Dergie Says Welcome
Hi, my name is Dergie and im here to help you so that 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. Dergie
Dergie Says Welcome
Welcome to the Western Part of Lough Derg. I'm Dergie and i'm here to help you have a super holiday on Lough Derg, in Ireland's Shannon Region. In this section, I have listed visitor information for the Western Part of Lough Derg together with ideas, suggestions and recommendations. Keep an eye out for them.
Regards Dergie
What to see around the Western part of Lough Derg
A mystical monastic island, great heritage centres, an ancient church, fine crafts and an intriguing public park that traces 9,000 years of Irish spirituality… just some of the many delights of Lough Derg West that await exploration.
Add in great scenic beauty from idyllic Killaloe all along the East Clare lake shoreline to South-East Galway, wonderful towns and villages and fine mountain ranges such as Slieve Bernagh in East Clare, and you have an exciting mix of holiday attractions.
HOLY ISLAND: A visit to this famous monastic island on Lough Derg is a must for any visitor to this part of the lake region. You can also catch a boat trip from Mountshannon to the island just 2km (1.25ml) away. The island, named Inis Cealtra in Irish, can trace its monastic links back to the 6th century. Its attractions include a well preserved Round Tower, the ruins of six Churches and a cell like structure which is one of the most extraordinary buildings in Ireland. For full details on the island, click on Visit Monastic Holy Island
ST. CRONAN’S CHURCH, TUAMGRANEY: The 10th century Church is well worth a visit. This remarkable church has very close links to Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland who is said to have repaired the church in 1012. Watch out for the doorway of the church which remains unaltered since it was built c 950 AD! The Church is used today by the Church of Ireland community, which makes it the oldest church in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales still in use.
HERITAGE CENTRES: There’s a wealth of heritage and folklore to be discovered in this part of Co. Clare and the lake area. A visit to one of the interesting Heritage Centres offers an ideal way of finding out more.
East Clare Heritage Centre, which is located in St. Cronan’s Church in Tuamgraney, offers extensive information on Brian Boru, St. Cronan’s Church and the East Clare area in general. It also has details of boat trips available from nearby Mountshannon to Holy Island.
Brian Boru Heritage Centre in Killaloe/Ballina provides detailed information on the legendary High King, who ruled Ireland from this area a thousand years ago. It also explores the theme of Celtic Ireland.
HAND-CRAFTS: A visit to a craft workshop offers the chance to see skilled craftspeople ply their trade. Artisans engaged in pottery and hand weaving in Mountshannon, Feakle, Tuamgraney have come together to form part of a ‘Lough Derg Craft Trail’ in the area.
PUBLIC PARK WITH A DIFFERENCE: For those interested in heritage, why not take a fascinating stroll around the unique 1.8 hectare (4.5 acre) Aistear Park in the centre of Mountshannon, between the main street and the harbour? This Park includes a maze incorporating timber, stone and foliage which takes the visitor through an informative exploration of Irish spirituality over 9,000 years.
LEISURELY DRIVES: With such great scenery, interesting landscapes and towns and villages with great character all around, this is perfect countryside for a leisurely drive to take it all in. One option is to follow the route outlined in a suggested Drive Around Lough Derg – you can download details by clicking on Downloads and choosing that particular drive.
GREAT PUBS AND MUSIC: Whatever way you travel around this part of Lough Derg and its hinterland, don’t forget to check out the many fine pubs, restaurants and music venues. Clare is regarded by many as the ‘home of Irish traditional music’ and you will find no better setting for the best of this great tradition than atmospheric pubs in places like Feakle and Scarriff. Check out more at Traditional Music and Entertainment and find out about some interesting dining options at XXXXXXXX
FOR MORE INFORMATION: There’s so much to choose from when it comes to things to see in this part of the lake region that your problem will be finding the time to fit it all in! Get more information on any of the items outlined by clicking on the links listed or check out other options available at Relaxing Pursuits
