Frequently Asked Questions.
Do I need experience?
No boating or special licence is needed on the Inland Waterways of Ireland. We have two types of waterway available to us. If you are new to boating, the still waters of the canals make for easy navigation.For the more experienced, the river Barrow offers a more challenging, but certainly not difficult, cruise.
Upon arrival we will run through your barges features, then go out a way with you along your chosen route putting you through you’re first lock and bridge.
Are there locks?
Yes, on both river and canal routes. Wonder feats of age old ingenuity and perfect examples of Irish heritage engineering. Still working as they should after being first installed in the mid to late 1700’s.
We will show you how they work, and then there are lock keepers/ waterway patrollers to help you further along your way.
Are the Waterways busy?
No. Compared to most waterways, the waters we cover are very quiet. Where often you feel that you are the only boat on the water. Unspoilt waters considered to be the hidden Ireland. Nature mixed with a combination of picture postcard villages and larger provincial towns such as Athy, Carlow, Edenderry, Tullamore.
Where can we moor?
There is always a great choice of moorings on both routes. Every few hours or so you will pass by a waterside pub or through a small village or larger town, all have moorings. On a canal you can choose to moor on a grass bank enjoying a glass out on deck under a clear night sky.