Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Ireland's inland waterways offer scenic boating, fishing, and heritage exploration. The network comprises major rivers and historic canals linking the island's heart to its coasts.
The longest river in Ireland (360 km), flowing from County Cavan to the Atlantic at Limerick. The Shannon-Erne Waterway connects it to the Erne system in Northern Ireland. Popular for cruising, angling, and riverside towns.
Second longest (192 km), rising in the Slieve Bloom Mountains (County Laois) and reaching the sea at Waterford. The Barrow Navigation allows boat traffic to Athy. Rich in medieval castle ruins.
Third longest (184 km), flowing from County Tipperary to Waterford Harbour. The Suir passes the iconic Rock of Cashel and supports salmon and trout fishing.
An 18th-century engineering feat connecting Dublin to the Shannon at Shannon Harbour. Restored for leisure boating, it traverses the Bog of Allen and picturesque villages.
Parallel to the Grand Canal, also 18th-century, linking Dublin to the Shannon at Cloondara. Reopened in 2010 after decades of disuse, it offers a tranquil greenway through the midlands.
These waterways are managed by Waterways Ireland (cross-border) and support tourism, biodiversity, and heritage preservation.