Life on the Shannon: Meet the Irish liveaboards choosing houseboats over rising rents

From rising costs to freedom and simplicity, Ireland’s liveaboards explain the realities of making homes on waterways

Finian Coghlan (right)  and his neighbour Trevor Whitaker at Athlone Marina. Picture: Paul Molloy

It’s been almost 20 years since Finian Coghlan abandoned his traditional apartment share for a life less ordinary, residing on a houseboat in Athlone.

“I said at the time that if I’m still doing this when I’m 60 it will be a fair trick,” he told the Irish Examiner.