You are here: Home > Map Zone > Lough Derg - West > Great Activities - West

Great activity around the West of Lough Derg

When you’re based in Lough Derg West, there are many options for rewarding and enjoyable holiday pursuits, whatever your interests.

Watersports enthusiasts are well served by the wonderful Lough Derg waterway, with a number of fine harbours on the Clare shoreline, as well as the numerous fine lakes and rivers dotted throughout the East Clare countryside.

CRUISING: Shannon Castle Line operates a fleet of modern, self-drive 2-8 berth motor cruisers fitted out to the highest standards from its well-appointed base at Williamstown Harbour near Whitegate. You can captain your own cruiser and be master of all you survey on the great waterway!

At various points along the Clare lake shoreline, you can engage in a variety of water-based pursuits.

WATERSPORTS: The beautiful Lakeside Watersports Park near the village of Mountshannon offers a range of facilities, from sailing to fishing. These include motor boats, rowing boats, windsurfing equipment and sailing boats. All these are for hire at daily or weekly rates. Amenities at the park also include facilities for tennis and soccer.

The UL Activity Centre, located between Ogonnelloe and Killaloe, offers a range of adventure pursuits on the water, from sailing, powerboating, windsurfing, kayaking to canoeing and dragon boating.

The Lough Derg Power Boat School in Ballina/Killaloe offers training courses in power boat and motor cruiser operation.

With the vast resource of the Lough Derg waterway on your doorstep, it’s an ideal opportunity to take to the water, and there are a number of operators in the East Clare area who offer boats for rental for a short or more extended stint. These include Whelans in Killaloe, the Lakeside Holiday Park in Mountshannon and John Collins in Whitegate – check out the contact details at this link Boat Rental

ADVENTURE ON DRY LAND: The UL Activity Centre also caters for landlubbers with high ropes courses, team challenges, orienteering and archery.

ANGLING: Lough Derg West and the East Clare Lakelands are both noted as being great angling territories.

The lake is a natural mixed fishery offering superb angling, primarily for pike and coarse fish but with a good stock of wild brown trout which are most popularly fished during the Mayfly season.

Fishing centres on or near the lake such as Killaloe, Scarriff, Mountshannon and Whitegate offer excellent boat hire and other angling services, from bait and tackle to guides and information.

Over 40 lakes and rivers of varying sizes are spread throughout East Clare, making it a highly lucrative spot for pike and coarse fishing. Abundant stocks of pike, bream, tench, rudd, roach and perch are available in most waters. Wild brown trout can also be had in some of the remote hillside loughs.

Holidaymakers who prefer to stay on dry land for their leisure activities also have much to choose from in Lough Derg West.

GOLF: Fine golf is available at the 18-hole championship East Clare Golf Club course set on 60 hectare (150 acres) of unspoiled rolling countryside in Bodyke, Co. Clare. You can enjoy majestic views of east Clare as you negotiate this popular course which has hosted a number of prestigious championships.

Another golfing option is the 9-hole Woodpark Golf Course near Mountshannon which is located in idyllic surroundings in the heart of the countryside close to Lough Derg.

EQUESTRIAN: The varied landscape populated by mountain, river and lake is ideal terrain for equestrian pursuits. A number of well-equipped Equestrian Centres operate in the area and provide excellent facilities for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment. These Centres cater for all levels of experience and many different options, from pony trekking and cross-country trails to show jumping and dressage.

The East Clare Equestrian Centre is located at Tuamgraney while the Lough Derg  [Equestrian Centre is near the twin towns of Killlaloe/Ballina that straddle the lake. [NB It actually is on the Tipperary side, it seems, so perhaps should not go in to L. Derg West?] An Sibin Equestrian Centre is based in Whitegate and the Woodfield Equestrian Centre is situated near the village of Broadford.

WALKING: Let your feet guide you in exploring this fascinating part of the Lough Derg region. Follow the East Clare Way, for instance, which takes you through towns such as Killaloe, Feakle, Whitegate and Scarriff in a circular route.

CYCLING: Those who prefer to explore by pedal power can join up with the intriguing Lough Derg Cycle Way that incorporates a trail of 132km (82ml) around the whole Lough Derg waterway. This route will take you through many of the attractive towns and villages in East Clare – you can start your journey at any point along the route.

DAY CRUISES: Even if you don’t wish to captain your own cruiser on the lake, you can still experience the great thrill of taking to the water in style by taking a day cruise from Killaloe. The Spirit of Killaloe is a 50 seater vessel that offers regular daily and hourly trips on the southern section of Lough Derg, with a detailed commentary provided.

FESTIVALS:  No holiday in this part of Lough Derg would be complete without joining the festive fun at one of the many events held at different times in the various villages and towns. Among the most popular events are the Scarriff Harbour Festival, an open-air street-based celebration which highlights the waterways aspects, the ‘Feile Brian Boru’ in Killaloe/Ballina which honours the legacy of the famous High King, Brian Boru, the Feakle International Traditional Music Festival and the Inis Cealtra Festival of Arts in Mountshannon.

Check out the details of all festivals in Lough Derg West and other parts of the region by clicking on XXXXX

FURTHER INFORMATION: Check out further information on all these activities by clicking on the links listed or get information on other activity options on or near Lough Derg by clicking on the main Lots of Activities link and choose whatever activity option that takes your fancy.