Boat rentals in Ireland

Boat rental without a license in Ireland offers you a unique experience to discover the magnificent Irish waterways. Navigate at your own pace on the Shannon River and the Shannon-Erne network, through verdant landscapes, picturesque villages, and historic sites. Whether you're a novice or experienced, our houseboats allow you to easily explore one of Europe's most preserved waterway networks, with nearly 500 km of navigation and only 21 locks.

Quick access: Boat rental prices - Activities during your cruise - Rental bases - License-free navigation - Most beautiful stops in the region

Ireland - Locaboat's Pénichette 1400 FB cruising in front of Mcdermott's Castle near Boyle in the Irish Lough Key

Boat rental prices in Ireland

The price of a houseboat rental in Ireland varies according to several factors:

  • Boat size: from small boats for couples to large vessels accommodating up to 12 people
  • Season: high season (July-August), mid-season (May-June, September) or low season (March-April, October)
  • Rental duration: full week (Saturday to Saturday), mini-week (4 nights Monday to Friday) or weekend (3 nights Friday to Monday)
  • Boat range and comfort: different equipment levels available

For a 3-night rental (generally the minimum duration offered), expect between €400 and €900 for a one-cabin boat.
For a full week, prices range from €800 to €1500 for a small boat in low season, up to more than €3000 for a large boat in high season.
Additional fees may apply for fuel (approximately €150 to €300 per week), refundable deposit, and options such as bicycle rental or pet authorization.

You can search for real-time prices and availability of license-free boats in our fleet yourself, but don't hesitate to contact us for a personalized quote based on your budget, rental dates, and number of passengers. We will select the best offers at the best prices on available boats according to your criteria.

Tourist, cultural and sporting activities during your cruise in Ireland

Ireland offers a multitude of activities accessible from your boat:

  • Historical discoveries: visit ruined medieval castles, thousand-year-old monasteries, and manor houses that line the waterways
  • Fishing: Ireland is a paradise for anglers, with waters rich in salmon, trout, and pike (free activity)
  • Golf: with more than 400 courses available, golfers can practice their passion in stunning landscapes
  • Gastronomy and nightlife: taste local specialties and spend an evening in a traditional Irish pub listening to live music
  • Hiking: explore the Irish countryside on foot or by bicycle
  • Water sports: enjoy the numerous lakes for swimming and water activities

These activities integrate perfectly with your navigation itinerary, making stops in various villages and sites of interest.

Sumptuous buildings of the Irish Queens University

Rental bases where to embark for your river cruise in Ireland

Several strategically located departure bases allow you to embark on your river adventure:

  • Carrick-on-Shannon: main base in the heart of the network, ideal for exploring the Shannon River
  • Banagher: excellent starting point to discover the southern part of the Shannon
  • Portumna: perfect for exploring Lough Derg and the surrounding region
  • Bellanaleck near Belleek: ideal for navigating Lough Erne in Northern Ireland

Each base has reception facilities, parking for your vehicle during your cruise, and a team that will provide you with all necessary information before departure.

Navigation on Irish waterways is accessible to everyone, even beginners:

  • No license required: no license is necessary to pilot a boat on Irish rivers
  • Initial training: before boarding, our team provides comprehensive training of about 1 hour on boat operation and navigation rules
  • Lock passage: the 21 locks in the network are automated and easy to maneuver, with a smart card available for a small fee
  • Navigation hours: boats are generally available from 3:00-4:00 PM on arrival day and must be returned before 9:00 AM on return day
  • On-board equipment: all our boats are equipped with detailed maps and a navigation guide
  • Safety: all safety equipment, including life jackets for adults and children, is provided on board

Ireland is particularly suitable for beginners thanks to its long lock-free stretches (up to 130 km) and its uncrowded network, offering a peaceful and relaxing navigation experience.

Glendalough, Wicklow, stream in an Irish landscape. This country truly deserves its reference color: emerald green

The most beautiful stops on your cruise in Ireland

The following list of suggested stops is intended purely as a guide. Ireland boasts a plethora of castles, romantic landscapes, golf courses and fishing spots that you will get the opportunity to discover through the many stops you make, each more interesting than the last.

Belleek, located at the mouth of the River Erne, on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (southern Ireland), is not only home to a magnificent castle but also an impressive pottery works.

Carrick-on-Shannon (or in English, 'town where you can cross the river on foot') is internationally renowned for its fishing competitions, but you might also like to visit the ruins of its castle or its various manors and chapels.

Portumna, which sits at the junction of Lake Derg and the River Shannon, is well known to sailors, anglers and golfers alike. The feudal castle is just 300m from the port and houses a variety of exhibitions and a 17th-Century vegetable garden. You might also be interested in exploring its forest park or enjoying a game of golf.

Shannobridge and the surrounding area is a great stop-off for children (and some parents, too), who will no doubt enjoy the 9km train ride through the Blackwater Bog, after which you might like to take them to Ashbrook Farm and Agricultural Museum.

Sumptuous buildings of the Irish Queens University Glendalough, Wicklow, torrent in an Irish landscape. This country really deserves its reference color: emerald green

Photos: Glendalough - Chris Hill 2009 ; Queens University - Chris Hill 2009 ; Ballybunion Golf Club - Evan Schiller ; Locaboat

Special and last minute offers

June/July: up to 30% discount

Last minute offer:
For a navigation before the end of July: -30% on all stays*
For a sailing in August: up to 25% off on all stays*

*The offer for the month of July and that of August are valid on a selection of bases for any new reservation respectively made and confirmed between 23/06 and 31/07/2025 inclusive for sailing in July or August 2025. Non-retroactive offers and not applicable to conveyance offers (one-way fixed date).

Pre-booking

June-August 2025: -30%

Take advantage of a 30% discount for all boating holidays between June and August 2025

Offer valid till July 10th 2025. Not retroactive, not combinable.

Pre-booking

September - october 2025: 20% discount

If you choose to go for a boating holiday in September or October 2025, you can benefit from 20% discount for stays of 3 nights or more.

Offer not retroactive and not cumulative, valid until July 10th 2025

Pre-booking
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Don't hesitate to contact us right now to book your next river cruise in Ireland.

Ireland is not the only area available with alpha-croisiere.com. Discover all the other destinations of river cruise that we can rent you.

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