Dergie Says Welcome
Hi, my name's Dergie and im here to help you have a super holiday on Lough Derg, in Ireland's Shannon Region. On many sections throughout this website, you will find Dergie's ideas, suggestions and recommendations. Keep an eye out for them. Enjoy your visit.
Regards Dergie
Mapping
Welcome to the Lough Derg Map section. This section will provide you with detailed tourism information relevent to your location. Please click on the map for specific mapping data and tourism information. Thank You
An Overview
A visit to Lough Derg – Ireland’s Pleasure Lake – offers the visitor a great opportunity to explore Ireland’s wonderful history and heritage.
The lake is very much a lake of myth and history. Its shores have been settled since prehistoric time.
Lough Derg has been centre stage in many of the country’s momentous events down through the centuries. It occupies a strategic position on one of Ireland's oldest routes – the majestic River Shannon, which runs its course right through the very heart of Ireland.
Over many generations, many civilizations and many influences have left their mark on this beautiful region.
Popular route
In early medieval times, for instance, hermits, heroes, soldiers, raiders, students and pilgrims all travelled along this 'highway' from the Atlantic Ocean to the Irish midlands and beyond.
Today, as a traveler in the modern age, you can retrace their steps and that of many other clans and peoples who have left their mark on this enchanting place.
You will be fascinated by the many exciting relics and reminders of a bygone age that you will encounter on your travels.
Explore towns and villages like Terryglass and Lorrha in North Tipperary, as well as Killaloe and Tuamgraney in Co. Clare where famous monastic settlements were once located.
Monastic Island
Travel the short distance from Mountshannon, Co. Clare to the spectacular Holy Island and discover a remarkable reminder of Ireland’s rich monastic tradition established by St. Caimin.
If you venture further upstream on the River Shannon, you can also get a fabulous insight into the country’s golden era of learning and monastic living at Clonmacnoise, Co. Offaly which Pope John Paul II visited in 1979.
Norman strongholds such as Nenagh Castle, Co. Tipperary and Portumna Castle in east Galway on Lough Derg’s northern shores beckon.
Historic ruins in Dromineer and Garrykennedy in Co. Tipperary illustrate the power and influence of the Gaelic chieftains and clans. Of course the greatest Irish chieftain of them all – High King Brian Boru – had his seat of power in the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina on the lake’s southern tip.
