Core Member Focus: Waterways Ireland
Ireland’s waterways are more than just scenic routes and historic canals—they’re vibrant, living landscapes that connect communities, nurture wildlife, and provide peaceful escapes for paddlers, walkers, boaters, anglers, and nature lovers alike.
Spanning 1,100 kilometres, these vital blue corridors include the Lower Bann Navigation, Shannon-Erne Waterway, Shannon Navigation, Barrow Navigation, Erne System, Royal Canal, Grand Canal, and Ulster Canal, all of which are managed by Waterways Ireland.
Rising Popularity, Growing Responsibility
In 2024, over 3.5 million people explored Ireland’s waterways, with 800,000 people making cross-border journeys by cruiser, bike, or on foot. As more and more people discover the beauty of these natural spaces, it’s essential to acknowledge the increased responsibility that comes with greater usage. Higher traffic leads to more pressure on the environment—litter, erosion, disturbance to wildlife, and the spread of invasive species that threaten biodiversity and even damage infrastructure.
That’s why Waterways Ireland is a key member of Leave No Trace Ireland, championing outdoor ethics and empowering everyone to take an active role in preserving our waterways.
Connecting Communities, Preserving Nature:
Waterways Ireland vision is to manage, develop, promote and protect Ireland’s inland waterways for public enjoyment and environmental sustainability.
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To restore and maintain navigable waterways
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Promote recreational activities – like boating, cycling, walking and fishing
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Conserve heritage – preserving historic canals and structures
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Collaborate with local authorities and organizations to partner on projects to enhance the waterways and the surrounding areas
Key Initiatives with Leave No Trace
The Love This Place Campaign
Running each summer, this campaign reminds everyone to enjoy the outdoors with care. Whether you’re exploring by boat, bike, or boot, simple actions—like staying on marked trails, cleaning up after pets, and taking your litter home—help preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our waterways.
Invasive Species Week (12th to 18th May) is a collaborative international campaign that unites Ireland, the UK, the Isle of Man, Jersey, and Guernsey for a week of action focused on raising awareness about invasive species and how we can prevent their spread.
As outdoor travel and recreation continue to grow, so does the risk of non-native species crossing borders. Whether you’re a kayaker, angler, swimmer, or walker, you may unknowingly carry invasive species on your gear, boots, or boat.
Invasive species like Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, and Zebra Mussels pose serious threats to Ireland’s waterways, damaging fragile ecosystems, outcompeting native plants and wildlife, and causing harm to vital infrastructure. With easy steps like Check, Clean, Dry its simple for everyone—whether you’re strolling a canal path or paddling across borders—to be part of the solution. It’s about turning small actions into big impact and helping protect the wild beauty of our rivers, lakes, and canals for.
Everyone can protect Ireland’s waterways
Every time you explore Ireland’s waterways—whether by boat, bike, or on foot—you have an opportunity to make a difference. By supporting Waterways Ireland’s efforts and following Leave No Trace principles, we can all help preserve and protect these vital blue corridors, ensuring they are enjoyed by generations to come.
