Take to the shores of Lough Derg following the Lough Derg Drive
Hit the road and discover the Lough Derg Drive
Lough Derg is the largest and one of the most beautiful of the lakes on the River Shannon. Explore this enchanting drive along the country roads that hug the shoreline of Lough Derg.Taking in Ballina/Killaloe, Ogonelloe, Mountshannon, Portumna, Terryglass, Dromineer, Nenagh, Portroe and returning to Ballina/Killaloe. A distance of 125km (78 miles), approximately.
It starts at the idyllic twin towns of Killaloe/Ballina on the southern tip of the lake and winds its way up the Clare shoreline through attractive villages such as Tuamgraney, Scarriff, Mountshannon and Whitegate. Some highlights along the way to hop out of the car and experience include;
- Get on the lake with My Next Adventure
- Two Mile Gate & Ballycuggeran Woods
- Wilde Irish Chocolates Factory Shop
- McKernan Woollen Mills
- Visit Holy Island with Ger Madden
Don’t miss the chance to see the White Tailed Eagles at Mountshannon also.
From here head for Portumna in Co. Galway on the northern edge of the lake. There’s a magnificent Forest park, Portumna Castle and Gardens, and an Irish Workhouse Centre open to visitors.
Veer south and to the eastern shores  to take in quaint Tipperary villages such as Terryglass, Puckane and Dromineer on the way to Nenagh, the largest town in the area. The last leg of the route returns via Portroe and Garrykennedy, a dramatic stretch of scenery with great viewing points before returning to the starting point of Killaloe/Ballina.
Highlights along this section include;
- Terryglass village and a meal in Paddy’s Bar or The Derg Inn
- Get on the lake with Lough Derg Water Sports
- Dromineer and a coffee in the Lake Cafe
- Thatched Pub – Larkin’s Bar & Restaurant
Ballina/Killaloe is a hub of activity and has a wealth of history and heritage to offer. Spend an afternoon visiting the cafes, get on the River Shannon & Lough Derg with Spirit of Killaloe , visit the cathedral, wine and dine in Tuscany Bistro, Wood Brothers, Flanagan’s to mention a few.
The varied landscape and interesting sights that surround the picturesque and magnificent lake and its hinterland are spread over its three neighbouring counties. What excitement and anticipation lies in store as you set out to discover the delights of this beautiful and unique area!
If you are looking for a place to stay then try the Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre or The Killaloe Hotel and Spa. There are plenty of other options like B&B’s, self catering accommodation also that you can find listed on our website under ‘Stay’
You can download the route and find out more about the stops along the way the the following link; The Lough Derg Drive
