galway Co.Co.
Areas(s) : Activities Other Waterways

Q. Hello,What is the water quality like on the Grand Canal these days? More specifically, is it safe to swim in? I'm talking about the downtown portions particularly, at say the bridge at Mount Street Lower, or at the Barge pub. I often thought it would be really good to switm there, but am uncertain about the quality of the water, level of pollution etc. Thanks for any information you can provide.Stephen Kenny

A. The water quality of the Grand Canal is continuously monitored by the Central Fisheries Board on behalf of Waterways Ireland. Water quality in the Grand Canal is generally of a very high quality as confirmed by the Central Fisheries Board. The Grand Canal is fed by a number of sources of very high water quality and every effort is made to ensure these high quality water sources are maintained. It is important to note that the canal system is not a designated Bathing Area and therefore the water quality testing carried out is not specific to the requirements of the Bathing Water regulations. In addition, under Section 38 of the Canals Act, 1986 (Bye-laws), 1988: “No person shall (a) bathe or swim in any lock, Harbour or dock on the canals, except with the permission of the Commissioners;”
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland General Activities Grand Canal Safety

Q. are there any canoe clubs that use river in graighnamannagh

A. If you contact any of the following, they should be able to advise. Go with the Flow River Adventures Mob No: +353 (0)87 252 9700 Email: info@gowiththeflow.ie Web: www.gowiththeflow.ie Irish Canoe Union Tel No: +353 (0) 1 625 1105 Email: office@irishcanoeunion.com Web: www.irishcanoeunion.com
Areas(s) : Activities Barrow Navigation Canoeing

Q. I am just wondering whether or not I need a fishing permit / license in order to go fishing this Summer? If so where do I get one?

A. To find out relevant information, please contact the Central Fisheries Board. Details may be found at www.cfb.ie The Central Fisheries Board is contracted by Waterways Ireland to look after angling on our behalf.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Angling

Q. Hi Please tell me who is in charge of Regulating of Angling on the Grand Canal around Monasterevin town. Who is implementing those regulations? Thank you

A. Waterways Ireland is responsible for the management, maintenance, restoration and development of the inland navigations principally for recreational purposes. The Central Fisheries Board are under contract to Waterways Ireland to manage Fisheries Development, Weed Management and Water Quality on the Royal Canal, the Grand Canal, the Barrow Navigation and the Shannon Erne Waterway. There is a voluntary scheme of Catch and Release in operation.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Grand Canal Events Angling

Q. Do you know where can I hire a kayak in the Dublin area? A kayak to hire for few hours or half day alone or with other people Please Thanks for your time!

A. If you contact the Irish Canoe Union, Tel: 00353 (0)1 6251105; email: office@canoe.ie; web: http://www.canoe.ie they may be able to help.
Areas(s) : Activities Royal Canal Grand Canal Canoeing

Q. Hello there Can I ask what access a tourist with an open canoe has to waterways in Ireland. Thanks Nick Liddle

A. If you contact the Irish Canoe Union, Tel: 00353 (0)1 6251105; email: office@canoe.ie; web: http://www.canoe.ie or The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland email: office@cani.org.uk; web: http://www.cani.org.uk/. They may be able to advise you.
Areas(s) : Activities Canoeing

Q. Where would I find places to charter boats?

A. The Waterways Ireland website contains information from where you can charter Boats. You will find these details under Tourist Information or simply visit http://www.waterwaysireland.org/index.cfm/section/article/page/BoatHireCompanie
Areas(s) : General Activities Cruising

Q. I plan to kayak from Athlone to Killaloe. Is this reasonably flat water? How much current is there? Where can I hire a kayak so I can start my trip near Athlone and take out near Killaloe or Limerick? How many days (12 miles per day) would it take for this trip?

A. Lough Derg can be very rough and by canoe should only be crossed in calm conditions. At this time of year, the current is fast and levels are rising. The Distance for this trip is about 80 km. You should check out the Conoeing Ireland website www.canoe.ie for more information or contact them on +353 (0)1 6251105.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Shannon Navigation Canoeing

Q. What is the largest size boat that can safely navigate from the sea to Lough Neagh?

A. The largest boat that can safely navigate from the sea to Lough Neagh is of length 35 m , Beam 5.5m, Draft 1.0m, with an Airdraft of 1.5m at High Water in Coleraine and 4.2m at Low Water in Coleraine.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Lower Bann Navigation Navigation

Q. My son is 13 and has expressed an interest in fresh water fishing. Sadly I know nothing about the subject - and would like advice in where to go and who to contact for lessons please. We live in Holywood COunty Down. Many Thanks

A. The Ulster Coarse Fishing Federation, 29 Georgian Villas, Omagh, Co Tyrone BT79 OAT. Tel no +44 (0)28 8222 5202, Email: vrefausse@omagh.ac.uk may be able to advise you on local courses in your area. Bann System Ltd, Cutts House, 54 Castleroe Road, Coleraine, Co Londonderry BT51 3RL. Tel no +44 (0)28 7034 4796, Fax no +44 (0)28 7035 6527, Web: www.bannsystem.com and Northern Regional Fisheries Board, Station Road, Ballyshannon, Co Donegal should also have useful information for you. Tel no +353 (0)71 9851435, Fax no +353 (0)71 9851816, Email: info@nrfb.ie Web: www.nrfb.ie
Areas(s) : General Activities Lower Bann Navigation Erne System Angling

Q. Hello we want to go canoeing in Northern Ireland. Can you tell me where I find someone from whom we could hire canoes. Thank you

A. If you go to http://www.landwaterair.co.uk/dsp_SearchResults.cfm/ACTIVITIES_KEY/20/Canoeing.htm you will find lots of information on and contacts for canoeing in Northern Ireland including the following: The Ark Activity Centre, Castle Island, Enniskillen. Tel no +44 (0)6632 4250, Email: info@arkoutdoor.com; Share Holiday Village, Smith’s Strand, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh. Tel no +44 (0)28 6772 2122, Email: celia@sharevillage.org Web: www.sharevillage.org; Canoe Trails, Countryside Access and Activities Network, The Stableyard, Barnett’s Demesne, Belfast BT9 5PB. Tel no +44 (0)28 9030 3930, Email: info@countrysiderecreation.com Web: www.countrysiderecreation.com; and Canoe Association of Northern Ireland, Western Region, John O Neill, Roscor, Belleek, Co Fermanagh. Tel no +44 (0)79 68623384.
Areas(s) : General Activities Lower Bann Navigation Erne System Canoeing

Q. Is there anywhere between Muckross and Enniskillen for refuelling jet skis. If so wat are there opening times?

A. On Lower Lough Erne diesel can be purchased at Muckross, Kesh, Aghinver Boat Company, Castle Archdale and the Manor House Marine. On the Upper Lough diesel is available at Carrybridge and Erne Marine, Bellanaleck. It is advisable to contact the retailer directly regarding their opening times. Petrol is not available on Lough Erne. You would need to bring it from a nearby garage.
Areas(s) : General Activities Erne System Powerboat Sports

Q. where can I get information on the cost of boat rental?

A. The websites boatholidaysireland.com and goboatingireland.com give information on and links to the different boat hire companies that operate on the waterways in Ireland.
Areas(s) : General Activities Cruising

Q. I live in Dublin and was wondering where could i take a powerboat licence level 1 course?

A. Both DMG Sailsports, Malahide Marina Centre, Co. Dublin, Ireland, Tel: +353 1 8456946, email: info@dmgsailsports.com and Dun Laoghaire Powerboat School, West Pier, Dun Laoghaire Harbour, Co. Dublin, Tel: +353 1 2804422, e-mail: info@powerboatschool.ie run a powerboat licence level 1 course.
Areas(s) : General Activities Powerboat Sports

Q. Do I need an annual permit to put a 14" "indian" canoe (no engine) on the Barrow at Graiguenamanagh from time to time e.g. very occasional use only put on the water and taken off immediately afterwards? Also in respect of the Barrow what is the position in relation to a 16" aluminium boat with 6 h.p. engine used for angling? Do I need a permit to put it on from day-to-day (not necessarily moored overnight or for any length of time)? Does either craft require to be registered or to display registration details while in use? Thank you.

A. With regards to the 14" "indian" canoe (no engine), if the canoe is to be used on the navigation we would request that the owner sign an indemnity clause. This is appended to the permit application. While we would not require a permit for the canoe the indemnity will cover any incidents that may occur. With regards to the 16" aluminium boat with 6 h.p. engine, used for angling, a special “anglers permit” is available from Jim Butler, Lock Keepter at St. Mullins. This will cost €19 for the year and will cover all lock passages for the angling boat. With regards to displaying registration details on either of the above, there is no vessel registration on the Barrow Navigation system. As it is not planned to leave either vessel in the water for extended periods there is no requirement to display “registration” or “permit details” but the angler should carry a copy of such permit in the event he is passing through locks where he may not be known.
Areas(s) : General Activities Barrow Navigation Navigation Canoeing

Q. Is the Grand Canal towpath suitable for cycling?

A. At present, the majority of the towpaths on the Grand and Royal Canals are not suitable for cycling, either because they are too narrow or have a rough terrain, or because cyclists would cause too much danger (from a safety point of view) or inconvenience to other users. Over the next few years, we hope to be able to work with local authorities to install designated surfaced cycleways in the urban / semi urban fringes of Dublin. To that end Waterways Ireland are currently working in conjunction with South Dublin County Council to explore options in the Clondalkin to Lucan stretch of the Grand Canal where local authority lands, adjoining the canal towpath, may be developed as designated surfaced cycleways and the existing towpath developed for walking and fishing.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Grand Canal

Q. Hi. I would like to know why there is no control of speeds and behaviour on the Lower Bann. Skiers regularly ski right through Portglenone Marina and one of these almost put my child in danger as she was getting into our boat. I have never seen a warden near here. Why not?

A. Issues such as speeding and inappropriate behaviour are addressed by the implementation of bye-laws. There are currently no navigational bye-laws applicable on the Lower Bann Navigation. However Waterways Ireland is currently reviewing and redrafting generic bye-laws across all the navigations under the management of Waterways Ireland. These bye-laws will be issued for public consultation at the end of the year and input from users will be most welcome.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Lower Bann Navigation Cruising Powerboat Sports

Q. I would like to know if any one else is having problems at all the islands on lower Lough Erne.Almost every jetty has speed boat skiers and jet ski’s coming in at great speed resulting in our cruiser getting rocked about. Sometimes we think it is going to end up on the jetty. Can anything be done about it? It can be quite dangerous especially when we are cooking. They don’t seem to respect the speed laws.

A. There are areas on the Lower Erne governed by speed limits as per the Lough Erne Bye-Laws 1986. Furthermore, the Erne Navigation is patrolled regularly by the Lough Erne Warden. If you wish you can contact the Warden directly, Tel. 00 44 28 66322836
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Erne System Cruising Powerboat Sports

Q. i would like to take groups of kids expedition canoeing on grand canal in kildare. how can i get hold of a lock key? thanks dave

A. Lock keys are available in Waterways Ireland's offices in Tullamore and Ashtown Gate (Dublin) and also in Shannon Harbour. However Waterways Ireland does not encourage canoes to pass through locks. We request that you disembark and walk over locks for safety reasons (turbulence in locks and the requirement to avoid water ingress into canoes). Also, while it is not required that a permit be issued (fees paid) we would request that an application for a permit be completed for purposes of indemnity. The organizer should also have adequate insurance for both personnel on the expedition and third party liability. Bye-Law 38 (q) requires our permission prior to any organized event.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Grand Canal Canoeing

Q. Do you need a license to use a jet ski?

A. No, but you must be over 16 yrs of age in the Republic of Ireland and if operating on the Erne System you will need to register with the Inspectorate through the Lough Erne Warden’s office.
Areas(s) : General Activities Powerboat Sports

Q. I'm an italian boy and I want to spend my holiday in Ireland. I want to know if there's a ferry boat service between Killaloe and Portumna on Lake Derg. If it there's where I can find timetables of this ferry boat? Thank you for the information.

A. While there is no ferry service on Lough Derg, there are a couple of companies who provide day trips on the Lake. These are: 1) The Spirit of Killaloe, Killaloe, Co Clare, email: whelans@killaloe.ie for further details; and 2) Ku-ee-tu Cruise, Shannon Sailing Ltd, New Complex, Dromineer, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, tel: +353 (0)67 24499 or email: shannonsailing@eircom.net for further details.
Areas(s) : General Activities Shannon Navigation

Q. Are hovercraft permitted on the Shannon? If so under what conditions?

A. The owner / operator of a hovercraft should contact the Inspector of Navigation prior to placing the craft in the navigation. The telephone number for the Inspector of Navigation is +353 (0) 90 6494232.
Areas(s) : Waterways Ireland Activities Powerboat Sports

Q. How far is it possible to walk along the Grand Canal from Sallins into Dublin City?

A. The towpath of the Grand Canal is open all the way from Dublin City to Shannon Harbour in County Offaly, and from Lowtown (the summit level in County Kildare) to Athy along the Barrow Line. The maps in the Guide to the Grand Canal show which bank the walker should be on for each stretch of the walk – Maps 1 to 4 cover the walk from Sallins back in to Dublin City.
Areas(s) : General Activities Grand Canal Walking

Q. Do I need a license to hire a boat on Ireland’s Inland Waterways

A. No, a brief training session in boat handling will be provided by the charter company, covering boat safety, management, operation of all the equipment and a trial run.
Areas(s) : General Activities Cruising