Take centuries-old monastic settlements, lush landscapes, dramatic scenery and delightful small villages with a big heart - and you have all the ingredients for a perfect cruising holiday. No wonder cruising the River Shannon with Emerald Star is such a popular holiday option in Ireland.

From our three strategically placed bases - Portumna, Carrick-on-Shannon and Belturbet - you can cruise the full expanse of the Shannon and its lakes or just select a particular area in which to potter about and enjoy your holiday.

Cruising at a very leisurely pace along the Shannon-Erne waterway, Europe’s longest inland cruising system, you’ll soon cast aside the pressures of today’s more hectic lifestyles as you settle down to enjoy a very different holiday experience - one that gives you a whole new perspective on the beautiful countryside, historic castles, grand houses, deserted hamlets and ancient monastic settlements that surround you.

The River Shannon and surrounding network of peaceful loughs are an angler’s paradise - so make sure you hire a dinghy to reach the best bits! On land, it is a rambler’s heaven too, as national parklands, historic ruins and grand houses in abundance are there to be explored.

Carrick-on-Shannon, the gateway to both the north and south Shannon cruising region, is a major boating centre and thriving town. Its old-fashioned narrow streets, diversity of shops and traditional Irish nightlife make this a perfect place to start your holiday. Don’t forget to visit Ireland’s smallest church - the Costello Chapel is only 18m2 in size!

The County of Cavan, it is said, has 365 lakes, one for every day of the year and Belturbet is perfectly placed to cruise just some of this myriad of waterways. Belturbet is also well served by bars and restaurants, while golf, walking tours and fishing are popular activities that are well catered for. Further north, Upper Lough Erne offers clear waters and impressive - almost mountainous - scenery, dotted with many islands, coves and inlets.

From peaceful Portumna, enjoy the delights of Lough Derg, one of Ireland’s finest lakes.  Easy access to Lough Ree and the entire Shannon waterway is also possible. Portumna’s broad streets and majestic parades of shops and houses are an obvious reminder of the town’s Georgian past.

But wherever you cruise, you can be sure to enjoy Ireland’s renowned reputation for hospitality everywhere you go, from friendly lock-keepers to outgoing publicans and from helpful shop-owners to awardwinning restaurateurs, we’re certain you’ll enjoy ‘the craic’ in Ireland!

If you're still undecided take a look at this stunning area as featured in the BBC production Three Men Go to Ireland and visit our Ireland Cruising companion full of information, insparation and ideas for a boating holiday on the Irish waterways.