A new all-electric passenger boat was launched on Lough Erne on Monday, September 20 and it has already been turning heads this summer.

Launched by Erne Water Taxi the new boat named Island Discovery and the first of its kind in Ireland  is a four pod boat offering seating and tables for up to 12 passengers. This unique boat provides breathtaking panoramic views of Lough Erne and its shore line wowing visitors, young and old, during the public Island Town tours this Summer.

Speaking about the new boat, Erne Water Taxi owner Barry Flanagan said: "This has been a labour of love. It is an idea I have had for a long time and I am so proud to have launched this new experience on the Erne. Pontoon boats are popular in the US and on the continent and I am delighted to have brought one to Ireland to add to my existing Erne Water Taxi experience.

"Island Discovery offers visitors a silent, all-electric eco-friendly motor experience and is the best way to appreciate the views and hear the distinct sounds of our waterway. It is fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs, as they can embark directly from jetty to deck and into the spacious 4 pod compartment without the need to transfer from their wheelchair. I am very proud of the level of accessibility of our silent boat provides, this is the first time that this type of level access from a jetty, without the use of a ramp, has been possible on Lough Erne.

"I am delighted to have received financial support from Tourism Northern Ireland’s Experience Development Programme and the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership’s Community Heritage Fund."

Barry continues: “We are also taking this opportunity to officially launch the new and exclusive Island Discovery Experiences Tours which will be available this Autumn, enabling visitors and locals to enjoy Lough Erne in all its autumn and winter glory in the added comfort for our all electric floating venue. We have an Autumn Cruise programme which sees the introduction of bespoke live music journeys such as a Whiskey and Blues Cruise and a Gin and Jazz night and can be booked throughout the year."

Barry concluded: "We are really proud to be launching Island Discovery on Lough Erne, to be the first vessel of its kind on the island of Ireland is special and to have it launch on Lough Erne we expect will add to the appeal of Fermanagh for visitors and locals alike."  

Lesley-Ann O’Donnell, Head of Programmes at Tourism NI commented: “We have been delighted to work with Barry to support Island Discovery Boat which is an exciting development for tourism in Fermanagh. This unique and fully accessible boat will provide spectacular views of Lough Erne, allowing visitors to explore Fermanagh in new ways and contributing to the recovery of tourism in the region.”

For more information on our tours, cruise programme or private bookings, please contact www.ernewatertaxi.com