Of all the countries in Europe, Ireland particularly lends itself to exploration by water. It is an island of manageable size with deep-sea loughs cutting far inland, spectacular inland loughs surrounded by mountains, and majestic rivers connected by man-made canals. In a boat of suitable dimensions you can cross the country from Dublin on the soft east coast to Limerick and the Atlantic, or from Waterford in the southeast to Belleek in the northwest, without ever setting to sea. These unrivalled waterways also offer superb walking and cycling access, and the gentle pace of these modes of travel really allows you to get to know Ireland and her people.