Dergie Says Welcome
Hi, my name's Dergie and i'm here to help you have a super holiday on Lough Derg, in Ireland's Shannon Region. This section has a listing of all of the wonderful harbours and villages around Lough Derg.
For each village or location you will find information, ideas & recommendations. Keep an eye out for them.
Regards, Dergie
Mapping
Welcome to the Lough Derg Map Section. This map 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
Birr
The attractive and striking Georgian town of Birr, County Offaly will enthral and captivate you. A designated ‘Heritage Town’, Birr retains much of its original character and combines fine visitor amenities with its excellent architecture and layout.
With its central location and easy access to the attractions of Lough Derg and its hinterland, Birr provides an ideal visitor destination.
The town is home to the magnificent Birr Castle Demesne, with notable attractions such as the spectacular ornamental gardens with spectacular box hedges regarded as the tallest in the world. Watch out too for the restored Great Telescope, the largest in the world for 70 years, which is part of a Historic Science Centre in the Demesne.
The town’s carefully preserved architecture and serene tree-lined malls, coupled with the bustle and vibrancy of its old narrow streets, beautiful shop fronts, bars and fine restaurants make it a gem amongst Irish towns.
Among its fine features are two churches and a Wesley Chapel built in the gothic style. Admire the design creativity of Augustus Welby Pugin, architect of the Houses of Parliament at Westminster, who designed the convent, as you view the renovated building now used as a Library and Civic Offices.
When visiting the library, don’t forget to take a look at a handsome facsimile of the 9th century MacRegol Gospels which are now on display there and recall Birr’s ancient monastic past.
When you’re based in Birr, there’s a wealth of recreational options on your doorstep. The local 18-championship golf course offers fine golfing facilities and there’s also a well-equipped equestrian centre and recently refurbished community swimming pool.
Organised walking routes (in the scenic Slieve Bloom area for instance) and cycling facilities are also on hand.
