Do you know the difference between "you can" and "you are allowed to"? Of course you do - and as you know one may not always be allowed to do all the things one could. Sometimes these rules make sense, sometimes they seem to be a drag. Like, why should I not take my rental car from California into Mexico? Hard to comprehend at times ... it is far easier to understand why the captain of the "Titanic" should not have ignored those iceberg warnings.

Now icebergs are comparatively rare on Ireland's inland waterways and there is no Mexican border. But still there are rules to be obeyed, laid down by the rental boat companies. And a worrying trend is the blatant flaunting of these rules in word and deed. Over the last months more and more "insider information" has been making the rounds on the internet on where to go ... despite the rental companies' ban on going there. Always with a fig-leaf disclaimer that to do so would contravene the rental agreement. A bit like saying "shoplifting is illegal but here are a few hints how not to get caught".

Unfortunately one fact that these pied pipers (and those mindlessly following them) ignore is that getting caught may be the least of your worries. Staying afloat or even alive might be a more pressing concern.

Some examples of "insider hints" recently found on websites and bulletin boards:

• "River X is shown as being off limits on the rental companies' maps, but you may safely navigate it until the stone bridge comes into sight." Now let us not discuss the rather hazy definition of distance here, let us look at why the river is off limits. The reason is simple: it is normally not deep enough for most cruisers and turning around is all but impossible.
• "Despite what rental agencies say, navigation near the Ardnacrusha power generating station is possible." Yes, up to a point - when you try to get away from it and the turbines are running at full power, all commonly available cruisers will go backwards. Despite being on full steam ahead. Sucked into the danger zone.
• "You can go past Ardnacrusha by a system of locks." True again, but then you will find yourself in the Shannon Estuary, which is tidal and has real shipping. And if you then go into the wrong direction your next refuelling point will be Boston Harbor.
• "Unless satellite tracking is introduced, how will anyone notice?" Well, your SOS, Mayday or that Coast Guard helicopter searching for survivors might be a give-away ....

Just in case you should wonder - no insurance will cover you while you are following the pied piper. Apart from this (hopefully) sobering fact, you should consider the reality that any waters rated "off limits" may pose a danger to your health or even life. So ... is it worth the risk? I don't think so.

And by the way: should anything go wrong, don't even think about blaming the pied piper. He'll sit at home, snug and sound, smugly pointing at his disclaimer. Puffing on a tobacco pipe and swearing that he never did any other piping at all, let alone pied.

Photo © 2007 Bernd Biege licensed to About.com, Inc.

Staying on a nautical theme some words on choosing the right cabin cruiser in Ireland are a good follow-up on the general introduction to this type of vacation.

While most boats are broadly similar, the actual internal layout will have the greatest bearing on the enjoyment of an extended trip. Families might prefer the cozy boat with just one bathroom, but several couples travelling together should aim for privacy and more facilities. Cabin fever in the middle of an Irish lake is not really a memory you will cherish. So choose wisely when selecting a boat.

Photo © Waveline Cruisers Ltd, used with permission

Cruising Ireland's inland waterways is a vacation with a difference - every year hundreds of landlubbers become "Captain for a Week", hire a cabin cruiser and then set off to explore Lough Erne, the Shannon or wherever their fancy takes them.

While this might not lead you to all the highlights of Ireland, it will certainly show you a different perspective of the island. You might even reach places other tourists generally have to give a miss. And unforgettable sunsets on tranquil lakes are the stuff that dreams are made of.

The good news: you don't need to be a proficient sailor to do so. In Ireland no license is required to hire a boat and cruise the inland waterways ... so this vacation is ideal for nautical beginners. And for families ... you'll certainly spend quality time.

Photo © 2005 Bernd Biege licensed to About.com, Inc.

Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus has hit out at Irish policies regarding air traffic: "It doesn't take a genius to work out what will happen when you put a €10 surcharge on airfares in the middle of the worst recession on record - your traffic will go into free-fall. If this results in a massive hike in user fees, you have initiated a vicious spiral which, for the sake of the Irish economy and the travelling public, cannot be allowed to take hold." Strong words. But who is he?

Schulte-Strathaus is the Secretary General of the Association of European Airlines (AEA). And thus speaking for several of the most important airlines in Europe, amongst the 33 members are well-known names like Iberia, Lufthansa, Swiss, British Airways, Air France and Aer Lingus. And these are amongst the angry crowd gearing up for another Irish budget in December ... and further expected costs.

The situation of airlines is, to say the least, difficult: Just months after the introduction of the Irish air passenger tax, which has added € 10 to passenger journeys and contributed to a fall in passenger numbers at Irish airports of 15% this summer, comes the news that Ireland's air navigation provider will increase the fees it charges its airline customers by 17% next year. And we'll have to wait what more surprises the December budget might bring!

As the AEA so bluntly asked in a press release: "Ireland Determined to Become a No-Fly Zone?"