A long blueway ideal for intermediate paddlers of reasonable fitness, this pleasant route covers part of the River Scariff, passing piers and skirting bays before treating you to the option of landing on Holy Island – an uninhabited, ancient monastic settlement with a well-preserved round tower.
Hire paddle boards and equipment at Derg Isle.
Trailhead Location
Scariff
Trail
Scariff to Holy Island and Mountshannon via Scariff Bay
Difficulty
A long journey which is reasonably sheltered with exits at Ducey’s Pier. Suitable for intermediate paddlers with reasonable fitness.
Distance
9km one way
Duration
3 hours one way
Description
Turn right as you depart the marina into the Scariff river and pay attention to the motor cruiser traffic. You pass Reddan’s Pier (.7km) and then a marina on the left bank. You then exit the river (2.3km), and pass Lucey’s Pier on the left, which may be a convenient finish point. Continuing around the bay you will arrive at the Holy Island Pier on the lakeshore. From here it is 250 metres across to the island. You may want to land on the far side of the island, if the weather allows, as the nearer west side can be very mucky.
