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Blueway Paddling Trails

Paddling, SUPing and sailing along Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands’ network of Blueways takes you right to the centre of this stunning landscape. Activity trails along the Lough Derg Blueway provide idyllic views of the tree-lined shores, island-dotted bays and tranquil harbours of the great lake. From long-distance trails to easy loops, gentle paddles to adrenaline-filled days on water, you can create the adventure that suits you and do the Blueways your way!

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Legendary Tales Get back to your roots

Legendary Tales Get back to your roots

You can’t visit Lough Derg without putting down some roots.

People from across the globe often take home much more than they expected from a trip to the Lough Derg …
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Killaloe Loop

Killaloe Loop

From the Killaloe Canal this loop passes under 18th-century Killaloe Bridge, onto the River Shannon and back again. This picturesque blueway trail is ideal for guided beginner groups and independent …
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Williamstown to Illaunboe Quay

Williamstown to Illaunboe Quay

From pictorial bays to a sprinkling of tiny islands and even a small hidden freshwater lake (Lough Alewnaghta), strong intermediate paddlers will love this blueway trail’s many charms. Winding from …
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Williamstown (Dromaan) to Church Bay

Williamstown (Dromaan) to Church Bay

Strong intermediate paddlers will enjoy this pleasant blueway trail that showcases a host of pretty harbours, inlets and bays. Setting off from idyllic Williamstown Harbour, paddlers will revel in this …
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Mountshannon and Cloonoolia Bays

Mountshannon and Cloonoolia Bays

A great option for independent intermediates and fit guided beginners, enjoy bay and harbour views and lush tree-lined shores on this scenic blueway trail. Departing from pretty Mountshannon, this route …
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Mountshannon to Holy Island

Mountshannon to Holy Island

Beautiful bay views and scattered islets await on this guided-beginner/intermediate level blueway trail towards the ancient monastic settlement of Holy Island. Known for its well-preserved round tower, bring a picnic …
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Scariff to Holy Island and Mountshannon via Scariff Bay

Scariff to Holy Island and Mountshannon via Scariff Bay

A long blueway ideal for intermediate paddlers of reasonable fitness, this pleasant route covers part of the River Scariff, passing piers and skirting bays before treating you to the option …
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Twomilegate (Ballycuggaran) to Scariff via Ballynagleragh

Twomilegate (Ballycuggaran) to Scariff via Ballynagleragh

Best suited to intermediate/experienced paddlers with reasonable fitness, this idyllic route is the longest of the blueway trails. Enjoy bankside scenery, forested headlands and vantage points over harbours and bays …
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Twomilegate (Ballycuggaran) to Annacarriga Loop

Twomilegate (Ballycuggaran) to Annacarriga Loop

A short blueway loop ideal for guided beginner and intermediate paddlers, expect pleasant marina and lush headland views as you make your way towards Annacarriga holiday resort and back again.


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Killaloe to Twomilegate (Ballycuggaran)

Killaloe to Twomilegate (Ballycuggaran)

Paddling under 18th-century Killaloe Bridge and up the River Shannon, enjoy bay and headland vistas on this blueway trail suitable for guided beginners and independent intermediate paddlers. This 5km route …
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Castlelough to Killaloe

Castlelough to Killaloe

A satisfying route that passes the ancient site of Brian Boru’s fort, this blueway trail suits strong, guided intermediate paddlers. Encompassing lake, river and canal sections, the final stretch of …
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Garrykennedy to Youghal Village and Little Tamona

Garrykennedy to Youghal Village and Little Tamona

A great blueway trail for guided beginner groups at just 4.5km, this pleasant paddle passes tree-lined farmland en route to Youghal harbour and bay before reaching Little Tamona – a …
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Dromineer to Garrykennedy via Little Tamona and Youghal Quay

Dromineer to Garrykennedy via Little Tamona and Youghal Quay

Passing more than 12 quaint, private harbours, verdant headlands and the small rock and grassy quay known as Little Tamona, this 11km (one-way) blueway trail will delight intermediate paddlers. Enjoy …
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Dromineer to Luska

Dromineer to Luska

Skirting headlands and following bays and tree-lined river banks, this intermediate level blueway trail leads paddlers from one side of Dromineer to the other and on to Luska Pier. Depending …
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Kilgarvan to Skehanagh

Kilgarvan to Skehanagh

Soak up the views over headlands, a restored stone marina, grassy quaysides and charming Goat Island on a blueway trail ideal for intermediate paddlers. Be sure to keep your eyes …
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Foot’s Island Loop

Foot’s Island Loop

Drift through the reeds towards tree-lined Foot’s Island on a charming loop that’s perfect for guided intermediate paddlers. Amid the island’s reed banks, quiet, keen-eyed paddlers might even spot some …
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Terryglass to Kilgarvan

Terryglass to Kilgarvan

Great for guided intermediate paddlers, this blueway trail boasts views of both Old Court Castle and Drominagh Castle’s remains. Watch out for a hidden harbour, sheltered headlands, pretty bays and …
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Terryglass to Slevoir Bay Loop

Terryglass to Slevoir Bay Loop

Guided and independent intermediate paddlers will enjoy crossing open water to reach picturesque Slevoir Bay. Admire the charming views around this enclosed bay before looping back to pictorial Terryglass.

Trailhead …
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Portumna Water Recreation Park to Terryglass Harbour

Portumna Water Recreation Park to Terryglass Harbour

Showcasing particularly idyllic views of the lake, this blueway trail is ideal for guided beginners or unguided intermediate paddlers. Sitting directly across the lake from Portumna Castle, the trail’s finish …
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Portumna Water Recreation Park to Portumna Forest Park

Portumna Water Recreation Park to Portumna Forest Park

Boasting Portumna Forest Park’s tree-lined shores, bays and scattered islands, intermediate paddlers will enjoy this rewarding blueway trail. Keep an eye on the skies for the park’s White-Tailed Sea Eagles, …
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