At the Irish Sailing Academy we have traveled the country to pick what we consider some of the best training areas for all our courses and skills that they teach. Below is some information on the locations that we use, and below that you will find a complete map showing each of these locations.

For powerboat and motorboat courses we can also come to you as long as the area is suitable and we have some prior notice.

Hodson Bay, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

Courses: Sailing, Powerboating & Motorboating (own boat)

Based on safe and sheltered waters of Lough Ree, Hodson Bay is about 10 minutes outside Athlone town. With ideal launch and marina facilies close by to practice all those trickier manoeuvres as well as plenty of open water to get to grips with the basics, Hodson Bay provides a perfect year round training area. You can also relax and enjoy the surroundings of the 4 star Hodson Bay hotel or stay in one of the many local B&B’s.

Driving Directions to Hodson Bay

From the Athlone Bypass take the Roscommon road (N61). About 5 -10 minutes out this road there is right turn signposted for Hodson Bay.

Belturbet, Co. Cavan

Courses: Powerboat & Motorboat

If you enjoy nature and unspoilt waterways come and join us up in Belturbet. Similar to Lough Ree, the lakes of Cavan and the River Erne offer an ideal location for year round training with the added addition of currents to add that extra dimension to manoeuvres once the basics are covered. After hours enjoy one the many famous pubs and restaurants in Belturbet town.

Westport, Co. Mayo

Course: Advanced Powerboating

Clew Bay with it’s host of inlets and island is the perfect playground for building on the basics of the National Powerboat Certificate Course. It offers a superb chance to hone your navigation skills and practice handling boats in some west coast swell. Again for after hours Westport offers a great range of restaurants and pubs to relax in after a day on the water.

Driving Directions to Rosmoney Pier

From Westport take the Newport/Achill road for half a mile. Turn left onto Golf Course Road and follow the Glenans sign posts to Rosmoney Pier.

Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim

Courses: Dinghy Sailing & Powerboat

New for 2009.  The most unspoilt of all of the shannon lakes, Lough Allen provides a perfect training location for dinghy and powerboat courses.

 Location:

The courses are run fron the Lough Allen Centre beside the Radisson Hotel