A land of tranquil beauty shaped by legend and tradition, Irelands' waterways can provide a unique experience for everyone. The natural environment provides excellent opportunities to participate in a huge range of sightseeing, cultural and outdoor activities. High adventure or total relaxation, the options are endless.

You can stay on a cruiser, take a boat out for a day or join a trip. If hiring a cruiser you can spend leisurely days island-hopping on the Shannon or the Erne while relaxing on board. By boat you'll find magnificent scenery not always visible from road. The wide open spaces and the splendid solitude invites total exploration.

The sign posted walkways will help work up an appetite allowing you to stop en route at the many pubs and restaurants along the way. Or you can take to your bicycle along the towpaths and quiet country roads. For total relaxation, why not try casting a line into calm canal waters or the faster waters of the rivers and lakes.

Delve into the fascinating heritage of Ireland, which can be seen in ancient stones and circles, in monastic ruins and grand cathedrals, in stately homes and in the many museums, most of which are accessible from the waterways.

For sheer exhilaration have a go at some of the watersports on offer. Follow the new Canoe Trail on the Erne or try kayaking on the Barrow with any of the providers along the waterways. If you want to learn to sail the Shannon and the Erne provide excellent opportunities while waterskiing and wakeboarding on the Erne, Lower Bann and the Shannon will help awaken your sense of adventure.

Whatever holiday you choose, the waterways, beautiful and varied, wait to be discovered.