Shannon Erne Waterway 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-Erne Waterway 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-Erne Waterway, 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-Erne 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

63 km from Leitrim Village to Upper Lough Erne with 16 locks

Opening Hours of Locks

• Apr to Oct: 09.00 to 20.00
• Nov to Mar: 09.00 to dusk i.e. during daylight hours

Navigation Dimensions

• Length of locks - 24m
• Beam of locks - 4.5m
• Draft - 1.2m
• Air draft - 3.2m over a width of 3m

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

Lock Assistance

The 16 locks on the Shannon-Erne Waterway are operated by a smart card. The lock operating console is located at the side of the lock.

Diagrammatic instructions inform the lock user about how to use the lock equipment safely.

Waterway patrollers are present along the Waterway to assist boat users and can be contacted at the numbers below.

• Kilclare area +353 (0)87 260 3663
• Lock 16 +353 (0)87 260 8569
• Ballinamore +353 (0)87 260 2478
• Ballyconnell +353 (0)87 260 3662
• Lock 1 +44 (0)28 6774 8976

There is no entrance to the Shannon-Erne Waterway from the sea.