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.
Nenagh, the administrative capital of North Tipperary, is the eastern gateway to Lough Derg, which is just a short distance away. The town (pop. approximately 6,000) is very accessible, being just off the main N7 route linking Dublin and Limerick, via a bypass. It offers a wide choice of accomodation, eating places and other services for the visitor.
Noted for its friendly welcome, the town has a trading history stretching back over 1,000 years. Its name is derived from the Irish word, ‘Aonach’, meaning a market or gathering place. As visitors gather today in the pleasant town, there’s much to see and do there and all around.
You will be impressed with the sight of Nenagh Castle and its circular tower, currently under restoration, which stands 30m (100ft) in height. This calls to mind the great castle built by the Norman Butler family in the 13th century, which was the scene of much turbulent activity down through the centuries. The castle stands in a pleasant green, surrounded by trees.
The old gaol, nearby, with its beautiful octagonal governor’s residence, is now an interesting visitor attraction. The Nenagh Heritage Centre is housed in the former governor’s house, and offers fine insights into the town’s rich historical past, including its status as a major Anglo-Norman stronghold. The fine 18th town houses in the Summerhill area are another relic of Nenagh’s past.
There is a choice of at least two dozen pubs in the town, many offering food. Regular music sessions are also on offer in some pubs. A cinema features the latest film releases.
The award-winning Pepper Mill in the centre of town is one of a number of places to eat. There are also Indian and Chinese restaurants and the hotels offer good food. As recommended in the food magazine ‘Saveur’, the Country Choice restaurant, owned and operated by Peter and Mary Ward, is a must visit (see also A Taste of the Waterways).
Nenagh also boasts a fine 18-hole parkland golf course (see also Golf) as well as a leisure club at the Abbey Court Court (see also Pamper Yourself on Wellness Break) and other activity options, such as walking and cycling.
With its central location just off the N7 and within easy reach of many pleasant villages on the shores of Lough Derg and the lake itself, Nenagh is an ideal base for touring and exploring the region. It enjoys a fine setting in a fertile plain between the impressive Arra and Silvermines mountains.