Take time out to explore East Clare and Lough Derg. The area preserves the best of everything in a fresh, visitor-friendly environment with towns and villages of great character like Tulla, Tuamgraney, Feakle, Scarriff, Mountshannon, and the twin towns of Killaloe/Ballina.

East Clare is dotted with almost 40 lakes and boasts magnificent Lough Derg and the Shannon Waterway. Lough Derg, the River Shannon’s largest lake, is 12kms at its widest point. It provides an opportunity to experience wonderful on-water and water-side trails and exhilarating activities. You can enjoy sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and quality angling on the lake. There are several activity providers who can provide equipment and offer lessons and on-the-water guided tours. Or, book a one-hour cruise from Killaloe/Ballina on-board ‘the Spirit of Killaloe’ – the views from the water are spectacular.

The area also has two of Ireland’s few blue-flag inland beaches at Ballycuggeran (Killaloe) and Mountshannon. Both have excellent water-side picnic facilities.

If you like walking, you will love the area. There are several signposted trail and loop walks taking in rivers, lakes, and woodlands.

For a special experience, take a 20-minute boat trip from Mountshannon to Inis Cealtra (Holy Island), and explore one of Ireland’s most famous monastic sites, dating to the late 7th century. Visit St. Cronan’s Church in Tuamgraney, which has been in use since before 1,000 AD. It is the only surviving building that would have been used by Brian Ború – then High King of Ireland.