Power sports

The Upper and Lower Lough Erne are excellent locations for powered water-sports. Powerboating, waterskiing, and wakeboarding are particularly popular on both lakes. The channels between the islands and the broad river sections offer wind protection and flatter water, favouring wakeboarding and waterskiing. 

There are several freely accessible slipways suitable for launching boats and personal watercraft. Powerboating training and coaching sessions for wakeboarding and waterskiing are available from various clubs on the lake. 

The Grand Canal Basin in Dublin's Docklands has been used to host power-based water-sports events in the past and has proved a highly suitable venue. A cable wakeboarding system is installed in the Grand Canal Basin and increasingly used by city based water-sports enthusiasts.

The Lower Bann River is a hotspot for powered water-sports, with designated zones for various activities such as wakeboarding and waterskiing. It's also home to barefoot waterskiing, a unique variant which is hugely popular. There are several centres along the river that offer training for water-skiing and wakeboarding. 

Users are advised to stick to the zoned areas for their activities, be mindful of other people while using powered craft and minimise disturbance in 'no wake zones'. 

Due to the nature of the waterway, powered watersports take place primarily in the Lough Garadice section. Access for crafts can be made via the slipway at Haughton's Shore. The National Powerboat Championships and Personal Watercraft Slalom Championships have both taken place here and have proved hugely entertaining for the participants and spectators.

The Shannon’s unique combination of lake and river sections means that, while many people enjoy powered water-sports here, more tranquil activities are widely pursued on the peaceful river stretches.