Boat moorings

More than 1,000 kilometres of inland waterways in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland come under the responsibility of the cross-border body, Waterways Ireland. It is responsible for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of operational waterways throughout the island of Ireland.

Living on a boat

Relatively few people in Northern Ireland live permanently on boats, but you might want to enjoy life on the water for some periods of the year.

Living on a boat won't always be the ideal world you expect. Although generally less expensive than living in a house, there are many costs and pitfalls that you might not have considered. You will need to think about:

buying the right boat
finding somewhere to moor it
getting a licence and insurance
boat maintenance and repairs
utilities and heating costs

The Waterways Ireland website has useful information about living on a boat. Its FAQs section offers some useful advice, for example, issues around boating on Lough Erne, as follows:

Q: Is there any law for the mooring of a boat on its own mooring in the sheltered area of the Lough Erne system?

A: You should contact the Lough Erne Warden for initial advice as to suitability, etc on 028 6632 2836 and also the Rivers Agency who administer the bed and soil and accreted foreshore of the Erne Estate on 028 6638 8529

Q: I am thinking of buying a cruiser and would like to moor it on Lough Erne - how do I go about this and what is the approximate cost?

A: Contact the Lough Erne Warden's Office on 028 6632 2836 for advice on bye-laws and vessel registration - you should also contact a yacht broker for advice on a suitable vessel and information on berthage in the area

Q. Do I have to register a boat before using it on Lough Erne?

A. You have to register your boat before using it on Lough Erne - you can do so by downloading the form on the Waterways Ireland website and sending it to the Lough Erne Warden. There is no cost to register your boat. If you purchase a boat which is already registered, you still need to make the warden aware about change of ownership.

Advice for buying the right boat

boats are advertised by specialist brokers and by private individuals through the pages of several monthly magazines and websites
always get a boat professionally surveyed
boats do not appreciate in value like bricks and mortar do
a top of the range new boat can cost well into six figures

Finding a mooring

On the waterways, managed by Waterways Ireland, there are strict rules about moorings and you must genuinely travel around the network, not just cruise back and forth in the same area. For example, on Lough Erne you can buy private moorings, but you must move on after every 48 hours when using public jetties.