A cruise along the River Shannon is a wonderful way to see the natural beauty of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Head south from Carrick-on-Shannon to Banagher on a Carrickcraft cruiser, stopping off for a scenic forest picnic or a visit to one of the world's most famous monastic sites, Clonmacnoise in Offaly.

Or, check out Silver Line Cruisers for a journey along Lough Ree and Lough Derg. Hop on board in Banagher and discover the delights of your fully-fitted boat. Choose a cruiser that suits your group and enjoy a short break or two-week holiday, exploring pretty towns and villages along the way.

If you’re after a luxury break, hire the Royal Mustique A from Emerald Star for your Shannon cruise and sail in style. Emerald Star is part of Le Boat, a company that provides epic canal boats across Europe and Canada. 

Want to travel north instead? Spend some time on the Shannon-Erne Waterway with Lough Ree Cruisers, sailing through old world canals and the gently winding Woodford River to Lough Erne.

Sit back and relax as the crew leads the way on a skippered Shannon cruise. Plan an evening trip with Moon River Cruises for a night out with a difference. The one-hour round trip from Carrick-on-Shannon shows you ancient sights and spectacular scenery. Enjoy live music and a tipple or two from the bar, as you take in the stunning views from the comfy, fully heated cruiser.

For a special occasion, a night on the Shannon Princess is sure to impress. Dine in the spacious saloon with panoramic views or take in the vibrant sunset from the rooftop deck. Enjoy five-star service and delicious food as you travel from Athlone to Killaloe, stopping off at historic Birr Castle Demesne, lovely Portumna and buzzing Galway city.

From Athlone, discover Barracuda Boat Trips and cruise to Clonmacnoise, or plan a one-hour trip to the lakes of Lough Ree. Book in for an evening dining cruise, chill out on a relaxing fishing trip or choose the power boat experience and embrace the major adrenalin rush.  

Experience Ireland’s waterways at your own pace on a leisurely barge trip. 

With a skipper as your guide, enjoy a canal boat tour from Sallins in Kildare with Bargetrip.ie. Highlights include a stop on top of the impressive Leinster Aqueduct that carries the Grand Canal over the River Liffey. The cruises are exclusive to your group and it’s a unique trip to experience with family or friends.

Take a trip out to Ireland’s Eye, leaving from the fishing village of Howth on Dublin’s north coast with Ireland’s Eye Ferries, and stop off to explore the peaceful island for an hour or two.

Book in with Dublin Bay Cruises and choose from five sailings a day between Dublin city centre, Dún Laoghaire and Howth. Enjoy a 75-minute trip that’s packed with interesting landmarks and marine life. There’s a bar on board too so you can warm up with a steaming coffee or kick back with a creamy pint to watch the sun set over Dublin Bay.

From April to October, try paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking or sailing at Surfdock Watersports in Dublin’s Grand Canal Dockyard, five minutes from the city centre. With kids camps, adult classes and group days out, they offer plenty of ways to experience the capital's famous landmarks from the water. 

From Westport in Mayo, explore spectacular Clew Bay with Westport Cruises. Pirate Queen Grace O'Malley, who features in many an Irish folklore tale, is thought to have once ruled these waters. Legend says that you’ll find 365 islands in Clew Bay, one for each day of the year, with Clare Island being the largest of them all.

The journey brings you by the bay’s 400-strong seal colony as you gaze at panoramic views of Croagh Patrick. Keep an eye out for Dorinish Island, or Beatle Island as it’s better known, formerly owned by John Lennon. He had planned to build a house on the beautifully remote island and later, retire there.

Friendly seals, basking sharks, puffins and dolphins are just some of the wildlife to look out for on your Daingean Uí Chúis (Dingle) boat trip with Dingle Dolphin Boat Tours. Bask in breathtaking views of the rugged Kerry coast and breathe in the fresh sea air. Listen as a knowledgeable guide shares the fascinating history of local buildings including the old boatyard and hospital, and the famine towers.

Travel to pretty Glengarriff in Cork and get out on the water with Bantry Bay Charters. Bring the little ones on a marine tour to spot Atlantic Grey Seals, dolphins and whales. Watch the sky turn spectacular shades of pink and orange during their sunrise and sunset tours. If you have a checklist of places you'd like to see, opt for their bespoke 'Day on the Bay' tour and create your own perfect water adventure. Cruise down to Dursey Island, snorkel in the open water or catch some fish for lunch with the help of their experienced team.

Book in for a sea safari in Baltimore, Cork where you’ll spot all kinds of sea life. Look out for whales basking in the waters, dolphins prancing through the air and sea birds flying overhead. The sightseeing tour with Baltimore Sea Safari is a great opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of this coastal village – ask your guide to tell you the story of the white-painted Baltimore Beacon that stands guard at the harbour.

Make sure you try out the onboard hydrophone to hear the sounds of the sea, it’s bound to be a hit with the kids.

Brush up your skills or learn something totally new with a five-day sailing and windsurfing course at The Oysterhaven Centre in Cork. Approved by the Irish Sailing Association, you’ll come home from your holiday with a sailing certificate to show for your efforts. Popular with children aged between 11 and 17, this is the perfect summer activity for kids and teenagers who love the water.

Or head to scenic Oranmore in Galway, where Galway Bay Sailing Club hold courses of various lengths including energetic camps and weekend lessons. If you’re in the east coast, take a summer course at Carlingford Sail Training Centre and get to grips with the basics of sailing while enjoying fantastic views of the lough and beautiful Slieve Foy.