Boat Rental and Yacht Charter in Ireland

Ireland's rugged coastline and emerald waters promise a sailing journey filled with charm and tradition. Sail with an experienced guide to explore ancient castles, secluded bays, and the warm hospitality of the Emerald Isle.

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Frequently asked questions

What happens when I request a quote?

Once we receive your request, we will confirm the availability of the boat, as well as check for alternative ones. To ensure your experience is the best it can be, we may contact you to discuss your request in detail. Let us do the research for you - free of charge.

When can I get in touch with the captain/skipper?

The timing depends on your charter type. For crewed charters, we can provide the captain's contact details upon request. For bareboat charters with a hired skipper, you can request the contact information 1-3 weeks before departure.

What is the Charter Fee?

The Charter Fee is an additional, obligatory cost, which typically includes the end cleaning of the boat, home port fees, and linen & towels. The details of the charter fee differ depending on the boat, location and charter partner.

Are there any other costs I should be aware of?

There are marina fees and fuel costs which vary depending on the type, duration and location of your sailing holiday. Marina fees need to be paid at each marina you choose to dock overnight - the amount varies but you may be able to find this information in advance by contacting the marinas directly. Fuel costs depend on whether you’re sailing a motorboat or a sailboat. You can estimate fuel costs by double-checking your chosen boat’s engine, and the expected distance you aim to sail.

Sailing in Ireland

A boat hire in Ireland is promising to take you around the most cliffs, beaches and towns this little island nation has to offer. From the bustling capital Dublin you can sail south towards Waterford and Cork before heading up the north west coast to Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher.

Things to do and see when sailing in Ireland

Ireland might not be your typical summer sailing destination, but the country offers perfect wind conditions and plenty of fun outdoor adventures.

Activities in Ireland

  • Rent a boat in Dublin to discover the Irish capital from a different perspective

  • Explore the most beautiful natural green landscapes that make Ireland world-famous

  • Take a tour of the Guinness factory in Dublin and sample some delicious beer while you’re at it

  • Go on a hike in one of Ireland’s most scenic routes along the Cliffs of Moher, the Wicklow mountains or the Ring of Kerry

  • Ireland boasts world-class golf courses. Tee off at renowned destinations like Old Head Golf Links, Royal County Down, or Lahinch Golf Club

  • Explore beautiful Glenadlough to get the best views of the Irish countryside and a challenging exercise in

  • Discover Ireland's art, history, and culture through its numerous museums and galleries. The National Museum of Ireland, Kilmainham Gaol Museum, Dublin Castle and the Irish Museum of Modern Art are just a few examples

  • A boat hire in Carrick-on-Shannon allows you to explore the midlands and other counties in the northern part of the island. The town in county Leitrim is also a popular destination for hens and stags, so why not rent a boat for your hen party in Carrick-on-Shannon

Beaches in Ireland

  • Dog’s Bay: This stunning beach in county Galway is going to give you Caribbean vibes on a sunny day

  • Killiney Beach: This wonderful beach might not be Ireland’s prettiest beach, but it’s certainly one of the best city beaches and is just a stone’s throw away from Dublin

  • Keem Beach in county Mayo is a picturesque beach surrounded by lush green landscapes, hills and white sand. You can also access the beach via boat

Restaurants in Ireland

Casual dining in Ireland:

  • The Cheeky Piglet is a lovely little eatery in Dublin where you get to savour tasty tapas and delicious wine

  • The Crumbs Sandwich Bar Ltd in Carrick on Shannon offers, you probably already guessed it right, delicious sandwiches and other types of finger food

Best restaurants with a view in Ireland:

  • The Winding Stair: This fabulous restaurant offers views of one of Dublin’s most iconic sights. Its rustic interior simply ads to the simple charm

  • The Wicklow Escape: Located deep in the Irish countryside, there is plenty of nature, good food and lovely views around

Fine dining in Ireland:

  • WILDE Restaurant: The floral design as well as the lovely velvet seating arrangements create a wonderful and relaxing atmosphere in Dublin. Try the highly praised Cesar’s salad!

  • The Red Bank Restaurant in Carrick on Shannon is a must! Whether you want to try the chicken burger, the slow cooked beef or one of the wonderful vegan dishes, you won’t be disappointed. If you plan for a more fun night out, you can try one of their fabulous cocktails

Bars and Clubs in Ireland

  • 9 Below is a chic and luxury bar located right in the heart of Dublin in St Stephen’s Green

  • Peruke and Periwig: Change it up a bit with this classy, but rustic bar. Enjoy a lovely wine or cocktail while lounging in this little bar with an air of history

Explore historical Ireland

Ireland has a rich literary heritage, and you can embark on literary-themed tours in cities like Dublin, where you can explore landmarks associated with renowned writers like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and W.B. Yeats. Stepping foot into the creative minds of Ireland’s most renowned writers also means stepping foot back in time. The literary history is deeply intertwined with Ireland’s deeply troubled past. One of the most memorable historical events was the famine. Learn more about this tragic time of history at the Irish Famine Exhibition.

Sailing conditions in Ireland

While the wind conditions in Ireland are often ideal, particularly for more experienced sailors, the waterways where you can sail might be more limited than in other places. Ireland experiences predominantly westerly winds due to its geographical location. The prevailing winds come from the Atlantic Ocean, bringing a fresh breeze to the coastline. The strength of the winds can vary, ranging from gentle breezes to stronger gusts, especially during the autumn and winter months. It's important to be prepared for changing wind conditions and have proper sailing skills to navigate safely. This makes Ireland a location that should be considered by more experienced sailors or those who don’t sail all alone.

The summer months, from June to August, are generally considered the best time to sail in Ireland. During this period, the weather is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. While it might seem fun, keep in mind that there is a reason why Ireland is so green. During this period in time it does rain quite a lot.

Winter sailing in Ireland is less common due to colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours. The weather can be harsher, with stronger winds, rougher seas, and lower temperatures. However, for experienced sailors looking for a more challenging adventure, winter sailing can provide unique opportunities to explore Ireland's dramatic coastlines. Before sailing out make sure that no one has to go on a rescue mission to come and get you while having to put their own lives on the line.

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Ireland?

Renting a boat in Ireland doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can easily rent a motorboat in Ireland at an average price of 6000 EUR per week. Split the cost with the other passengers and you don’t need to spend a fortune.

What type of boat is best for sailing in Ireland?

It all depends on you ideal boat holiday in Ireland. Do you want to relax more than anything else while getting away from your everyday life for a bit or do you want to go on an adventure? Both of these vacations would require different kinds of boats, so be sure to rent the right one for your idea of a fun sailing holiday in Ireland.

Rent a sailboat in Ireland

Pros of renting a sailboat in Ireland

Plan on feeling completely free while also enjoying the wind on your skin and sail in complete harmony with nature? A sailboat hire in Ireland is the perfect choice for you! You only need the wind as your fuel and don’t have to worry about staying close to the marinas in case you’re running out of fuel.

If you want to travel more sustainably, you can always rent a sailboat in Ireland. Sailboats don’t produce additional CO2-emissions and solely rely on the wind. This doesn’t just allow for a more environmentally friendly boating experience, but also makes them a lot cheaper.

Cons of renting a sailboat in Ireland

One of the downsides of a sailboat rental in Ireland is the fact that sailboats solely run on wind. This makes them highly dependent on the weather and whether or not it is safe to sail or if you get stuck in the middle of the sea. In general Ireland is pretty windy, so you should be fine and don’t really need to worry about not having enough wind. However, especially during the autumn and winter months it might become too dangerous to head out to the sea.

If you plan on visiting the different stunning beaches and bays you can find all over Ireland, you might reconsider renting a sailboat in Ireland as they have a keel. This can make it difficult or even dangerous to sail too close to the shore - especially along the coast that is surrounded by rocky cliffs and stones reaching out of the sea.

Rent a motorboat in Ireland

Pros of renting a motorboat in Ireland

A motorboat hire in Ireland is a great choice for anyone who has a limited amount of time on their hands, but a very ambitious bucket list. Motorboats are generally faster than other types of boats, allowing you to see many more places in a shorter amount of time.

Is one of the reasons why you want to charter a motorboat in Ireland the fact that you want to explore all the remote beaches this beautiful country has to offer? As motorboats have a shallow draft you won’t have any problems reaching the shore safely.

Cons of renting a motorboat in Ireland

One of the downsides of a motorboat rental in Ireland is the fact that motorboats solely run on fuel, meaning that they are more expensive and less environmentally friendly.

What kind of boat licence do you need when renting a boat in Ireland?

Anyone who wants to rent a boat in Ireland should know that you need to prove that you have the correct qualifications to do so. Your safest bet is to carry the International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or an Irish Certificate of Competency (ICC-Ireland).

Sailing routes in Ireland

The Irish coastline offers plenty of opportunities to see historical sites, natural wonders and impressive cultural heritage sites. The east and west coast differ greatly, as the later is deeply influenced by the wild Atlantic and the majestic cliffs lining the coast. The east coast is not less beautiful and you can go on a fun trip from Dublin to Belfast, exploring plenty of small towns, villages and beaches along the way.

Day 1 - Sail from Dublin to Howth: Start your journey in Dublin and sail or motor to the charming fishing village of Howth. Explore Howth Castle and its beautiful grounds, enjoy fresh seafood at the local restaurants, and take in the scenic views from the Howth Cliff Walk.

Day 2 - Sail from Howth to Malahide: Sail along the coast to Malahide, a historic town known for its impressive castle and gardens. Visit Malahide Castle, take a stroll through the village, and indulge in some shopping or dining in the town center.

Day 3 - Sail from Malahide to Lambay Island and Skerries: Head to Lambay Island, a private nature reserve with stunning wildlife and beautiful beaches and take a stroll at Lambay Castle. Enjoy the untouched natural beauty of the island before continuing to the seaside town of Skerries. Explore the picturesque harbor, visit Skerries Mills, and relax on the sandy beaches.

Day 4 - Sail from Skerries to Carlingford Lough: Sail north to Carlingford Lough, a glacial fjord renowned for its scenic beauty. Anchor in the lough and take in the breathtaking surroundings. Visit the medieval town of Carlingford, wander through its narrow streets, and explore the ancient castles and ruins.

Day 5 - Sail from Carlingford Lough to Strangford: Navigate your way to Strangford Lough, one of the largest sea loughs in Ireland. This area is known for its rich marine life, picturesque villages, and impressive landscapes. Take a leisurely sail around the lough, stopping at Newtownards or Strangford village for a taste of local charm.

Day 6 - Sail from Strangford Lough to Belfast: Cruise to Belfast, the vibrant capital city of Northern Ireland. Take a guided tour of the Titanic Belfast museum, visit the historic Belfast Castle, and explore the city's bustling waterfront and vibrant cultural scene. If you want to learn more about the city’s turbulent history, you should take a bus tour to explore all the important historical landmarks.

Day 7 - Sail from Belfast to Bangor and return to Dublin: Head back south along the coast to the seaside town of Bangor. The colourful houses line the seaside front. Enjoy the sandy beaches, visit Bangor Castle, and take a walk along the marina. Afterward, make your way back to Dublin, concluding your 7-day sailing tour.