A Drive in the heart of the Shannon Valley
This route takes you the wonderful ‘quiet watered land’ where the River Shannon flows placidly between its two great lakes, Lough Derg and Lough Ree.
The route begins and ends in the town of Birr, Co. Offaly and takes in the delightful riverside town of Banagher before heading via Doon to the famous monastic site of Clonmacnoise, all in Co. Offaly. Returning to Banagher, you can veer west to Clonfert, Co. Galway which is also a fine heritage district before traveling on to the attractive marina town of Portumna on the shores of Lough Derg. The final leg sees a return to Birr.
Any one section of this suggested drive would, of course, make for interesting sightseeing and exploration. For instance, you could set off from Portumna on the lake shore or Banagher, both very much central to your lakeside holiday.
Distances: Birr to Banagher 13km (8ml); Banagher to Doon 23km (14ml); Doon to Clonmacnoise 13km (8ml); Clonmacnoise to Banagher 27km (17ml); Banagher to Clonfert 8 km (5ml); Clonfert to Portumna 23km (14ml); Portumna to Birr 26km (16ml). Total drive 132 km (82ml).
