Mountshannon on Lough Derg

Mountshannon lies on the shores of Lough Derg, at the foot of the Slieve Aughty Mountains. The village combines the lake with walking trails, paddling routes and a distinctive cultural heritage. When planning your holiday, the key is deciding which of these aspects you would like to focus on: getting around on foot, spending time on the water, or exploring history and art.

On the water at Lough Derg

During the summer months, boating, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding take place around Mountshannon harbour. If you are looking for a paddling route, there are various options: the Mountshannon and Cloonoolia Bays route is 3.3 km each way and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes each way; the launch point is in Mountshannon. Depending on skill and fitness, it is suitable for beginners on a guided trip. More experienced paddlers can also do it independently.

A relatively sheltered, short paddling route runs from Mountshannon to Holy Island. It is suitable for beginners on a guided trip and for more experienced paddlers. Inis Cealtra, also known as Holy Island and locally as the “Jewel of the Lough,” can be seen from the harbour. The island is one of Ireland’s most important historic and ecclesiastical sites and has significant links to Brian Ború, the last High King of Ireland. The view from the harbour therefore connects time on the water with a glimpse into the island’s history.

Mountshannon beach has a shallow bathing area, with a lifeguard service during the bathing season. If you would like to enjoy the water and paddling in different ways, you can plan these activities separately. Mountshannon is also at the heart of the Lough Derg Blueway.

Walking trails of varying distances

There are several walks to choose from, too. The Derrycon Upper Loop Walk starts at the Mountshannon Hotel, is 6.5 km long and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. The Derrycon–Sellernaun Walk, which also starts there, is 12 km long and takes approximately 3.5 hours. The distances and times help you choose between the two routes based on how long you would like to spend walking.

Another walking route covers 9 km from Mountshannon to Scariff via Scariff Bay. Along the way, it offers views of Lough Derg and Inis Cealtra. So alongside the two walking trails, there is also a route between two towns, offering a different sequence of landscapes. If walking is important to your trip, you can take these different routes into account when choosing where to stay, without treating every walk as the same kind of day out.

Park, play and culture

At the centre of Mountshannon is the 4.5-acre Aistear Park. Its maze of wood, stones and plants offers an informative way to explore Irish spirituality over 9,000 years. The park also has a designated children’s playground with swings, slides and climbing frames, an outdoor library called the “Wee Library,” and seating and picnic areas. The park brings together a range of activities in one place, from exploring spirituality to playing and spending time outdoors.

St Caimin’s Church in Mountshannon was built in 1789; the tower and spire were added in 1830. The church is not used for services. If architecture and local history are part of your trip, it offers a tangible historical connection in Mountshannon.

Since 1996, the Mountshannon Arts Festival has provided a platform for local, national and international artists. It features visual art, music, theatre, literature and cultural heritage, and is rooted in the lakeside community of East Clare. This range of art and culture complements the nature and water-based experiences. Lough Derg is ecologically significant; five of its habitats are listed under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive.

Mountshannon may be particularly appealing as a holiday destination if you would like to combine the lake, paddling, walking and cultural discoveries. When choosing a holiday rental, consider which of these experiences you would like to shape your trip. Other places in this selection: Dromoland, Lisdoonvarna, Quin, Cratloe, Bodyke, Killaloe, Carrigaholt and Cappanavarnoge.

For the main travel overview: County Clare.