Put a spring in your step by winning a seven-day cruise on the Shannon with cruising specialist Emerald Star

Cruise your troubles away on Ireland's longest river aboard one of Emerald Stars top cruisers, the 'Shannon Star' this spring. Each year holidaymakers from Ireland travel far and wide to get a bit of relaxation and sun, without ever experiencing the beautiful, tranquil lifestyle the Shannon can offer!

Golfers, ramblers, cyclists, bird watchers, water sports and fishing enthusiasts are all taking advantage of these great holidays that cater all of their hobbies!

Enter into a relaxing world where you can unwind with your friends as you drift from one village to another on the Shannon, immersing yourself in the richness of this vast waterway. Appealing to groups, families and friends, try something different this year and experiencer a break you will treasure forever!

Emerald Star is offering NI Travel News readers the chance to experience a unique holiday aboard 'The Shannon Star' cruiser, for up to eight people, starting from their Belturbet base. The Shannon Star has a beautifully light and spacious interior, perfect for all the family or a group of friends, and large windows all around to make the most of the view and the sunshine.

The winners will be departing from Belturbet, Co Cavan and returning to at the end of their holiday.

Belturbet is perfectly placed to cruise just some of the myriad of waterways that dot the county. And on the northern side of the Border, Upper Lough Erne offers clear waters and unspoilt countryside with a constant reminder of yesteryear. The lakeside is high and rocky in some parts and, in addition to the 154 islands, there are lots of coves and inlets to explore.

Belturbet is a busy town attracting anglers and boating enthusiasts as well as being the focal point of the Emerald Star network.

The Shannon-Erne Waterway provides access to the Shannon itself while the town is the gateway to Lough Erne and everything that this spectacular labyrinth of waters has to offer.

Another lake, which must be explored while on this cruise, would be Lough Key, famed for its beautiful forest park. Belturbet is also well served by bars and restaurants, while golf, walking tours and fishing are other attractions.

Features of the Shannon Star include:

2 forward cabins

2 rear cabins

3 showers, toilets and washbasins

Light and spacious saloon with a settee, which converts into a double bed.

Sundeck with steering position,

TV, CD player

Two steering positions, 1 inside and 1 outside on sundeck level.

To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is answer the following question:

Q. Which Co. Cavan town is a focal point for the emerald Star network?

Terms and conditions:

● The prize is a seven night Inland Cruise Holiday for eight people, staying aboard 'The Shannon Star'. The winners will be departing from and returning to Belturbet ● The Prize is available until October 24, 2009 and is subject to availability. Prize excludes high season (July 1 - August 25) and bank holiday weekends. Diesel is not included in the prize ● The winner should be 18 years of age or over and agree to Emerald Star conditions of hire, including damage waiver insurance or refundable damage waiver insurance and security deposit ● Prize is not transferable, and there is no cash alternative to the prize ● The winner will be the first correct entry drawn after the closing date of Friday, March 27, 2009 ● Employees of Northern Ireland Travel News, Emerald Star and their families are not eligible to enter ● The name of the winner will be published in the April issue of NI Travel News ● By entering this competition, the winner agrees to his/her photograph being taken and used for publicity purposes in connection with this competition ● closing date of Friday, March 27, 2009