Nendrum, a monastic settlement on Mahee Island, is so out-of-the-way that it was forgotten for centuries. If you head out from Comber today, you might imagine a straightforward drive to Nendrum. Far from it ... though the distance is not great as the crow flies, you (unlike the proverbial) cannot disregard Strangford Lough. So your journey will take in a few islands, you will cross some bridges and even pass a medieval castle before you arrive at Nendrum.

Upon arrival the best idea would be to seek out the small visitor center. This is not a bells, whistles and multimedia center but a rather conventional affair. But it will introduce you to the site in a comprehensive and very accessible way - even giving you an impression of what Nendrum might have looked like in its heyday.

Photo © 2006 Bernd Biege licensed to About.com, Inc.

An Erne Cruise on the MV Kestrel ("Kestrel of Belfast", to be precise) is a perfect and safe way to enjoy Ireland's inland waterways - unless you want to hire a boat and navigate for yourself. The "waterbus", designed for more than sixty passengers and with good views in mind, leaves the town center of Enniskillen and takes you into nature. Including a short stay on Devenish Island, famed for its round tower(s) and church ruins. Definitely recommended if you have two hours to spare.

What boats are typically available for hire in Ireland and which ones are the right stuff for you? Good question if you want to experience Ireland's inland waterways on a cabin cruiser. In a special image gallery you can have a glimpse at the range of boats normally on offer from hiring companies in Ireland. I have chosen to highlight the fleet of Waveline Cruisers Ltd. - boats from other companies are generally similar with most differences being in the outer styling and detailed internal layout. So, have a closer look at the boats ...

See Ireland from a boat and have the most relaxing vacation possible - Ireland is not only surrounded by water, it also has an amazing 9,000 miles of waterways and around 800 sizeable lakes. As many of the lakes are interconnected by rivers and canals a veritable network of navigable waters exists. And several companies offer boats for hire. Cabin cruisers of varying size and technology, but all designed to provide transport and accommodation in one. Cruising on Ireland's inland waterways is a very popular option for a really relaxing vacation.