As St. Patrick's Day approaches, all Irish eyes are smiling and proud voices sing hearty ballads about boats and love and the beauty of the coastline.



The Emerald Island's legendary 3,000-plus miles of coastline, lakes, rivers and waterways support many water-based activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, diving, surfing, windsurfing, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.



There’s action on the ocean for your seaworthy Monterey, but also a sense of tranquility at the heart of Ireland’s lakes and waterways.



The sheer beauty of Ireland’s waterways is outstanding. There are small harbors, inlets and islands, and unspoiled rivers that provide unique boating excursions. The River Shannon Waterway is a well-known area for cruising, and both the Shannon and Erne rivers, as well as surrounding lakes, are an angler's paradise, well-stocked with salmon, pike, bream and perch.



You don’t need a license or expert experience on boats to enjoy all Ireland has to offer. The mighty River Shannon, Loughs Erne and Neagh, the Grand and Royal Canals, the Lower Bann, and the River Barrow are known to bewitch all who cruise them with a magical variety of welcoming restaurants and traditional pubs, a proud culture, and historical sites spanning more than 5,000 years.



The Clipper Round the World Race and Maritime Festival takes place in early July. Founded in 1995, it is the world’s longest yacht race - 40,000 miles (faith and begorrah!) - circumnavigating the globe. It's followed by a four-day nautical fun fest of amazing street performances, parties and live music, enjoyed by an audience of more than 450 million people worldwide.



Perched on the northwest tip of Europe, Ireland is one of the world's places where even getting lost is enjoyable. As the locals are fond of saying, "Just go where the island of Ireland takes you."



If you have a desire to explore and enjoy Ireland by boat, visit our dealer, Hanna Boats, at www.hannaboats.co.uk



Erin Go Bragh!  [Ireland Forever!]