Houseboat in Sallins approved as Ireland's first self-catering 'floatel'

A two-bedroom houseboat in Sallins has been awarded Failte Ireland’s approval as self catering holiday accommodation, making it the first houseboat in Ireland to receive the award.

The approval of the state's tourism agency was given under the Welcome Standard which recognises the most innovative, unusual and quirky places to stay in Ireland.

Since the Róisín Dubh Houseboat opened the wheelhouse doors in March, visitors from around the world have stayed on-board, including America, UK, South Africa and Ireland.

The master cabin in the bow of the barge is spacious and has a comfortable Queen size double bed.

The houseboat is being promoted internationally by Failte Ireland and the owners are expecting 200 visitors a year to choose Sallins as a short stay holiday destination.

The new venture is an extension of the bargetrip.ie business that operates a passenger barge service on the Grand Canal in Sallins that is now taking more than six thousand passengers a year on its Grand Canal cruises.

The Róisín Dubh is the former family home of the bargetrip.ie owners, Ger Loughlin and Carolina Manthei, who lived aboard and travelled the inland waterways with their children for 10 years.

It offers self catering 'floatel' accommodation for up to six people.

The houseboat was designed for living, feels spacious and is ideal for families, groups of friends and couples looking for a romantic getaway.