A VISIT TO LOUGH DERG LAKE
Lough Derg and the lower Shannon is set in an attractive blend of mountain and hillside, woodland and farm.
Covering 32,000 acres of waterway, Lough Derg is ideal for all kinds of watersports, cruising and angling.
Beautiful countryside around the lake shore and an abundance of picturesque towns and villages like Killaloe and Ballina makes this area perfect for walking, cycling, horse riding and other visitor pursuits.
The Lough Derg Way is a 64 km stretch beginning in Limerick City and follows the bends of the River Shannon all the way to the lakeside village of Dromineer. Along the way, you will discover quaint towns such as Killaloe, which was once the home of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. If you want something a little more challenging bring your bikes and cycle the Nenagh Cycle loop. There are three routes to choose from, varying in distance, with the shortest comprising of 11 km and the largest 67km.
NENAGH HERITAGE CENTRE
Over 100 heritage sites straddle the region. Heritage center’s can be found in almost every town, along with Christian artifacts such as round towers and Celtic crosses. So, if you’re a history buff or just looking for some information on the area’s past, where do you begin?
We recommend starting your historical journey at the heritage towns of Killaloe and Ballina. Killaloe in Clare is made up of charming narrow streets, flanked by old shops along the steep hill looking down over the 13th century St. Flannan’s cathedral. The town was home to Brian Boru, the High King who united Ireland against the Vikings. Meanwhile, Ballina, located in Tipperary, was an important stopping point for barges travelling up the Shannon to Dublin to deliver their goods. However, this began to decline when train lines were set up to link it to other major lines. Next stop has to be Nenagh Castle, the oldest building in the town. In fact, its construction in the 13th century laid the foundation for the development of the whole town. Built of limestone rubble, the castle rises to a whopping 100 feet. It’s a glorious structure to see. Climb the 101 steps to the top!
DINE IN STYLE
The Lough Derg region has an extensive range of eateries on offer that will satisfy your appetite, whether you are looking for a sumptuous meal or light pub bites.
In the mood for Italian? Head to the Tuscany Bistro in the heart of Ballina Killaloe. For local, fresh produce visit The Derg Inn in Terryglass or Larkin’s Bar and Restaurant in Garrykennedy.
And if you just want to relax with some delicious home baked scones and cakes and a hot cup of coffee, you should stop off at The Lake Café in Dromineer or in one of the fantastic cafes in Nenagh, only 6km from the lakeshore and a vibrant town that offers an array of eateries like Country Choice, The Pantry, The Peppermill and Cinnamon Alley.