Few modes of modern travel provide the kind of serene calm of cruising in Ireland. Be it lake, canal or river, the lack of commercial activity and the lush, water-fed landscapes are the stuff of water colour masterpieces.

Headed by the visually stunning Shannon Erne Waterway, the combined waterways of Ireland act as liquid access to monastic cities, isolated islands and countless quaint villages and towns. From a lake, from a river, or from a canal, these experiences are unique to cruise holidays alone.

Stop, explore, repeat.

That’s the wonderful thing about cruising in Ireland – you can stop and explore where and when you like. Gourmet meals, island picnics, activity parks, castles, gardens, bike trips, canoeing, angling: all and more are within easy reach of the water. Should a night on dry land be of interest, you can choose anything from a cosy B&B to a luxury castle hotel.

Recipe for relaxation

It’s not simply perfect, pastoral scenery, or the pleasing ripples of parting water that make cruising in Ireland so relaxing. It’s the fact that you don’t need a licence to man a craft, or that you don’t even need to have experience. If you want to man your own vessel, the provider will show you.

Your holiday, your way

Remember, too, that this is your holiday, your way. Feel like roaming a castle estate today? Go for it. Fancy stopping at that pub for a fish and chips lunch? Do it. That cycle path looks like fun, doesn’t it? Moor up, and get biking. Naturally, anglers will be spoilt for choice. Trout, bream, perch – they’re all on offer.