North of Carrick-on-Shannon there is a varied choice of routes for the boating enthusiast to follow. To the north- west is the River Boyle leading to Lough Key Forest Park and Drum Bridge, just a short distance from the town of Boyle. North-east of Carrick, the navigation continues upstream as far as Battlebridge where it leaves the main river and travel through the Lough Allen Canal. Originally constructed in 1819-20 to carry Arigna coal via the River Shannon and the Royal Canal to Dublin, the Lough Allen Canal was closed following completion more than 60 years ago of a major hydro-electric scheme on the river. . . In the 1970's the canal was re-opened as far as Acres Lake and recently navigation was extended into Lough Allen itself.

Near Leitrim Village, the Shannon is joined by the Shannon-Erne Waterway. Formerly known as the Ballinamore and Ballyconnell Navigation, this 62km stretch of waterway first linked the Shannon via the Yellow and Woodford rivers to Lough Erne nearly 150 years ago and was reopened in 1994. En route, the waterway passes through number of scenic lakes as well as still water canal and intermittent riverine stretches. In all it passes throught a total of 16 automated locks, overcoming the 24 metres (approximately) rise to the summit in Lough Scur. Commercial facilities and public moorings are available at many strategic points along the system such as Leitrim, Keshcarrigan, Ballinamore, Ballyconnell and Aghalane.

With the restoration of the 40 mile link between the Shannon and the Erne, Ireland's two great waterways have been joined to form a magnificent chain of lakes and rivers stretching from Beleek in County Fermanagh to Killaloe in County Clare - an awesome distance of almost 300 miles! No other country in Europe can offer such a vast expanse of waterway dedicated solely to boating and fishing, and flowing always slowly through undisturbed peacefulness and quiet.

You'll find further useful information, maps, tips and links at Paul Timon's Guide to cruising on the Shannon