BELFAST BOAT RENTAL FIELD GUIDE
A full day on Lough Erne: self-drive boat rental from Castle Archdale
Spend up to eight hours exploring the scenic lakes of Fermanagh from Castle Archdale Marina with instruction and all essential equipment provided.
A full day on Lough Erne: self-drive boat rental from Castle Archdale.
Castle Archdale Boat Hire places you on the central reaches of Lower Lough Erne for a full-day, self-driven outing across the celebrated lakes of Fermanagh. No prior experience or licences are required: operators provide briefing, buoyancy aids, navigation charts and fuel, making this an accessible way to spend a day on the water.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Central access to Lower Lough Erne
From Castle Archdale you have easy access to the scenic arms and islands of Lower Lough Erne, making it an ideal launch point for a day of exploration across the Fermanagh waterways.
Spacious, group-friendly day boats
Two boat styles accommodate groups: a 17ft Orkney 520 for up to six people and a larger 19ft Orkney 590 for up to eight — both designed for comfortable day trips on the lough.
Turnkey hire with instruction and kit included
No licence or prior experience is required: full instruction is given and buoyancy aids, navigation charts and fuel are included in the hire price, so you can get afloat with confidence.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
A Castle Archdale full-day rental is a straightforward, self-directed cruise: arrive at the marina for a briefing, cast off in a comfortable day boat and spend up to eight hours weaving among the lakes and islands of Lower Lough Erne before returning to the marina.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring a photo ID (required). Buoyancy aids are provided by the operator.
Boat hire minimum age is 18; bookings for later starts must still return the boat by the operator’s latest permitted time.
Full instruction, buoyancy aids, navigation charts and fuel are included in the hire price.
Up to eight hours is available for the 10:00–18:00 slot; shorter bookings can be made but the boat must be returned no later than 18:00.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long can I keep the boat?
Rentals are available for up to eight hours (the full 10:00–18:00 slot). If you book a later start the boat must still be returned by 18:00.
Where do I meet the operator?
The meeting and launch point is Castle Archdale Marina.
Do I need a boating licence or previous experience?
No — no previous experience or special licences are required; full instruction is given and safety equipment is provided.
What boats are available and how many people do they hold?
A 17ft Orkney 520 day boat (suitable for up to six persons, powered by a 10hp Honda engine) and a 19ft Orkney 590 day boat (suitable for up to eight persons, powered by a 20hp Honda engine) are available.
What do I need to bring?
Bring a photo ID; the operator supplies buoyancy aids, navigation charts and fuel as part of the hire.
How much does a boat cost?
Typical rates are £110 (peak) / £100 (off-season) for the six-person boat and £150 (peak) / £140 (off-season) for the eight-person boat; prices may increase during peak periods and early booking is advised.
Who operates the hire service?
The boat hire is run by Castle Archdale Boat Hire and Watersports Ltd and Erne Adventures.