Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

Any experience out there?

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 13.01.2013  ·  #1
I have been looking into stopping along some of the waterways later this year.

I have phoned the head office and was told there was no problem using the facilities such as showers etc with their smart cards.

I would like to hear from anyone who has used these facilities as I have since read that there are signs in many of the car parks prohibiting overnight stopping. It would appear that the car parks belong to local councils and not waterways Ireland.

Have these signs been removed since the motorhomes have been made welcome?
Is the same Chemical toilet system the same or similar to use?
Do any of the car parks have height barriers?


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 13.01.2013  ·  #2
We use Garrykennedy and Terryglasson the shanon and have used most of the Marina sites without any bother. Have not come across height barriers. The card can be bought at local shops and using the toilets doesn't use credit. Overall all these sites are used by motor homers and you shouldn't encounter any problems. Enjoy. :sleep: :up:


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 13.01.2013  ·  #3
Oops........should have mentioned that ......yes there are signs that state no overnight parking ............but we have never been bothered. We spend a few bob in the local pubs and shops and are generally welcomed. :sleep: :up:


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 13.01.2013  ·  #4
Cheers Biffo.

That's a good start.
We hope to do a 2 week trip and use these facilities.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 13.01.2013  ·  #5
have used ballinaleck
there are signs for no overnight parking but when warden arrived to lock shower block at 9pm he waved over to us and bid us good evening

i know several mhomers who use these places regularly and none have had any bother at all.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 13.01.2013  ·  #6
Hi Mark,

I travelled up from Cork last year and used a few from Limerick up to Enniskillen, I have also used some of those near Enniskillen on weekend trips.

I have not had any bother at those that I have stayed at, some are waterways Ireland and some are district council owned, for example the park at Ballynaleck has no overnight parking signs but boatowners cars and trailers seem to make up most of the traffic. Not had a problem, good toilet block and water, not strictly waterways Ireland though.

Have used the Lough Garradice marina near Ballyconnel a few times, Ballyconnel village marina also seems to be popular. also used Leitrem village and Keshkerrigan. Have plans to stop at Ballinamore this year. All have standard toilet blocks with shower, laundry, toilets, and fresh water and black waste disposal, no grey though. They also have that rare thing in the south 'Bins!!'

Also used Rooskey, Shannonbridge, and Lecarrow this year without problem.

Davy


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 13.01.2013  ·  #7
I forgot to add that I bought the navigation maps for both the shannon (waterproof) and the Erne system. These show the various marinas and the facilities at each stop.

The tourist board also offer various free publications which add value to the maps.

Davy


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 13.01.2013  ·  #8
Have used various waterway marinas with no problems. Garykennedy, Dromineer lovely spots.
Used various marinas between Drumsna & Enniskillen Forum last August on 10 day hols with no problems.
Remember to get a Waterways Card.
Enjoy the break ! :D


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 13.01.2013  ·  #9
Great stuff.
Thanks to everyone. Keep them coming.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 13.01.2013  ·  #10
There was some word over the last while that the Enniskillen forum had become off limits for overnights, but that the car park beside the castle/museum was to be accepted by the council as a legal stopover location.

Cant remember where I heard this, probably on here!!

Davy


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 13.01.2013  ·  #11
Is there a list of these marinas available where its possible to stop or gps coordinates ?


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waterways ireland

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Posted: 14.01.2013  ·  #12
Hi mark have used portumna many time mostly in the winter always campers there was told when busy can be 40 or50, there is 1campervan there 365 he lives in it.also used terryglass no prob again in winter, ballinasloe has a barrier but there is a small hotel just up the river have parked there on prob, 5 min cycle to town I can get you the name if you want. I was thinking of doing the same myself for week or 2 the car park in Hudson bay in athlone also has campervan in it have never stayed myself .
My friend has a boat and uses blue in toilet and pumps it out at the marina,


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 14.01.2013  ·  #13
Thanks

I have read about pump out for toilet. I wonder if there is somewhere to empty a cassette.


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waterways ireland

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Posted: 14.01.2013  ·  #14
Hi Mark
I think in portumna they have I say people heading over to the toilet block with cassettes the toilet are open to the public you dont need a card.
I forget to mention Shannon harbour, and Shannon bridge, stayed at both but no toilets

Ken


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 15.01.2013  ·  #15
Hi Robbie,

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the navigation maps for the Shannon and Erne are a good investment for locations and what facilities are available.

I also picked up the following publications from tourist offices in Enniskillen and Killaloe;

Guide to Irelands inland waterways (navigation and recreation information) Free, published by waterways Ireland.

A glimpse of Ireland's inland waterways. Free, published by waterways ireland.

A taste of the waterways 2012 (favourite places to eat and drink) Free, published by waterways Ireland.

Along the river 2012 (your guide to the shannon and erne waterways) published by First look publications. Free.

Hi, taylor,

Shannonbridge has a toilet block at the end of the carpark, no sewage disposal but showers with token from Kileens pub which is good to eat at and very quirky.

Also heard good reports of the food in the pub in Keshkerrigan.

Davy


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 15.01.2013  ·  #16
Thanks Davy I must try and get hold of these and make out a list of co ords which would be handy :-)


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Posted: 15.01.2013  ·  #17
Don't worry Robbie.
That is already in hand.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 15.01.2013  ·  #18
i thought westmeath co. co.( hodson bay ) had enforced a blanket ban on motorhomes in carparks last year it was on radio ,newspapers and this site and many across europe maybe the ban was lifted ???


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 15.01.2013  ·  #19
I think the car park in front of the Hudson Bay Hotel is in co Roscommon, I saw campervans sept or oct last year ,didnt stay my self was in the hotel.
Ken


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 15.01.2013  ·  #20
i might have got the county wrong but i think it was started by a councilor from hodson bay area ?????? but it looks like the vans are back so we win :happy: :happy:


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 15.01.2013  ·  #21
I am in Athlone a fair bit ill keep an eye out and let ye know if i see any parked there ok
Ken


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 15.01.2013  ·  #22
i have posted the thread on motorhome chat i dont know how to move from one forum to another :'(


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 16.01.2013  ·  #23
Quote by mark

Don't worry Robbie.
That is already in hand.


I never worry or panic these days Mark :happy: . There is nothing regarding poi for these on the net and no mention anywhere that there will be.
Missed your post when it went up, just noticed there now and already made a start on these with some paperwork i got yesterday and using google earth. It,s rocks :-)
When I get more time and get more added ill make it available to everyone here or like poi,s can be added shared etc. The more doing bits and bobs for all us campers the better.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 16.01.2013  ·  #24
Quote by Robbie


already made a start on these with some paperwork i got yesterday and using google earth. It,s rocks :-)



We had started work on them too and a few other different POI's, but we will not mention those here until they are finished. No point having duplicates of everything.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 16.01.2013  ·  #25
[/quote] No point having duplicates of everything.[/quote]

Very true Ally.. I will stop what I was working on for now too.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 16.01.2013  ·  #26
Ah no problem Ally, I'll let you chaps carry on then as you say no point doubling up on the work, will it be out soon ? :-)


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 21.01.2013  ·  #27
Quote by mark

I have been looking into stopping along some of the waterways later this year.
I have phoned the head office and was told there was no problem using the facilities such as showers etc with their smart cards.
I would like to hear from anyone who has used these facilities as I have since read that there are signs in many of the car parks prohibiting overnight stopping. It would appear that the car parks belong to local councils and not waterways Ireland.
Have these signs been removed since the motorhomes have been made welcome?
Is the same Chemical toilet system the same or similar to use?
Do any of the car parks have height barriers?


Mark,

Back to the Original Question...

We used quite a few of these sites last September, we travelled for 9 days. Ron (DotRon) was very knowledgable and helpful and give us lots of tips. But in short, they were brill, there were toilets, showers, water, washing machines, even plug ins at some sites and they were all located beside villages with pubs and restaurants on your door stop. In all the places we stayed there were no signs regarding motorhomes and any boats mooring were all friendly and pleasant. We did ask at one of the sites (in the office) if motorhomers were welcome and were told its all income and we were more than welcome. We will certainly be using these again. The cards could be purchased in most local shops. Let me know if you need fuller info.

Dee :up:


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 21.01.2013  ·  #28
Great Dee. Thanks. We will be visiting a few very soon. I will keep you posted.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 12.02.2013  ·  #29
hi i was just wondering has anybody ever parked in or near gort co galway, am heading up that way in a few weeks time and was lokking for somewhere to park motorhome for a few nights, reply to this would be grateful, cheers :D


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 05.03.2013  ·  #30
You may be moved on from the local council Carparks however this is unlikely the motorhome association met with the southern waterways ireland management and agreed to roll out a pilot scheme to allow use of certain sites unrestricted. As they know we use them without trouble and put money into their system they are turning a blind eye however they would like a registration system similar to water craft to legalise the use of the system this would be free of charge and could be done online with name address reg no being registered . Hope this helps


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 06.04.2013  ·  #31
Quote by Guestuser

You may be moved on from the local council Carparks however this is unlikely the motorhome association met with the southern waterways ireland management and agreed to roll out a pilot scheme to allow use of certain sites unrestricted. As they know we use them without trouble and put money into their system they are turning a blind eye however they would like a registration system similar to water craft to legalise the use of the system this would be free of charge and could be done online with name address reg no being registered . Hope this helps


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 07.04.2013  ·  #32
I agree. This is a very interesting topic.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 29.05.2013  ·  #33
Not ALL waterways Ireland Marina's are suitable, three being removed from the map as we tried to stay there and couldn't.

If you visit these Marina's please report back and let us know how you got on.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 29.05.2013  ·  #34
Bellanaleck is waterways Ireland has toilets and showers and flatish parking


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 29.05.2013  ·  #35
the only courtesy bellanaleck asks is you dont park at the water side as boat owners need to park there to load supplies, water etc.

great spot to stop over and the showers are first class.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 04.09.2013  ·  #36
Hi guys was in Athlone last week there were 2 Motorhomes parked at the Hudson Bay marina car park was told that Motorhomes park there all the time no problems. The campsite that is up the road from the marina has closed down. Re Portumna toilet waste disposal do not use the toilet to empty your cassette, instead just go to the back of the toilet facing the water there is a manhole cover on the ground just lift and dump. This is where you are requested to empty your cassette.


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Posted: 13.09.2013  ·  #37
Stopped for the nite last week at Keshcarrigan,only van there. Good facilities and quiet nite. Pub 5 mins up the road walking. Next day drove on down to Terryglass, 4 vans overnighting excellent facilities as long as you purchased a Waterways smart card. Pub 5/6 min walk to village (Paddys)we went along Saturday about 1730hr had trouble managing to open door of pub,no it wasn't stuck it was due to the place being bunged, what a great atmosphere and good pints of the black stuff.lot.s of folk eating as well. Keep on the right side of this one, well worth it.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 10.05.2014  ·  #38
For Terryglass Marina, where do you buy a smart card from ! Or on some info it says from a local shop ! Which Shop !


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 10.05.2014  ·  #39
Quote by tommybago13

For Terryglass Marina, where do you buy a smart card from ! Or on some info it says from a local shop ! Which Shop !


If you scroll down through here you should find it. PDF Link

N.B. This is a download link page.


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Re: Using Waterways Ireland marina car parks.

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Posted: 10.05.2014  ·  #40
I haven't visited Terryglass yet.
Does it require a smart card for access?

If you do need one try the Derg Inn.


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