Shannon River Cruise - Enjoy Ireland's Waterways | Melanie May

Discover why a Shannon River cruise is one of Ireland’s best staycation ideas for 2025; peaceful, private, and packed with outdoor fun for couples, families, or friends.

Looking for an Irish staycation or vacation where you can escape the crowds and reconnect with loved ones? Hiring a cruiser is a brilliant way to travel because of how self-contained you are onboard and semi-isolated on the water.

With boating holidays in Ireland rising in popularity, there’s plenty of competition out there, which means better deals for holidaymakers. So now is the perfect time to discover the beauty of Ireland with a Shannon River cruise.

Reasons to Take a Shannon River Cruise

Catch Up with Friends and Family Somewhere Quiet

Surrounded by nature, away from the crowds, cruising the Shannon-Erne waterways is a safe and serene way to travel. Out on the water, the soundtrack to your getaway is birdsong, and the only other chatter you’ll hear is from the accompanying wildlife.

It’s an ideal way to catch up with friends and family you want to reconnect with in a meaningful way. Cruising is also perfect for large families as there are cruisers for two up to 12 people.

Your Own Personal Space

Your cruiser is your own personal space. It is a sanctuary where you can chill out and relax with your chosen companions. No time limits, no restrictions, no worries.

Getting to your boat is easy too, as all marinas are reachable by car and public transport.

Once on the water, cruise from one spot to the next in your fully equipped boat. You’ve got everything you need onboard, so you don’t have to leave unless you want to. It’s an ideal setup for those wanting to avoid the crowds. As you can imagine, this type of holiday was super popular during the days of social distancing, and it still holds appeal today.

Domestic Holidays: A Smart Choice in 2025

With soaring travel costs in the US, anti-tourism protests across Europe, and ongoing political unrest and conflict in parts of the world, many travellers are rethinking their holiday plans.

Against this backdrop, a holiday in Ireland offers a safe, affordable, and peaceful escape closer to home. You don’t have to worry about cancelled flights, complicated entry requirements, or unstable conditions – just the freedom to explore at your own pace.

The Shannon-Erne waterways remain a tranquil and welcoming destination, making a river cruise one of the most relaxing and reliable ways to enjoy a break in 2025.

A Shannon River Cruise is Great for Couples

Historic castles, verdant countryside, and pretty villages create an idyllic landscape for boating on the River Shannon. Unwind and delight in the beautiful scenery as you cruise the calm waters with your loved one by your side.

Revel in the romance of it all and enjoy magic moments and sensational sunrises and sunsets, uninterrupted.

Indulge in Outdoor Activities with the Family

Shannon River Cruising holidays are hugely popular with families thanks to the fun activities and adventures you can have along the Shannon and Erne waterways and surrounding areas.

Whether you like your holiday wet and wild or dry and mild, you’ll find it all within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Love to splash around? Try:

Kayaking
Windsurfing
Sailing
Stand-up paddleboarding
Snorkelling
Swimming

Prefer solid ground? You can:

Hike the hills
Cycle scenic trails
Explore on horseback
Enjoy a round of golf
Try archery
Join a geocaching treasure hunt

There are just so many outdoor activities (many of them free!) to keep you busy. It’s a great way to get the whole family out into nature and off their screens, at least for a while.

Give Back to Local Communities

If you live in Ireland, holidaying here helps support Irish businesses and local communities. When you cruise the Shannon-Erne waterways, you can moor up in small towns and villages along the way.

Support local by:

Shopping in village newsagents
Joining guided tours of historic sites
Renting fishing tackle or water sports gear
Enjoying an ice-cream, coffee or pint

Every little bit counts, and your holiday becomes part of something bigger.

Have a Stress-Free Holiday

A self-catering cruise along the calm Shannon-Erne waterways is one of the most relaxing and low-stress holidays you can take. It is what slow travel is all about!

With no set itinerary or timetable, you can fully embrace a slower pace of travel. Reconnect with loved ones, unwind in nature, and simply let the peaceful surroundings wash over you.

Being able to stop where you want, when you want? That freedom is something many of us are craving right now.

Dine in Local Restaurants and Pubs

Fancy a delicious meal in Carrick-on-Shannon? Pop into Di Vino Italian restaurant or The Oarsman.

Other great spots to visit include:

The Copper Still Bar and Restaurant in Dromod
The Bailey Bar & Lounge in Athlone
Lough Key Forest Park in Roscommon

So What Are You Waiting For? Book A Shannon River Cruise!

There are plenty of benefits to taking a Shannon River Cruise holiday. Not only is it good for your wellbeing, but it’s also perfect for reconnecting, relaxing, and exploring some of Ireland’s most scenic and peaceful places.

Check out the Waterways Ireland website for more information about planning your Shannon River cruise holiday.