I am looking into a self-drive, one week canal boat/barge trip in Ireland. Has anyone ever worked with or heard of Riversdale Barge Holidays? They seem like one of the larger companies.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
No, but I have an opinion anyway. I'm very familiar with Locaboat who runs some of the same routes in Ireland. I just looked at Riversdale's stuff and I like it better as far as hull form and interior layout. The only drawback I spotted was that Locaboat has more options for covered/enclosed steering where Riversdale's boats (except for one) have the English narrowboat open tiller position on the rear deck. I really enjoy the BW canal system and all the potential stops, but I've spent a lot of my time cold and wet on the ass end of a narrowboat. I've used Locaboat in France (a bunch), Germany, and Poland and been completely happy with their operation. I've never done a trip in Ireland, mostly because the tracks just don't ring my bell. I really don't think you'd have a problem with any outfit that's been around for a while - - the crappy ones fade fast. The fact that Riversdale is strong enough to be in the building business is also a plus.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, ca, usa
2 posts
Thanks, Ed. The boat building component also made me think they were secure. C.