The contents include:

• Advice on what type of boating holiday.
• Where and when to go.
• Booking your boat.
• The necessary preparation.
• Starting your first trip.
• Boat handling.
• Negotiating locks, bridges, tunnels and aqueducts.
• Safety on board.
• Problems you may encounter and how to deal with them.
• Those extra-special places to see and things to do.
• Boating in Ireland and Europe.
• Buying a boat and boat ownership.

Appendices cover walking and cycling along the waterways; communication on board (mobiles and laptops); where to get more information; boat shows, events and rallies; waterway guides, magazines and videos; glossary of boating terms; bibliography.

The practical aspects are clearly explained through the vivid illustrations, while the unique characteristics of the waterways are captured in the photographs. Additionally, the inland waterways system is well-illustrated through detailed maps showing individual canals and rivers