All aboard the Ku-ee-tu!
All are welcome aboard the Ku-ee-tu to enjoy the best cruise of Lough Derg that there is.
First launched on the lake in 1990, the Ku-ee-tu cruises are operated by Dromineer man Ted Knight and his family. They have proven a major attraction over the years with people wanting to enjoy the essence of Lough Derg in the comfort of one of the most charming vessels on the lake.
Named after the magnificent Queen Elizabeth II passenger ship - for which she was originally built at a tender in 1970 - the 43ft Ku-ee-tu was tastefully repurposed by Ted to become the authentic cruise boat that she is now renowned as. She has seating for 53 passengers and two crew.
Assisted by his daughter Edel, Ted operates cruises throughout Lough Derg and the Shannon, from Ballina up to Portumna.
Their most popular run has always been from Dromineer in view of Holy Island and back, but the cruises can be tailored to wherever passengers want to go, provided this is planned in advance.
WEDDINGS AND OTHER OCCASIONS
The Ku-ee-tu cruise is very popular with weddings. Many couples have booked the cruise for the day after their wedding, when the bride, groom and guests can relax out on the water and unwind after an eventful previous day.
The boat can be decked out with balloons, banners, lights and whatever else you want to the add to the atmosphere. There is even the treat of a complimentary glass of Prosecco for the bridal party once they board.
The Ku-ee-tu has also proven a popular draw for hen and stag parties, corporate functions, birthday parties, communions and confirmations. There is a fully-licensed bar on board and finger food can be arranged. You can also bring your own music to plug into the boat's sound system, or you can opt for live music, with local musicians available to perform on the water.
The Ku-ee-tu has furthermore made a novel addition to lakeside festivals, including the Scariff Festival, during which Ted undertakes no fewer than eight cruises from river to the lake in one day.
Whatever the occasion, the cruise makes a great family day out where children can even have a go at the wheel of the Ku-ee-tu, wearing the skipper's hat and all! Indeed, something that Ted has found with great fondness over the years is the propensity for children to come back for the cruise again and again; some even return regularly as adults with children of their own in tow.
LOVE OF THE LAKE
Ted provides a live commentary about the lake in general and the specific sites visited on the cruise. He particularly likes to talk about the rich history of Lough Derg, including the importance of the lake and its hinterland to the Vikings. Ted will regale his audience with stories about how the Vikings were drawn to the monastic sites of Terryglass and Holy Island, and of how Brian Ború contrived a far-seeing plan to defeat them. Ted also talks about the abundance of wildlife on Lough Derg, from the eagles circling over and around the lake, to the fish that dwell in its depths.
Ted takes a great personal interest in the lake.
The vastly experienced boatman has a distinct knowledge of Lough Derg that extends all the way back to 1965, when he and his late wife Pauline arrived from Athlone to establish a new home and start a family. He subsequently set up a yacht hire business and later developed Dromineer's fine marina.
His affinity for the lake can be seen in every aspect of the Ku-ee-tu, which Ted has kept lovingly maintained over the decades. The boat's standard is checked every year by the Department of the Marine. Passengers can rest assured that there are more lifejackets available than needed for everyone on board, with flotation rafts also fitted in case of emergency.
Group rates are available, and the organiser of the group comes free with 20 + people . Anyone interested in boarding one of the Ku-ee-tu's regular departures can see times listed at the Aquasplash Water Park in Dromineer, which opens the last weekend in May.
You will find further information on their Facebook and Instagram pages - 'Cruise on the Ku-ee-tu'. Call now to reserve your cruise on 087 2664732 or 087 2142363.