Shannon Navigation Boating Information

Navigational rules

Navigational rules, known as bye-laws, outline the proper usage of waterways. Waterways Ireland, through its Inspectorate, has responsibility for enforcing those navigational bye-laws. The Shannon Navigation adheres to specific bye-laws, including:

• Act No.20/1990 – Shannon Navigation Act, 1990
• S.I. No. 80/1992 – Shannon Navigation Bye-Laws, 1992
• No. 11/2005 – Maritime Safety Act

Mooring regulations

On the Shannon Navigation you can moor for up to five days in a row, or a total of seven days within one month, from April 1st to October 31st. If you plan to stay longer than this during busy times, it's best to look for a private mooring.

The speed limit on the Shannon Navigation is 5 knots on specific sections. This limit is in place to ensure the safety of all users and the preservation of the natural environment. 

Speed limits may also be in place on other sections of the waterway and are monitored by the Inspectorate. 

Speed must be lowered within 200m of a bridge or jetty, 100m of a lock, in a canal or harbour and when passing within 100m of a moored vessel.

You are asked to consider the wash of your boat and its effect on others. All engine-powered boats create a wave of water, known as a wash, which flows outwards from the boat as it moves forward. Look behind you frequently to check the effect that your wash is having on other users. 

You are advised to reduce your speed in narrow channels to prevent bank erosion, damage to reed beds and destruction of birds' nests among reed and bank habitats. Slow down where boats are moored, when approaching quays, jetties or locks or where water activities are taking place.

Length and no. of locks 

• Shannon - 215 km with 7 locks including Ardnacrusha 
• River Suck - 16 km with 1 lock 
• Lough Allen Canal - 7 km with 3 locks

Opening hours of the locks

• Mar 14 - Mar 31: 09.30 - 18.30 Monday - Saturday, 09.30 - 18.00 Sunday
• Apr 01 - Sept 30: 09:30 - 19:30 Monday - Saturday,  09;30 - 18:00 Sunday
• Oct 01 - Oct 31: 09:30 - 18:30 Monday - Saturday, 09:30 - 18:00 Sunday
• Nov 01 - Mar 13: 09.00 - 12.00 Monday - Saturday,  09.00 - 11.00 Sunday
• Lunch break: 13.00 - 14.00

Navigation dimensions

Shannon

• Length of locks - 31m 
• Beam of locks
• Upper Shannon - 9m
• Lower Shannon - 12m
• Camlin River - 5.75m 
• Draft - 1.35m 
• Air draft - Variable*

Lough Allen

• Length of locks - 19.5m 
• Beam of locks - 4m 
• Draft - 1.2m 
• Air draft - 3m

Draft dimensions are given as a guide only and cannot be guaranteed.

Lock assistance

The locks on the Shannon are operated by lock-keepers. Payment can be made by either Smart Card or cash. The charge for craft going through a lock on the Shannon is 2 units/ €1.50. 

Lock-keepers can be contacted on the following numbers:

• Battlebridge, Drumleague and Drumshanbo, Lough Allen Canal + 353 (0)86 812 7522/(0)71 964 1552
• Clarendon Lock, Knockvicar +353 (0)71 966 7011
• Albert Lock, Jamestown Canal +353 (0)71 963 7715
• Rooskey Lock +353 (0)71 963 8018
• Tarmonbarry and Cloondara Locks +353 (0)87 922 2020/(0)43 332 6117
• Athlone Lock +353 (0)90 649 2026
• Pollboy Lock, River Suck +353 (0)90 964 4938
• Victoria Lock, Meelick +353 (0)90 975 1359
• Portumna Bridge +353 (0)90 974 1011
• Sarsfield Lock +353 (0)87 797 2998

Sarsfield Lock is operating on a seasonal service, from April to October, based on a tidal timetable with days and times. The timetable is published as a Marine Notice each year. Read the Marine Notices before travelling. 

Users are advised to book their passage by phoning the lock-keeper, preferably the day before travelling on +353 (0)87 797 2998

Only in exceptional circumstances will the lock gates be opened outside of the listed hours of operation.

Ardnacrusha Lock and Limerick Ardnacrusha is a double lock managed by the ESB as part of the hydroelectric scheme on the Shannon. Water levels and currents between Ardnacrusha and Limerick can vary widely. Users are strongly advised not to travel on this stretch of waterway when more than one power station turbine is running. This is very dangerous due to the increased velocity of water. Increased water flows are also to be expected following spells of heavy rainfall. Always consult the Marine Notices before travelling.

Before travelling to Ardnacrusha please contact the lock-keeper for details of opening times and to book your passage +353 (0)87 997 0131 or +353 (0)61 344 515. The lock-keeper will advise the staff at Parteen Weir of your estimated time of arrival.

The lowest bridge on the main Shannon navigation is at Killaloe. Air draft at normal summer level - 3.85m

Air draft gauges are installed on the paths leading to certain bridges along the Shannon Navigation. These help you decide if your vessel can safely pass under the bridges. If you're unsure, it's best to contact the Inspectorate before you set off on your journey.

Portumna Bridge Opening Hours

Entrance to the Shannon from the Atlantic is via the Shannon Estuary. 

The tidal waters downstream from the Shannon Bridge in Limerick comes under the authority of the Shannon Foynes Port Company +353 (0)69 73103 www.sfpc.ie. 

Whilst in the estuary you are advised to use Port VHF Channel 11. 

Please give way to commercial vessels.