Looking for a Summer staycation that will build memories to last a lifetime? A boating holiday on the River Shannon in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands with Silver Line Cruisers is the perfect answer. And with 40 years plus in the business, offering a premium, luxury fleet of over 40 boats to choose from, Silver Line Cruisers provide the best hospitality and service.
Relax you are with the best in the business
Renowned as one of the best in the business, you can be rest assured you have received the benefit of their expert orientation and professionalism, no matter if you haven’t set foot on a boat before. When you leave the marina in Banagher, you’ll be confident in your chosen route and all aspects of managing your craft on the water.
Be inspired and enjoy the freedom of boating
Be inspired by being at the helm of your own adventure for you and your family, choose your itinerary, moor when you feel like it and step ashore at the towns and villages along the way. See a different side of Ireland – rediscover its beauty, its hidden treasures, historical landmarks and castles and intriguing history. And marvel at the beauty of the lush countryside as you float along.
Taking a closer look at Lough Derg
Lough Derg is the largest lake on the River Shannon and is the third biggest lake in Ireland. It is one of the easiest options for a boating holiday to explore as it only has 7 locks along its entire 500 kilometres. It covers 24 miles between Portumna and Killaloe and is 9 miles across as its widest point. Killaloe is one of the main crossing points of the Shannon and the town has some excellent pubs and restaurants. This particular area is great for those that like hiking, biking, trail or SUP boards or simply want to relax. The area is rich in history and heritage hotspots.
What are the top things to do in and around Lough Derg?
Moor up and step ashore to discover more about Nenagh Castle – a 20 minute drive from Lough Derg (or an hour long cycle). This impressive 13th century castle stands one hundred feet tall and is fifty five feet in diameter. Soak up the history as you walk around its 800 plus years and get a sense of its location and its fortress-like stature.
Nenagh Castle is free to enter and you can take your time and enjoy all the displays on a self-guided tour as you climb up the one hundred and one stone steps of the spiral staircase to reach the top of the fortress and then enjoy the 360 degree views of the area at the top.
Inis Cealtra / Holy Island
Cruise around the beautiful and haunting ‘Inis Cealtra’ Holy Island on the western shore of Lough Derg and explore one of Ireland’s most interesting monastic sites. On the island, you’ll find the remains of six churches a holy well and graveyard with graves dating back to the 8th century.
Lough Derg Fishing
Lough Derg is one of the best lakes in Ireland for fishing and in particular coarse angling for Bream, Tench, Roach and Perch, as well as Pike. Lough Derg is suitable for all types of anglers and you don’t need a license for Coarse or Pike fishing on the Shannon, but a share certificate is required for game fishing.
You can take a fishing tour with local guides or head out on your own. There are plenty of fishing tackle shops, such as TJ O’Brien – TJ’s Angling centre in Killaloe and Treacy’s in Scarrif in and around Lough Derg so you can stock up on essentials and there are plenty of places where you can rent equipment too for your Lough Derg boat trip.
Should you be primarily interested in fishing on your Silver Line Cruiser staycation, our Marina in Banagher is perfectly located and we can help choose a suitable fishing boat, and pre-order and deliver bait etc for you. We can also supply fishing dinghies up to 18-feet long and outboard motors so you are more free to explore the River Shannon on your holiday..
Lough Derg Swimming
Enjoy plenty of sheltered spots to go for a dip around Lough Derg. There are Blue Flag beaches in the pretty villages of Mountshannon and Portumna and there is also a Blue Flag beach at Twomilegate lakeside amenity park, a couple of minutes outside of Killaloe. All of these Blue Flag beaches are lifeguard-patrolled during the bathing season. At Killaloe why not join the locals and dive off the bridge and mooring piers…
Looking for something a little less freezing? There is a heated public outdoor swimming pool at Riverside Park in Ballina from May to September.
Make a splash at Aqua Park on the shores of Lough Derg in Dromineer which offers a full range of water activities from its inflatable water park to SUP Paddleboards, Banana Boats and kayaks for hire.
Terryglass Harbour & Village
Terryglass Village in County Tipperary is a very popular place for boaters to stop off and enjoy great pubs and restaurants, located minutes from the marina. There are plenty of facilities too including; BBQ and picnic areas, the playground and there are toilets and showers here too. The harbour slipway offers easy access to the River for canoes, paddleboards and kayaks…
Portumna Golf Club
If you fancy picking up the pace a little, you could always stop off and take in a round of golf at Portumna Golf Club, one of the top parkland courses in Ireland and No 1 in Connacht.
Lough Derg Equestrian Centre
Looking to explore Lough Derg by hoof? The Lough Derg Equestrian Centre is a picturesque horse riding school located in the twin towns of Ballina/Killaloe. This is a warm and friendly place for beginners and also for those more experienced riders.
Portumna Castle and Gardens
This enchanting castle built by the fourth Earl of Clanricarde was the de Burgo family home for centuries, The castle is a unique example of the transitional Irish architecture of the early 1600s. Its bold design combines elements of medieval and Renaissance style that complement each other perfectly. Stop off and explore the building and its beautiful gardens and trails.
Recommended Restaurants and Pubs on Lough Derg (perfect for take-aways and alfresco dining too)
Here’s a few of our suggestions including;
Terryglass – Derg Inn, Paddy’s Bar
Dromineer – Lake Café & The Whiskey Still
Garrykennedy – Larkin’s Pub
Killaloe – Flanaghans on the Lake, Gooser’s Restaurant, Tuscany Bistro
Mountshannon – The Snug Wine Bar
Scarriff – Nuala’s
Lough Derg is a brilliant base for a River Shannon holiday and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. To make the most of all there is to do why not book a Silver Line Cruiser staycation this Summer – for more visit our website or contact us for more information.
