Athlone: Athlone is the biggest town you'll see on your self-drive boat holiday. Make sure you visit the castle or spend an evening in one of the three theatres. And you should definitely stop by Sean's bar, Ireland’s oldest pub.

Ballyconnell: Definitely stop your Pénichette here if you’re looking for a bit of entertainment in the region. Just a few minutes’ walk from the marina you’ll find shops, restaurants, pubs and a night-club not far away. You can even get to a country club and play a round of golf if you feel like it.

Boyle: Use your cruise on Lough Key to explore the ruins of “Macdermott’s Castle”, built on a small island right in the middle of the lough and only accessible by boat.

Carrick-on-Shannon: A small town with charm. The city partly has buildings from the 15th century. In the city center there is not only worth seeing the "smallest church in Ireland" but also a historic bell tower. The streets in the city center offer good pubs and restaurants as well as many shops.

Clonmacnoise: Clonmacnoise Monastery is over 1500 years old and is one of Ireland’s most important historic sites. You can tie up your license-free boat at a small pontoon and stroll among Celtic crosses while learning about Ireland’s history.

Devenish Island: While taking your cruise on Lough Erne, visit Devenish Island, only accessible by boat. It has ruins and a 12th century watchtower that the priests once used to look out for strangers arriving on their lands.

Enniskillen: Explore the pretty town of Enniskillen on the banks of the Erne. Moor your self-drive boat here to visit the magnificent Enniskillen Castle or Castle Coole, which is just as interesting. Make sure you see Portora Royal School, alma mater of Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett.

Garrykennedy: When you arrive at the southern point of Lough Derg, take the chance to moor your Pénichette at Garrykennedy. You’ll find a calm, relaxing marina and you can visit Larkins pub, famous for its food and music.

Killaloe: Killaloe is in the east of County Clare, on the shores of Lough Derg, and is a great little place to stop during your boating holidays in Ireland. It is famous as the birthplace of King Brian Boru. The village is also known for its footpaths and historic ruins.

Lecarrow: Tie up your Pénichette at Lecarrow to make use of the marina’s facilities, explore the ruined Rindown Castle or to enjoy a meal at the Yew Tree restaurant, recommended by many Ireland guides.

Lough Key Forest Park: A very nice stopover for the whole family and peace seekers. An enchanted park invites you for long walks. There is also a treetop path, adventure playground, bike paths and a beautiful dock for overnight stays.

Portumna: One of the most beautiful cities in County Galway. Definitely worth a longer stay to get to know all the sights. Among them the Portumna Castle from the beginning of the 17th century. Next to the castle there is an interesting kitchen garden and a tea house. Take also a long walk on the shores of Lough Derg Forest Park.

Rooskey: Tie up your self-drive boat at Rooskey to enjoy a bit of fishing. You could find perch, roach and bream. If you feel like getting more active, there are plenty of footpaths that start from the village.

Terryglass: You’ll love this marina, located at the entrance to Lough Derg: it's calm and peaceful when the lake allows. In the small village, you’ll find a picturesque, lively pub and a small shop where you can restock your self-drive boat.