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
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.
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.
License-free navigation in Ireland
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.
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.
Photos: Glendalough - Chris Hill 2009 ; Queens University - Chris Hill 2009 ; Ballybunion Golf Club - Evan Schiller ; Locaboat