| Can there really be anything more relaxing than the | | | | Shannon is the main centre for inland river cruising in |
| sun shining down as the wind rushes past, and the | | | | Ireland with many operators offering boats for rent at |
| water spreads out all around you? It does not matter if | | | | various locations along the Shannon. Also popular inland |
| your taste lies in a zippy little speedboat, the much | | | | are canoeing and kayaking activities; whether you |
| more modest speed of a rocking rowboat, the | | | | would like nothing better than to recline on the deck of |
| glamour of a sailboat or even the luxury of a small | | | | a cabin cruiser, or to experience the exhilaration of |
| seagoing yacht; boating in Ireland is an experience well | | | | paddling down a rapidly-rushing river in a kayak with a |
| worth having. | | | | friend or two, there are waterways abundant for the |
| When it comes to the glamour of boating, nothing can | | | | purpose. There are also many places to rent the |
| quite compete with a sailboat. Ireland is not only home | | | | necessary equipment, if you did not bring your own. |
| to some lovely waterways on which to sail, it is also | | | | Finally, if boating on the Shannon just seems too |
| home to the oldest yacht club in the world. Founded in | | | | blasé by itself, why not try adding something a |
| 1720, the Royal Cork Yacht Club is a piece of Irish | | | | bit more exciting to the mix? Try chartering a boat and |
| history and a piece of sailing history as well. Sailing | | | | hiring some scuba gear; there are several places along |
| schools are available in Ireland, or you can simply | | | | Ireland's coast where you can experience the delights |
| charter a boat with an experienced captain and enjoy | | | | of underwater exploration. Usually this option is |
| the experience as a passenger. | | | | available to tourists from March through to October, |
| Cabin cruising is quite popular in Ireland too, even inland, | | | | although the seasonal changes will ultimately dictate |
| and you can charter a boat to enjoy. The River | | | | the length of the diving season. |