10 September 2020
I am delighted to have the opportunity to write a short testimonial following the completion of our almost 2 weeks cruise with Carrickcraft from Bellanaleck to Carrick on Shannon on the Kilkenny Class boat in September 2020.
This was an amazing experience enhanced by tranquil landscapes, stunning sunsets across expanses of water, a diversity of wildlife and very kind weather. The boat is equipped with a superb galley and comfortable sleeping accommodation. The upper steering facility is a valuable option and indeed we spent most of the period living outdoors.
Everywhere we moored was different and held interest for us. On occasion other folk on the jetties were more than willing to assist with tying-up. The 16 locks on the Shannon Erne Waterway proved not to be as daunting as previously anticipated and we were able to progress smoothly through this succession of engineering infrastructure.
In part, this was down to the virtual absence of other craft waiting or exiting, but also the simplicity of operating the electronic lock controls . For those who wish to enjoy solitude, adopt a slower pace, and really see rural Ireland through a different lens, this holiday is unbeatable.
Finally, let me commend the staff at Carrickcraft for an efficient booking process, their attention to induction, and ease of check-out. We were delighted that the boat was "no-smoking" within the cabin spaces, that pump out from the holding tank was undertaken for us mid-way, and that we able to leave a car at each Carrickcraft marina given our one-way cruise.
Our future Shannon ambition will be to cruise from Carrick-on Shannon to Killaloe, and we will certainly re-book a similar boat with Carrickcraft.