Lough Derg
Integral and holy lake, of monasteries and high kings
Explore the mighty 32,000 acres of Lough Derg, Ireland’s third largest lake is a fully navigable waterway. Nestled between the counties of Clare, Tipperary and Galway. Portumna is at its northern tip to Killaloe and Ballina in the south.
Discover Lough Derg
12 km wide with 179km of shoreline, an area of natural beauty and heritage and activity options to inspire, relax or energise you. Over 90 heritage sites inhabited since prehistoric times and an integral part of the water highway from the Atlantic Ocean to the Irish midlands and beyond since early medieval times. Inis Cealtra, or Holy Island, is one of the most famous monastic sites in Ireland. Other sites on the lake are associated with Brian Ború, High King of Ireland, who ruled from Killaloe between 1002 and 1014. Discover more at the Brian Boru Heritage Centre, East Clare Heritage Centre, Holy Island, Portumna Castle and Nenagh Castle. Towns and village abound and offer a wealth of lively pubs, bistros and fine dining options, antiquities, fine architecture, traditional Irish music, local art and craft pieces, and great shopping.
This spectacular countryside terrain and the wonderful waters of the lake make an ideal setting for many pursuits. Water activities include SUP (Stand Up Paddling), sailing, cruising, canoeing and fishing. On dry land walk linear routes of the Lough Derg Way & East Clare Way or the looped walks dotted around the Lakelands of Lough Derg to explore the rolling hills by foot. Towns and village abound and offer a wealth of lively pubs, bistros and fine dining options, antiquities, fine architecture, traditional Irish music, local art and craft pieces, and great shopping.
