Killaloe & Lough Derg

Killaloe enjoys a beautiful setting where the River Shannon emerges from Lough Derg. Ballina is the town on the County Tipperary side of the river while Killaloe is just across the bridge in County Clare. Lough Derg is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Ireland. Tree covered hills and mountains meet a shoreline of inlets and bays. Sheltered narrow twisting roads surround the lake with intermittent villages, where one can stop off and explore the many historic sites and places of interest around the lakeshore.

The beautiful scenery has made the area Irelands premier inland vacation destination, Killaloe has established itself as the main base for lake activity with accommodation to suit all budgets, with many Bed & Breakfasts and enough high quality Restaurants to attract diners to Killaloe specifically for the cuisine.

With ample moorings Killaloe and Ballina cater for all water enthusiasts; newcomers to the water can try out sailing, kayaking or windsurfing at the University of Limerick Activity Centre, or you can hire a fishing boat for a day or go on a lake tour aboard "The Spirit of Killaloe", families on cruising holidays can restock the galley, the avid sailors from the local Sailing Clubs compete in highly competitive yacht races throughout the year and Anglers can even find out what flies are working at T.J.s Angling Centre in Ballina.

Killaloe has many sites of historical interest, St Flannan's Cathedral was founded in 1182 and houses a carved Ogham stone and an an early Christian High Cross.
The local Heritage Centre (on the bridge) provides visitors with information about the locality, there is interactive displays about the history of Canals and Barge as well as the story of Brian Boru, the last High King of Ireland who ruled Ireland from Killaloe until his death at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 A.D.

For more information about the Killaloe area visit: www.discoverkillaloe.com