The Lough Derg Internet Portal
Lough Derg, known as "Ireland's Pleasure Lake", is one of the larger lakes on the Shannon River.
It is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists alike who come to avail of the broad range of activities the region provides, such as camping,
fishing, boating, sailing, windsurfing, watersports as well as playing host to various festivals and events throughout the year.
Lough Derg also boasts a rich heritage and facinating history with numerous key historical sites, such as the ancient monastic settlement of Inis Cealtra or Holy Island
or the the oldest church still in use in Ireland at
Most noteworthy is that it is the birthplace of one of Ireland's greatest heroes, , the High King of Ireland, who defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf.
Boru's birthplace of Killaloe, Co. Clare, is situated at the lake's most southernmost point. Lough Derg extends from the twin towns of Killaloe/Ballina to the south, to Portumna in the north and is the dividing point between the upper and lower Shannon navigation. The lake also serves as a natural border between the counties of Clare, on the western side of the lake, and Tipperary on the east, as well as the provinces of Munster and Connaught.
Altogether the Lough Derg region encapsulates the south, the southeast, the west and the midlands and due to this central position, getting to Lough Derg is easy no matter where you are in the country. It is but a short drive from Shannon Airport, Bunratty Castle, or Limerick City, an hour's drive from Galway or the Burren and the N7 motorway, which runs from Dublin to Limerick and down to Cork, runs right along side the eastern side of the lake.
For more information Lough Derg, the Shannon and the surrounding area, check out our section.
