Within these booking Terms and Conditions 'The Hirer' means the leading person in your party. 'The Company' means "Houseboat Holidays Ireland". Please pay particular attention to our cancellation policy under clauses 4 & 5.

By making a payment to Houseboat Holidays Ireland including any deposit you are indicating that you have read and accept these terms and conditions.

1. Booking

A booking is confirmed when the deposit of 25% of the Hire Charge has been received and confirmation of the booking and a receipt has been issued by the Company.
The balance of the Hire Charge is payable 2 weeks before the departure date. If the hire start date falls within 2 weeks of booking the full hire fee will be required to secure the required dates.

2. Security Deposits

We require a €200 (Cash) as a security deposit on the day of departure. This is fully refundable when the boat is returned in good order.
Security deposits will be returned in cash at the Company's sole discretion providing there is no damage to the company’s or other boats; the boat is returned on time, and in a clean and tidy manner, and there have been no reports received of the navigation rules being broken, or of antisocial behavior, e.g. causing damage or harmful littering to canal or other properties.
The boat is insured but the Hirer is responsible for the first €200 of any claim. This cover does not include personal accident, Hirer’s personal belongings, or damage, e.g. resulting from speeding, locks and sills, or any malicious or deliberate act. The Hirer is responsible for any costs arising from such incidents. Hirer’s are responsible for their own personal holiday insurance.

3. Company Insurance and Liability

Whilst the Company provide insurance cover against loss of or damage to the boat and equipment, and against public liability claims, the Company reserves the right to charge the Hirer for malicious, negligent, or intentional damage.
The Company's liability shall be limited to the hire charge.
The Company shall not be liable for any consequential losses, loss of profits or indirect losses.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall restrict the Company's liability for death or personal injury.

4. Under the age of 21 yrs

The Company cannot accept a booking from any person less than 21 years of age i.e. the main hirer must be over 21yrs.
Picture identification such as passport or driving license with name and address must be shown before the hire commences.

5. Cancellation

All deposits are non-returnable.
Cancellations made less than 10 days before hire start date will incur payment of full fee. However, in the event of the Hirer having to cancel a booking every effort will be made to re-book the date booked at the best possible price.
If we are successful in re-letting the boat at the booked rate the Hirer is then only charged 10% of the booked rate (plus the deposit).
If we are unsuccessful in re-letting the booking, or only obtain part of the booked rate, the Hirer remains responsible for the balance of the booked Hire Charge.

6. Cancellation & Holiday Insurance

The Company does not provide personal holiday insurance covering cancellation, injury, or loss or damage of personal effects. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT OUR CUSTOMERS OBTAIN THEIR OWN PERSONAL HOLIDAY AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE.

7. Return of Boat

The Hirer is responsible for allowing sufficient time to return to the Sallins base at the agreed time. If the boat is not returned on time a charge of €30.00 per hour will be made.

8. Inventory and Equipment

It is the Hirer's responsibility to check the Inventory List provided and report any missing or damaged items. The Hirer is responsible for returning the Inventory and Equipment in good condition. Any unreasonable damage will be charged for out of the security deposit.

9. Bicycles

The Hirer is welcome to bring bicycles which are the responsibility of the Hirer. The Company is not liable for any damage or loss.
The Hirer is responsible for providing their own security (e.g. locks). Bikes may be stored on the roof. When storing on the roof the Hirer must use the protective matting provided. When bikes are stored on the roof it is the Hirer’s responsibility to ensure that no damage or obstruction is caused, for example when passing under bridges. Any damage caused by bikes to either the boat or the canal and surroundings is the responsibility of the Hirer.
Bicycles are not to be taken into the boat.

10. Solid Fuel Stove

Use of the solid fuel stove is permitted. The Company takes no responsibility for any injury caused. The hirer is responsible for any damage caused to self or the boat through use of the stove. A fireguard is provided.

11. Delays

The Company cannot be held responsible for any delays or non-fulfillment of booking caused by breakdown, unforeseen defects, obstructions, repairs, or damage, to either the boat or the Inland Waterways system. However, we will make a full refund if we cannot provide the barge trip.
The Company reserves the right to restrict the cruising area without notice if unusual conditions occur and will not normally make financial adjustment in such circumstances.

12. Waterways restrictions

In the event of a section of the Grand Canal being closed, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Company reserves the right to alter the cruising range without normally making any financial adjustment.

13. Wastage of Water

The Hirer is responsible for any wastage of water or damage caused by negligent use of lock gates or other property resulting in a claim by the Water Authorities.

14. Accidents

The Hirer is held to be in complete charge at all times, and is responsible for the safe navigation of the boat. In the event of an accident the Hirer must notify the Company as quickly as possible with full details and names and addresses of witnesses. DO NOT PREJUDGE THE CASE BY ADMITTING LIABILITY.

15. Navigation Limitations

The Hirer must not navigate in the hours of darkness or in fog.
The Hirer must not tow other boats or enter river or tidal waters without consent of the Company.
The Hirer must not exceed the speed limit, attempt to overtake, or race the boat.

16. Car Parking

The Company cannot provide parking. However there is ample public car parking space in Sallins. The Company does not accept liability for any damage to or loss of vehicles or their contents.

17. Company Reservations

The Company reserves the right to refuse to hand over the boat to any person who in the Company's opinion is not suitable to take charge.
In such circumstances the sum paid by the Hirer will be refunded in full and no further claim shall be made against the Company.
If the Company is unable to provide the boat booked owing to circumstances beyond our control, the Company will refund the sum paid by the Hirer and no further claim shall be made against the Company.

18. Online Brochure

The descriptions of the boat in the online brochure are to the best of our knowledge accurate but the Company will not be liable for any minor inaccuracy that may exist.

19. Boat Operation

The Hirer agrees to operate the boat in a safe manner following the instruction given to them by the Company, and to abide by the speed limit of 6kph (4mph).
The Hirer agrees that they will be liable for the cost of any repairs where damage to the boat or its engine has been caused by speeding.
The Hirer agrees that they will not operate or move the boat whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
No person under the age of 18 yrs will operate the boat unless authorised and fully supervised by an adult.

20. Cruising Range

The cruising range is restricted to the Grand Canal and hirers my not go beyond the the 12th Lock heading east and Shannon Harbour heading west.

21. Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the boat. Smoking is permitted on bow and stern outdoor decks.

22. Candles Policy

Candles are not to be used on or in the boat.