IRELAND’S
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Contents Introduction
Introduction 04
Zone 1: Lough Erne 06
10
Zone 3: Lough Ree & Mid Shannon 14
Zone 4: Lough Derg 18
Suggested Short Cruises
Practical Information 22
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Zone 2: Lough Allen & Lough Key
Clonmacnoise
Drumshanbo
Every care has been taken in the compilation of this guidebook to ensure accuracy at the time of publication. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for printed
errors or omissions, or alterations occurring after the guidebook has been published.
Publishers: Fáilte Ireland
Design: designworks
Cover shot: Dromineer on Lough Derg
Glassan Golf Hotel
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Introduction
Ireland’s cherished lakelands and waterways bring serenity to our busy world. With increasingly convenient access afloat, and many other facilities within easy reach ashore, they provide
relaxation, sport, cultural interests, activity and adventure for all
ages. In this extensive region, from Belleek in far west Fermanagh
through many fascinating kilometres down to Limerick, where
the Shannon meets the sea, there is a growing awareness of
somewhere very special. Here a real sense of community is shared
by the many towns and villages, reflecting the gentle pace of
the waterways, and the people who are drawn to them to visit
or settle down. Where waterways meander, life is sweet, there
is time to savour the scenery. Ireland’s lakelands and waterways
are intertwined with each other. The rivers and lakes, land and
water intermix into a kaleidoscope of an ever changing landscape,
defined by water and sky.
There are four lakeland zones, each with its own distinctive
character waiting to be discovered. From Lough Erne to Lough
Allen, Mid Shannon and Lough Ree to Lough Derg, find out more by logging onto www.discoverireland.com/lakelands.
Such verdant landscape inevitably inspires the artist in every Irish
person, and so all along the Shannon and up to the Erne are places
indelibly linked to some of our finest writers.
Most famously, Oscar Wilde and Nobel Laureate Samuel Beckett
both attended Portora Royal School in Enniskillen. Inniskeen in
Co. Monaghan is famous for its literary association with Patrick
Kavanagh while further west, in the grassy depths of Leitrim, the
young John McGahern caught with unerring eye the emerging
Ireland of the 1940s and 50s that was to become the Celtic Tiger.
The neighbouring county of Cavan is awash with famous literary
associations including Irish novelist, playwright and poet Dermot
Healy who grew up in Cavan Town.
In a previous time Maria Edgeworth wrote about 18th century
Ireland, being famous for her forthright spirit and writings when
women were expected to be more retiring! Today, County
Longford’s Edgeworthstown continues to remember its most
famous daughter. Some fifty years before her, Oliver Goldsmith
was established as one of the first great Irish talkers in London,
not least for his beautiful evocations of Longford and Westmeath.
Then, further south on the Shannon, Edna O’Brien sometimes
scandalously but always accurately, captured other aspects of mid 20th century Ireland and Co. Clare.
At the mouth of the Shannon, Frank McCourt etched forever
in print Limerick city living of a time more recent than we
necessarily want to remember. Others such as Percy French,
famed for his songs and Athlone native John Broderick, were
also inspired by the region. Wherever you journey through the
lakelands you will find literary enlightenment and enjoyment to illuminate your holiday.
And there’s much more to it than boats, though angling and
sailing are completely interwoven with lake and river life. The
strong sense of shared interest is shown in active sports clubs
with rugby, gaelic football and hurling avidly followed. And the
choice for golfers is legendary. For the more athletic, there’s
hill walking and mountaineering – and pot-holing too – while
waterside walks guarantee gentle strolls on level ground.
Being so in tune with nature, the region is renowned for the
quality of its food and hospitality with several restaurants of
international standard. Farmers’ markets are a great way to
interact with locals and experience the best of locally produced
food. Every type of accommodation is available. It is all there
within easy reach of every part of Ireland, improved roads and
rail links provide convenient and rapid access. The area has four
regional airports with scheduled services, with international
connections made through Belfast, Dublin, Shannon and Knock.
The strong sense of community is vividly expressed in a tradition
of local festivals and cultural events. In Enniskillen particularly
– but also in Cavan, Athlone and Limerick – you’ll find theatrical
performance within easy reach of a boat or waterside hotel.
There are heritage centres aplenty, with museums in Enniskillen,
Monaghan Town, Carrick on Shannon, Roscommon Town,
Athlone and Limerick. The serene presence of boats cruising
at leisure tells us much about the style of a region. Seen from
the narrow perspective of distant cities, Ireland’s attractive
waterways region may sometimes be thought of as just a holiday
playground. But there’s much more to it than that.
Ports and stopping points along the waterways first developed
because of the convenient transport provided by river, lake and
canal. Our waterways may be steeped in history and enriched
with tangible evidence of times past. Yet this wonderful world of
lakelands and waterways is very much of our time, very much of
the Ireland of today and tomorrow, and the years to come.
Ireland’s lakelands and inland
waterways provides unique
experiences for everyone.
Roosky
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
INTRODUCTION
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Lough Erne
The myriad waterway systems which
entwine the Erne and its many lakes and
tributaries have evolved to create one of
the most attractive and varied landscapes in Ireland. Cruise along the majestic River
Erne, navigable from Belleek in County
Fermanagh to Belturbet in County Cavan.
The island-dotted lakes and rivers, are a
genuine boater’s paradise. At Belleek in the
far northwest, there’s a salty sense of the
nearby Atlantic. Away to the southeast, at
Wattlebridge where the River Finn meets
the Erne, you are in a profoundly rural yet
water-dominated world, where farmland
and lake are so much a part of the quiet
life that it’s an effort to remember that
towns exist.
Yet in this often majestic territory, busy
Enniskillen – an island town, which is in
itself unique – provides a natural focal
point, an ancient and historic fortified town
which is the natural hub of the region.
Lake and river villages large and small
provide lively ports of call, a reminder that
Fermanagh is the only place in Ireland
through which it is possible to travel
through the heart of the county entirely
by boat.
From a lakeside or river viewpoint, you
can savour impressive mountain country,
particularly the Cliffs of Magho above the
waters of the Broad Lough on the lower
lake. Equally, the waterway is defined by
handsome forests, and fine parkland. This
sense of the time-honoured potential
of water travel is being revived where
the Ulster Canal, which once connected
the Erne to Lough Neagh, is undergoing
restoration, with the hilltop market town
of Clones becoming its first harbour. To
the south, the River Erne itself brings in
Belturbet in the heart of its own lakeland
county to share the quiet pleasures
of a region which rewards gentle and
understanding attention.
Adventure or total relaxation,
the options are endless...
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
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THINGS TO DO
Cultural: entertainment, arts & crafts, food
Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, offers the area a wide range of
entertainment. Sheelin Irish Lace Museum, Bellanaleck, has almost
700 exhibits dating between 1850-1900 (and beautiful tea rooms).
At Belleek, Belleek Pottery established in 1857, is one of Ireland’s
top five attractions; it holds a special place in the cultural and
commercial heritage of County Fermanagh. Award-winning
Corleggy Cheese Farm, Milltown, welcomes visitors. Discover west
Cavan’s rich cultural heritage at Ballyhugh Arts & Cultural Centre,
Ballyconnell which offers a wide range of courses and workshops.
At Bawnboy, west of Ballyconnell, Bear Essentials has a unique
collection of limited edition Teddy Bears; visitors can watch the
handcrafting process, or participate in workshops. The Patrick
Kavanagh Literary & Resource Centre, Inniskeen, Monaghan houses
exhibitions on local history and Patrick Kavanagh while the nearby
Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, synonymous with Co. Monaghan, also
welcomes visitors. County Cavan has a dynamic traditional music
heritage and Irish music sessions are frequently encountered all
along the waterways.
HISTORICAL SITES & MUSEUMS
Enniskillen Castle, strategically important throughout its history, now houses two museums. Lough Erne’s most
important island monastery remains, Devenish Island Monastic
Site, with a museum and round tower, dating from the 6th century;
easily accessible by boat. Beautifully situated between the lakes of
Drumlane and Derrybrick at Milltown, are ruins of an Augustinian
Abbey, with Church and Round Tower, and also Drumlane Abbey.
Both Clones and Carrickmacross in Co. Monaghan offer interesting
town trails which incorporate many historical sites.
GREAT HOUSES, PARKS & GARDENS,
ECO-TOURISM & DIVERSITY
The magnificent 18th century mansion Castle Coole (National Trust) is near Enniskillen, with lovely walks in the
grounds. Crom Estate, Newtownbutler, a beautifully wooded
demesne with an ancient yew tree said to be the largest in Ireland,
also has the ruins of a 17th century castle. Hilton Park, Clones,
operates as a heritage guesthouse and has restored Victorian
Gardens (by arrangement). Peaceful Inis Rath Island (Krishna
Spiritual Community home), Derrylin, has woodland walks and
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
an elegant Victorian stately house. At Florencecourt, the splendid
18th century Florence Court House (National Trust) about eight
miles from Enniskillen, includes a demesne that is perfect for
cycling or walking. Nearby, Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark
boasts Europe’s finest showcaves and numerous other sites of
archaeological, geological and historical interest, whilst Cuilcagh
Mountain is a significant area of preserved pristine blanket bogland. The beautiful Killykeen Forest Park, Killykeen, has marked
trails, enchanting views and a diversity of wild fauna. Turbet Island,
Belturbet, is a natural park with a 13th century motte and bailey.
A remarkable lakeside activity holiday centre at Lisnaskea, The
Share Centre provides opportunities for disabled and non-disabled
people to participate in a wide range of programmes together.
The Greenbox (www.greenbox.ie) is Ireland’s first eco tourism
destination. Surrounded by water on all sides – Lough Erne, the Shannon Erne Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean – it offers a ‘different’ experience, including green holidays and eco tours.
ACTIVITIES
ANGLING
The vast waters of Lough Erne are an angling wonderland with
exciting fishing for a range of different species. Lower Lough Erne
is renowned for its brown trout and there’s fast early-season
sport as Mayfly hatch, though the quality of fish caught in
September – when dapping is effective – ensures a memorable
battle. Meanwhile, Lower Lough Erne with its many smaller lakes
and fish-filled estuaries is home to huge shoals of bream, roach,
hybrids, tench and perch providing year round sport. The Belle Isle
Estate waters in Fermanagh are particularly prolific and anglers
prepared to hire a boat to explore the islands will reap the rewards
with bulging nets of bream. The River Erne rises in County Cavan
and has helped the like of Belturbet, Killeshandra and Cootehill to
become famous angling holiday centres. Cavan and Monaghan’s
centres of excellence have a well earned reputation for coarse and
pike angling. They are also blessed with many fine game angling
river stretches and wild brown trout lake fisheries.
WATERSPORTS
The numerous loughs and rivers are perfect for many watersports
including sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, wakeboarding, and
especially, canoeing. The Lough Erne Canoe Trail is signposted
along Lough Erne; Carrawtraw Canoe Centre provides guided full and half day canoe tours around the weaving channels of
Lough Oughter. Lough Muckno Waterski & Wakeboard Club in Co. Monaghan can boast the most scenic ski site in Ireland. Boat trips are offered from various places including Enniskillen, Killadeas and Lisnaskea.
CRUISE HIRE
A number of boat hire companies operate in this area. For details
visit: waterwaysireland.org or discoverireland.com/lakelands.
WALKING
Wonderful waterside walks abound, through a forest park at Castle Caldwell for example, while Castle Archdale Country
Park is a natural wonderland ideal for children, with a red deer
enclosure, wildfowl ponds, nature trail, butterfly garden and
wildflower meadow. Tully Castle has 17th century gardens and, with its exceptional harmony of woodland, water, parkland and old buildings, Crom Estate, Newtownbutler, has special
character. Walking guides are available from tourist offices. In the midst of the archaeological treasures of The Burren Forest just
outside Blacklion, Co. Cavan walkers can enjoy looped walks of the
forest and visit one of the many megalithic tombs en route. The
hilly highways and byways of Co. Monaghan are the perfect place
to enjoy The Monaghan Way or one of the 36 way-marked loop
walks throughout the Sliabh Beagh region all varying in length.
CYCLING
Criss-crossing the border counties of Fermanagh, Leitrim, Cavan,
Donegal and Monaghan, The King Fisher Cycle Trail follows a
figure-of-eight through varied countryside, offering over 300
miles of peaceful cycling. The Ulster Canal Cycle Trail is another
interesting route of 77km linear on road cycle trail between
Maghery in Co. Armagh and Clones in Co. Monaghan.
EQUESTRIAN
Necarne Castle Equestrian Centre, Irvinestown, has excellent
facilities. Mullaghmore Equestrian Centre is situated in beautiful
countryside within close proximity to Monaghan Town offering a variety of courses and residential holidays year round. Set in 36
acres of private parkland in Co. Cavan, Ross House Equestrian
Centre is the perfect base for any riding holiday.
GOLF
Fermanagh golf courses blend naturally into the landscape, with
the range including the fabulous Lough Erne Golf Resort, with its
Nick Faldo designed course (opening 2009). The golf courses in
Cavan and Monaghan are situated in picturesque settings and are as challenging as they are charming.
FLYING
Enjoy stunning scenery from the sky, St. Angelo Airport, Enniskillen,
offers pleasure flights and flying lessons.
PLACES TO EAT
Many characterful pubs and restaurants throughout the area offer
good food. The Thatch in Belleek, an 18th century listed building, is known for homemade daytime food for example, while Lusty
Beg Island offers sustenance after a short ferry crossing. Lough
Erne Golf Resort, Enniskillen, offers quality with style, and the
classic pub Blakes Of The Hollow also has a choice of informal and
fine dining restaurants. Nearby in County Cavan, MacNean House
& Restaurant, Blacklion, is one of Ireland’s finest restaurants. In
Belturbet, the Seven Horseshoes has character aplenty, an open fire
and hearty home cooking while nearby, in Cloverhill, the acclaimed
Olde Poste Inn combines charm with good cooking. In Monaghan
there are a variety of dining options to choose from including The
Avenue Restaurant @ Four Seasons Hotel or enjoy learning how to
cook your very own gourmet meal at Castle Leslie Cookery School
in Glaslough.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Key festivals and events include: The Enniskillen Drama Festival;
The Erne Boat Rally; The Vintage Car Rally and The Lady Of The
Lake Festival, Irvinestown. There is a calendar of eight consecutive
week-long angling festivals starting with the famous Waterways
Ireland Classic Fishing Festival in Fermanagh in late April. The
Crom Estate (National Trust), Newtownbutler runs a number of
events throughout the year. The 10-day Festival Of The Erne,
Belturbet offers an extensive programme of family entertainment
including the ‘Lady of the Erne’ competition. In Clones, The Flat
Lake Literary Festival takes place at Hilton Park, an ideal setting
for this eccentric literary gathering.
LOUGH ERNE
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Lough Allen
& Lough Key
Lough Key and Lough Allen are completely
different in character, even though the two
lakes are only nine kilometres apart. Lough
Key to the west is an exceptionally pretty
island-studded lake, set among farms,
parkland, forest and hills, while the town of Boyle at its southwest corner has
dignity and style. Lough Allen by contrast
is an expansive sheet of water between the
coal-bearing Arigna heights to the west,
and the slopes of Sliabh an Iarainn, the
Iron Mountain, to the east. To the north,
a river emerges through the hill village of
Dowra. It is the Shannon, already a lusty
infant, thrusting its way south through
rugged country where the sheep is king.
The Shannon, meanwhile, has already
become the lordly Shannon in its progress
through bustling Carrick on Shannon,
an impressive waterways port. Having
established its dominance, the river
glides at a leisurely pace across a watery
land, moving away from the hills. At
Tarmonbarry, there’s a crossroads of
ancient routes and waterways. The road
from Mayo in the far west bridges the
river, and nearby the attractive Richmond
Harbour at Clondra is where the Royal
Canal from Dublin reaches the Shannon,
giving the first perspective of an east coast
connection to the waterways system.
Leaving Lough Allen at Drumshanbo, the
Shannon soon sweeps the gentle Boyle
River from Lough Key into its all-embracing
flow. To the east, a canal leads to the village
of Leitrim and beyond. Restored as the
Shannon-Erne Waterway, it’s a vital link,
connecting to Lough Erne through lakes,
rivers and excavated channels.
These cherished lakelands and waterways
bring serenity into our world.
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
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THINGS TO DO
Cultural: entertainment, arts & crafts, food
Along the canal at Corlough (near Ballinamore), visit the world’s
only museum dedicated to the ancient craft of the saddler and
harness maker, The Museum Of The Master Saddler. The Dock,
Carrick on Shannon, is housed in the beautiful 19th century former
courthouse building, overlooking the majestic River Shannon and
has been wonderfully restored as Leitrim’s first integrated centre
for the arts. The Dock also houses Leitrim Design, offering its
visitors the very best in design, comptemporary craft and visual art.
HISTORICAL SITES & MUSEUMS
At the pleasant riverside town of Boyle in County Roscommon,
Boyle Abbey is an impressive 12th century Cistercian Monastery,
while the magnificently restored Georgian Mansion King House
illustrates 500 years of Irish life through a range of exhibitions.
Drumshanbo is an angling resort at the southern end of Lough
Allen, an area with special links with narrow-gauge steam trains
and coal-mining. The Sliabh An Iarainn Visitor Centre tells the
story of lovely Leitrim through an audio visual show. Nearby at
Arigna, The Arigna Mining Experience gives a unique insight into
coal mining in the Arigna Valley, from the 1700s until its closure in
1990. At Dromod The Old Narrow Gauge Railway steam trains run
May-October, on weekends and by special request. Experience the
rich and diverse heritage of both Carrick on Shannon and Leitrim
in St. Georges Church and Heritage Centre, the Attic Memorial
and Carrick on Shannon Workhouse. Introductory displays give the
background into why workhouses became a feature of the 19th
century Ireland and a symbol of the Great Famine. Located in the
grounds is the site of the famine graveyard. (Access to the 3rd floor
attic memorial is by staircase.)
GREAT HOUSES, PARKS & GARDENS
GOLF
The beautiful Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle has forested areas, open parkland and features such as a viewing tower, bog
garden and tree-top walk. Strokestown House, Gardens & Famine
Museum, Strokestown, is a faithfully restored18th century mansion
with four acres of walled gardens and a famine museum.
The Ballinamore Golf Club (9 hole), alongside the Shannon-Erne
Waterway, has good facilities and having water on two fronts adds
to the difficulty of many holes. The Carrick on Shannon Golf Club,
one of the most scenic golf courses in Ireland, has recently been
expanded to a wonderful 18 hole course. Other courses can be
found in Boyle and Strokestown.
FAMILY OUTINGS
Southwest of Ballyconnell, at Newtowngore, Swan Island makes
an outing all for all the family, with both rare and traditional farm
animals, a children’s play area, restaurant, and jetty.
ACTIVITIES
WALKING
This area is a walkers’ paradise. From Keshcarrigan, the Lough Scur
Circuit circumnavigates the lough, and The O’Carolan Walk takes in a panoramic view and areas of archaeological interest. The
Cavan Way connects The Leitrim Way at Dowra and The Ulster
Way at Blacklion village; The Leitrim Way provides panoramic views
over Lough Allen. Discover and enjoy the looped way-marked walks
on Sliabh an Iarainn (known as the Iron Mountain), the beautiful
rugged mountain in south Leitrim on the eastern shore of Lough
Allen. Other walks include Lough Key Forest Park, The Arigna
Miners Way and Historical Trail.
ANGLING
Bronze-backed bream, hard fighting tench and large shoals of
roach inhabit the Boyle River, which connects Lough Key and
Drumharlow Lake at the head of the Shannon system. Not so far
away is Lough Allen, a celebrated pike water that also has quality
roach and bream. The welcoming town of Ballinamore is a very
popular coarse angling holiday centre located at the heart of the
Shannon-Erne Waterway – a genuine angling wonderland – that
passes at a snail’s pace through the prolific Garadice, Scur and
Kiltybardan lakes; all of which offer outstanding coarse fishing.
Boyle and Carrick on Shannon are other locations to stay, offering
a myriad of waters in this extensive lakeland district and a mile or so outside of Carrick on Shannon is Lough McHugh, where the tench run really big!
WATERSPORTS
The King Fisher Cycle Trail follows a figure-of-eight through the varied countryside around the lakes in this part of Ireland.
The area is very popular with canoeists. Carrick on Shannon
Rowing Club has been one of the foremost in the country since its
establishment in 1827. The Lough Allen Adventure Centre, located
on the shores of Lough Allen, offers a variety of activities including
canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, hill walking and horse riding.
EQUESTRIAN
CRUISE HIRE
Horse riding and pony trekking are available at The Moorlands
Equestrian Centre on the shores of Lough Allen.
A number of boat hire companies operate in this area. For details
visit: waterwaysireland.org or discoverireland.com/lakelands.
CYCLING
BOAT TRIPS
Moon River Pleasure Cruiser, Carrick on Shannon, caters for groups
of up to 110 passengers; travel the Shannon in style with daily and
night tours of the Shannon. Full bar facilities on board.
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
PLACES TO EAT
The rustic waterside bar and restaurant Swan Island, at
Newtowngore, serving generous fresh-flavoured food with a
barbecue theme. Glenview Restaurant in Ballinamore is a farm
guesthouse with a restaurant and an unusual agricultural museum.
Ramada Hotel & Suites Lough Allen in Drumshanbo offers informal
meals in the bar as well as restaurant dinners, and Bruno’s of
Knockvicar gives a real Italian welcome, with fair prices. The popular
Cootehall Bridge Restaurant uses local and organic produce in
rustic French/Irish cooking. In Carrick on Shannon a wide and varied
choice includes The Oarsman, an award winning restaurant. Nearby,
at Jamestown, is the pretty Cottage Restaurant. Tarmonbarry, an
attractive village which is a popular stop off point for cruisers and
anglers, offers a choice between Keenans, with good unpretentious
food all day and an evening restaurant and The Purple Onion, which
is a cosy bar/restaurant that doubles as an art gallery.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
The Experience Leitrim Festival in Ballinamore is about fulfilling
a dream for the descendants of many Leitrim exiles. An Tostal
in Drumshanbo is an Irish music, singing and dancing festival
inaugurated in 1953. Also in Drumshanbo, The Food Festival
showcases local and regional produce. The Dowra Old Fair Day
Festival in Dowra Village is an opportunity to enjoy traditions such as creel making and sheep shearing at an age-old fair.
Visit the border town of Kiltyclogher and enjoy The Sean Mac
Diarmada Festival. The Boyle Arts Festival is an annual celebration
of the arts. While in Keadue, music is the theme for The O’Carolan
Summer School, Harp & Traditional Music Festival. Since its
inception in 2005, The Carrick Water Music Festival has brought
a range of musical talent to Carrick on Shannon with powerful
performances ranging from traditional, jazz, classical and swing.
The Rowing Regatta in Carrick on Shannon is one of the oldest
in Ireland. The Mohill Arts & Storytelling Festival, Mohill, taps
into County Leitrim’s particularly rich legacy of written and oral
folklore. While, over in Strokestown, Féile Frank McGann is a
festival of Irish traditional music, song and dance.
LOUGH ALLEN LOUGH KEY
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Lough Ree
& Mid Shannon
After the brief dalliance with the Royal
Canal at Tarmonbarry, the Shannon
continues its stately southward progress
to enter Lough Ree at Lanesborough.
Lough Ree – the Lake of the Kings – is the
geographical centre of Ireland, yet parts
of it have an attractive air of remoteness.
Although 32 kilometres long, it gradually
widens until about two-thirds of the way
south it is 10 kilometres across.
A generous scattering of islands adds to
the sense of privacy, but there is enough
open water for sailing, and Lough Ree Yacht
Club in the lake’s prosperous southeast
corner dates its activities back to 1770,
the second-oldest in the world. Nearby,
Athlone thrives in its central location, a
waterways metropolis. And always there is
the presence of the Shannon, winding its
leisurely yet all-powerful way through the
river town into its most distinctive phase, a wide stream moving silently under a vast sky.
More than ever, it becomes a waterway of
history. The rise of ground at Clonmacnoise
20 kilometres south of Athlone provided
the setting for an ancient monastic
university, a place of evocative ruins and
pilgrimage. South of Shannonbridge, the
River Suck from the west is yet another
tributary, giving access to Ballinasloe in
County Galway. And then to the east there
is Shannon Harbour near Banagher, where
the Grand Canal made its busy arrival from Dublin.
This final stage to Lough Derg is among
the callows, river meadows whose seasonal
flooding is an important part of the
region’s ecosystem. On through Meelick,
a secret sacred place of private piety. And
then at Portumna there’s a first hint of
Lough Derg, like a glimpse of the ocean.
This is cruising country, no
experience or licence required.
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
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Belvedere House, Mullingar
THINGS TO DO
CULTURAL: HISTORY, ENTERTAINMENT, Arts & Craft Dun Na Sí Heritage Centre, Moate, is a folk park featuring
genealogy, music, song, dance and storytelling. Celtic Roots Studio,
Ballynahown creates exquisite sculptures and gifts in bogwood.
Bogwood is a rare material indigenous to the area over 5,600
years old while Core Craft Centre, also in Ballynahown, houses
exhibitions of over 60 local craft makers. Craft classes are available
all year round.
HISTORICAL SITES & MUSEUMS
Ireland’s heartland abounds with history. In Athlone, Ireland’s
most central town, the Norman Athlone Castle & Visitor Centre
on the Shannon’s west bank houses exhibitions, audio visual
presentations and the Tourist Office, while Clonmacnoise Monastic
Settlement, Clonmacnoise, includes an unparalleled collection of
early Christian remains and ruins, original high crosses and a visitor
centre. This area is especially rich in bogland and Corlea Trackway
Visitor Centre, Keenagh, Co. Longford, interprets the largest timber
bogland trackway of this kind to be uncovered in Europe dating
from 148 BC. At Boora (near Tullamore), Lough Boora Parklands,
flooded cut-away bog is a major sanctuary for wildlife with
over 80 different species of birds. In contrast, a long tradition
of whiskey production is seen at the world’s oldest licensed pot
whiskey distillery, Lockes Distillery, Kilbeggan, where there is now
a museum, and Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre, Tullamore, where
you can learn the history of the town and sample the products.
GREAT HOUSES, PARKS & GARDENS
An 18th century estate, Belvedere House, Gardens & Park is set
in 160 acres on the shores of Lough Ennell, Mullingar. In the lovely
Georgian town of Birr, Birr Castle Demesne features wonderful
gardens and the 1840s Great Telescope, now fully restored.
FAMILY OUTINGS
Glendeer Open Farm, Drum, near Athlone, provides fun for all the
family with a nature walk, pet animals, children’s playground and
home baking.
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
SPORT
GOLF
At Kilbeggan and Roscommon Racecourses, the formula is for fun, friendship and atmosphere at meets scheduled throughout
the year. Longford and Mullingar Greyhound Stadium, Longford,
holds weekly races.
The keen golfer will find plenty of choice in the area with courses
available at many locations including Longford, Athlone, Glasson,
Mullingar, Moate, Mounttemple, Birr, Tullamore, Ballinasloe and
Roscommon.
ACTIVITIES
WALKING
Rural, woodland and shoreside walks suitable for all levels of fitness
abound. Examples include Portrunny, Co. Roscommon on Lough
Ree’s western shore, and Portlick, arguably the most enjoyable walk
on the eastern shore. The Westmeath Way is a way-marked route
stretching from Kilbeggan to Mullingar and, in the unspoilt Slieve
Bloom Mountains, there are ecotrails and forest paths as well as
The Slieve Bloom Way, which links with The Grand Canal Way via The Offaly Way.
ORNITHOLOGY
The undisturbed Shannon Callows around Banagher, is home to tens of thousands of birds, both summer and winter visitors. For more details visit www.birwatchireland.ie.
EQUESTRIAN
Equestrian centres and schools may be found in Athlone and Mullingar, Co. Westmeath; Tullamore and Birr, Co. Offaly;
Keenagh, Co. Longford and Kilroosky, Co. Roscommon.
CYCLING
Mullingar Cycling Hub – quiet country roads with stunning views of rich pastureland and beautiful lakes provide the ideal backdrop
for three cycle loops, totalling 117kms in length.
CRUISE HIRE
A number of boat hire companies operate in this area. For details
visit: waterwaysireland.org or discoverireland.com/lakelands.
BOAT TRIPS
A number of passenger boats operate from Athlone and Banagher
offering tours of varying length.
ANGLING
The warm water stretch of the River Shannon at Lanesborough
produced its first ever carp in 2008, a terrific fish weighing 16lb,
adding to the long list of specimen bream, tench, rudd, hybrid,
perch and pike recorded here during the past 30 years. From this
one miniscule segment of Ireland’s longest river, the Shannon flows
slowly through famous angling areas such as Inny Bay on Lough
Ree, Athlone, Shannonbridge, Banagher and Portumna. This is
big-fish country where an early morning or late afternoon session
is likely to yield a catch of a lifetime. A large bait (lobworms,
sweetcorn, soft pellets or at least six maggots) on strong tackle
is essential to success and regular angling visitors insist that prebaiting is a key element. Lough Ree is renowned for its large brown
trout and attracts many anglers to its shores year on year to fish in a tranquil unspoilt setting.
a vibrant town on the Shannon, Heidi’s Coffee Shop is renowned
for generous helpings of wholesome food whilst, in elegant Birr
with Georgian houses along its tree lined malls, Brambles Café
& Deli serves excellent home bakes. Just outside Birr, the award
winning Thatch Bar & Restaurant is worth a visit. Near the harbour
in Tullamore, try Anatolia for world cuisine in a relaxed setting.
PLACES TO EAT
In Longford, The Aubergine serves sassy, fresh flavoured food
in an Irish/Mediterranean style, and Viewmount House, on the
edge of town, has a fine dining restaurant. Seasonal cooking is
offered at the appealing stone built Glasson Village Restaurant.
Also at Glasson – the poet Goldsmith’s pretty ‘Village of the
Roses’ – Wineport Lodge is a luxurious lakeside restaurant
with accommodation, whose menus feature local ingredients.
At Lecarrow, the recently opened Yew Tree, is just a short walk
from the pretty harbour. Athlone offers attractive dining options
including The Left Bank Bistro and the waterfront Olive Grove,
and the Westmeath county town, Mullingar, has quality choices
known for good value including Ilia and Oscars. In Shannonbridge
The Old Fort Restaurant is an impressive restored Napoleonic fort,
with open fire and comfy seating. Ballinsaloe has a public marina
allowing traffic from the Shannon navigation to access the town,
where Kariba’s provides honest food at honest prices. At Banagher, FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
The Johnny Keenan Banjo Festival, Longford is a celebration of Irish
traditional and American bluegrass music. Literature and drama
celebrations abound in this region, with many festivals including
The Athlone Literary Festival, The Goldsmith International
Literary Festival and The Athlone All Ireland Amateur Drama
Festival. By contrast, The Abbeyshrule Fly In at South Longford
Airfield features small aircraft displays and Birr Vintage Week and
Arts Festival attracts classic cars and a wide variety of vintage
themed events. One of Ireland’s Great Game and County fairs
offering country sports, medieval and lifestyle displays is also held in Birr. The Midlands Home and Garden Festival at Belvedere
House in June has flower sellers, demonstrations, continental
food market and a victorian funfair over three days. Other events
include The Streete Parish Park Vintage Weekend, Walking
& Storytelling Festivals in the Slieve Bloom Mountains, The
Boherquill Walking Festival, The Waterways Ireland Triathlone,
Athlone, and Ballinasloe River & Arts Festival. The Ballinasloe
Horse Fair, dating back to the 1700s, attracts up to 100,000 visitors
from all over the world. The Tullamore Phoenix Festival includes a
family friendly programme, while The Shannonbridge Midsummer
Festival is a celebration of music with free outdoor concerts.
Competitive anglers are welcome to the annual Banagher Angling
Festival, taking place during the last two weeks of April.
LOUGH REE & MID SHANNON
19 19
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Lough Derg
Lough Derg is a handsome inland sea set
in an attractive blend of mountain and
hillside, woodland and farm. Hospitable
little harbours line its shores. In times
past, barges plying the waterways trade
between Dublin and Limerick via the Grand
Canal took shelter and sustenance at these
characterful miniature ports.
Today, the surviving barges have long since
been converted for recreational use, and
Lough Derg has become a major area for
waterborne sport and leisure. Yet at its
southern end, the Shannon ceases to be
a leisurely river moving gently southward
across quiet countryside. Aeons ago, the
mountains which give Lough Derg its sense
of majesty, obstructed the Shannon. At
one stage in pre-history, the river broke
through to the sea at Scarriff in the west.
But for a very long time now, the Shannon
has speeded oceanwards between the
mountains and hills at Killaloe, for it has
many metres to drop from its midlands
height to reach sea level.
The lordly Shannon becomes a frisky and
turbulent river in its final miles. From time
immemorial, people in Ireland harnessed
water power. At Ardncrusha between
Killaloe and Limerick in 1925-1929, a
massive new hydro-electric dam was
constructed across the Shannon. Today, still
functioning smoothly and supplying power,
it is a World Heritage Engineering Site.
With two special navigation locks installed
in its massive structure, Ardnacrusha
allows the passage of boat traffic to
Limerick. Here, in this highly individualistic
river city where fresh water meets salt,
the Vikings arrived more than a thousand
years ago, and Limerick today reflects the
interaction of ancient and new energies in its own unique mix.
An intriguying region, with history
and folklore at every turn.
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
21
20
THINGS TO DO
ACTIVITIES
CULTURAL: HISTORY & FAMILY OUTINGS
WALKING
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Bunratty (near Cratloe) is a great
day out for all the family and includes Ireland’s finest collection
of medieval furniture; also renowned for banquets. The Killaloe
Heritage & Brian Boru Centre charts the history of Killaloe and
its Celtic and nautical significance. South of Limerick, near Bruff,
Lough Gur Visitor Centre tells the story of pre-Celtic Ireland dating
back to 3000BC
This is an area of natural beauty with history and legend at every
turn, and many signposted walks along the river banks and rural
roads. Portumna Forest Park is a wildlife sanctuary beside Lough
Derg with a nature trail and many lovely forest walks. Other walks
include Slí Eala (‘Swan Way’) and The Lough Derg Way, a pleasant
country walk from Killaloe to Dromineer.
HISTORICAL SITES, MUSEUMS & HERITAGE
The 13th century Nenagh Castle, Nenagh, was once the main seat
of the Butler family and significant sections remain in good order.
In Limerick, 800 year old King John’s Castle brings history to life
with imaginative historical exhibitions, excavated pre-Norman
houses, fortifications, siege mines and the battlement walks.
Holy Island Church & Round Tower, Holy Island, is an interesting
ecclesiastical site, accessible by boat from Mountshannon. Near
Ballina, a bronze-age chamber tomb Graves Of The Leinstermen is the source of many legends. Limerick’s Hunt Museum, houses an internationally important collection of some 2,000 original
works of art and antiquity as well as an attractive waterside
restaurant, Ducartes.
GREAT HOUSES, PARKS & GARDENS
At Portumna, the ground floor of Portumna Castle is open to the public, and also has recently restored gardens.
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
The wide variety of terrain suits both the experienced rider and
novices of all ages, with centres located in Mountshannon, Nenagh,
Thurles, Killaloe/Ballina, Adare and Limerick.
midweek. Mountshannon, a lovely17th century village overlooking
a south-facing harbour, offers a choice of good eating places
including The Snug and An Cupáin Café. Moving on to Limerick,
Brulées is one of the city’s finest, with dishes that are ‘international
with an Irish twist’; a new riverside Limerick restaurant is The
French Table, combining French cooking and value with an Irish
welcome. Brocka on the Water is an excellent restaurant at
Kilgarvan Quay, Ballinderry and one of the few where you can
moor directly in front.
CYCLING
WATERSPORTS
The rural Nenagh Cycle Way links with The Lough Derg Cycle
Way, which circles the lake and is signposted in both directions.
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Lough Derg is a fabulous lake for watersports including sailing,
canoeing, boating, fishing, swimming, diving, waterskiing and
cruising; the lake even has its own ski school. Killaloe is also a watersports playground, with windsurfing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing.
ANGLING
Lough Derg is massive water – 26 miles long, covering 32,000 acres and classed as a mixed fishery that is absolutely teeming
with bream, roach, hybrids, pike, perch and wild brown trout. Those anglers with the determination and desire to catch a lot of fish usually hire an angling boat and engine to reach the miles
of shoreline and enticing small islands that are dotted about. Prebaiting is vital and often attracts great shoals of fish – bream to
8lb, specimen roach weighing more than 2lb, along with battling
hybrids that can be 4lb and more. Stories of monster pike abound.
Divers who attended the salvage of a boat that had sunk in 30
metres, returned terrified, reporting pike the size of crocodiles!
In another case, a sub-aqua club revealed that there were pike
‘lying on the bottom like railway sleepers’. The smaller and easily
accessed lakes of east Clare are equally rich with a range of quality
fish. The lower sections of the River Shannon and its tributaries can
provide outstanding (and inexpensive) salmon and trout fishing.
The Mayfly season is one of the milestones of the trout fishing
year. Anglers converge on the lake in large numbers at this time of year to test their fishing skills ‘man against fish’.
GOLF
Golfers are spoilt for choice, with parkland courses in Bodyke,
Nenagh, Portumna, Mountshannon, Roscrea, Templemore, Limerick
and Adare.
EQUESTRIAN
CRUISE HIRE & BOAT TRIPS
A number of boat hire companies operate in this area. For details
visit: waterwaysireland.org or discoverireland.com/lakelands. A 50-seat passenger boat, The Spirit of Killaloe, cruises from
Killaloe daily in Summer.
PLACES TO EAT
Portumna, at the junction of the River Shannon and Lough Derg, is a destination for boaters, golfers and anglers; Dyson’s Restaurant
offers good food in pleasing surroundings. At Garrykennedy’s
attractive little harbour, Larkin’s is a pretty white cottage pub
serving food. Further along the lakeshore, The Derg Inn and Paddy’s Bar in leafy Terryglass serves excellent traditional Irish
dishes. With an 11th century towerhouse, idyllic scenery and a
public harbour Dromineer is a popular place to visit; The Whiskey
Still has character and serves wholesome fare. While in Nenagh,
choose from The Pepper Mill, a pleasant town-centre restaurant
or the Country Choice Shop & Café, a destination for food lovers.
In Killaloe, the waterside Cherry Tree Restaurant brings discerning
diners from afar; near the bridge linking counties Tipperary and
Clare, Goosers Pub serves wholesome food and is quieter The Iniscealtra Festival Of Arts, Mountshannon, has a new theme
each year. The Scarriff Harbour Festival is an open air street
event with a unique north/south dimension, celebrating the local
waterways. The Terryglass Arts Festival, is a family focused festival
with a diverse range of events. Traditional music, song and dance
is celebrated at The Feakle International Traditional Music Festival
and The Tulla Traditional Music Festival. In Limerick, The Shannon
International Music Festival, is a top event in the Irish classical
music calendar, while Limerick’s annual Riverfest, highlights
and revels in the city’s art, culture, music, and sport. Nearby,
Killaloe’s longest running festival Féile Brian Boru, celebrates the
life and times of this High King of Ireland, and Lough Gur (south
of Limerick, near Bruff) is host to a Storytelling Festival and a
Summer Solstice Festival.
LOUGH DERG
23 23
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Suggested Short Cruises
Lough Derg
CARRICK ON SHANNON TO LEITRIM VILLAGE, TO BOYLE & LOUGH KEY
PORTUMNA & LOUGH DERG
3 DAY CRUISE
3 DAY CRUISE
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 1
DAY 2
Travel north from Carrick along the majestic Shannon River,
passing through pleasant water meadows stocked with grazing
cattle. Look out for the herons fishing in the shallows and the
numerous swans and other water fowl that live along its banks.
Mark off the various easily recognisable navigation marks as you
pass the confluence of the Boyle River and continue to travel at a sedate speed towards Leitrim Village.
Stay the night, and in the morning turn the boat to head south
and enter the Boyle River. Within a short time you are passing
through a small lough, Lough Eidin. Take in a round of golf at the
Carrick on Shannon Golf Club if you wish, it has its own jetty
to tie your boat to, or continue on towards Coothall to stop for
lunch at the Bridge Restaurant. Moorings available for patrons.
Pass on through Knockvicar, through the Clarendon Lock and on
into Lough Key. Cross the lake and head for the Boyle Canal which
will bring you to within a mile of this fine town. Visit the Abbey or the King House, and dine at the Royal Hotel.
Lough Derg is famous for its idyllic little towns and villages with
small harbours that fringe the shore. Lough Derg is a spectacular
lake with lots to see and do. Portumna National Park is well
worth a visit and has its own harbour.
The scenery becomes more dramatic the further south that you
travel and the mountains to the south appear to sweep down in
to the lough whilst those to the west provide an exciting back
drop to the towns of Scarriff, Mountshannon and Williamstown.
It is a short trip to Garrykennedy before crossing the lake once
more to the Connacht shore of Mountshannon. Stay the night in the marina which is a short walk from the town.
As you travel further north the countryside becomes more
interesting, with spectacular views of distant hills and forests.
Depending on the time of the year the trees can be a lush green
or an Autumn gold as their branches bend down to the river.
Pass under the ancient bridge at Leitrim and moor at the jetty.
The village is a short walk away and has several pubs, some with
traditional music and restaurants.
DAY 3
From Portumna, cruise across the lake to Terryglass and
experience a small picturesque Tipperary lakeside village. Stay for lunch before moving on further south to Dromineer.
Moor at the new marina facility and enjoy the atmosphere of this small village, complete with pubs and restaurants. Lots of water based activities take place here.
DAY 3
Turn now to go north calling at Williamstown before making the trip back up the lough to Portumna.
Travel back along the Boyle Canal and re-enter Lough Key and
head for the Lough Key Forest Park which has 350 hectares of
park land to explore, the innovative Boda Borg Adventure House
to visit, children’s adventure play kingdom or the Lough Key
Experience complete with Tree Canopy Walk.
Board your boat for your three hour cruise back to Carrick
On Shannon or linger a little longer at the Italian Restaurant in Knockvicar.
Lough Key Forest Park
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
SUGGESTED SHORT CRUISES
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24
Suggested Short Cruises
LOUGH ERNE
BANAGHER TO ATHLONE & LOUGH REE
4 DAY CRUISE
4 DAY CRUISE
DAY 1
Starting on Lower Lough Erne head northward to the delightful
village of Belleek, a renowned border crossing, and home to
the world famous Belleek Pottery. The pretty village boasts a
thatched coffee house, and a number of places to lunch, buy
tackle and bait, or make the short four mile journey to the coast.
DAY 2
Returning from Belleek take the eastern shore of the lake
southward passing Castle Caldwell, a forest park and birdreserve.
Staying on the eastern shore your craft will pass through the
Broad Lough, the widest part of the lake, and head towards
Lusty Beg. Lusty Beg offers all the comforts of an island resort,
with self-catering, B&B accommodation and leisure facilities,
supported by an excellent restaurant and hospitality.
As the lake narrows and the eastern and western shores come closer together, meandering through the islands becomes
second nature, easily moving from the Ely Forest and the Lough
Erne Golf Resort on the western shore to the Manor House
Resort Hotel and Lough Erne Yacht Club on the eastern shore.
Just north of Enniskillen, Devenish Island begins to dominate the
horizon; the round tower and ruins of the monastic settlement
breaking the island skyline and providing a wonderful stopping off
point for a visit – and even an opportunity to climb to the top of
the tower for the wonderful views.
Enniskillen, the island town, has a multitude of moorings
whether you want to be in the town centre or just off the island.
Served by a wide range of restaurants, bars, shops and leisure
services, the town is also home to a 12th century castle and
museum and a theatre with its own moorings. Extensive mooring
facilities are also available at the Killyhevlin Hotel on the shores
of Upper Lough Erne.
DAY 1
DAY 2
Travel north from the Georgian town of Banagher. Within a
short distance you will pass by Shannon Harbour where the
Grand Canal meets the Shannon Navigation. Marvel at the ruins
of a bye gone age in transportation. Visit the dry docks where
the canal barges were maintained and note the architectural
heritage of classic Georgian industrial architecture. Pass under
the majestic Shannon Bridge where Leinster meets Connacht
and travel on to Clonmacnoise, the 6th century monastery,
university and ancient Christian capital of Ireland. Spend the
night moored at the marina.
Continue onward to Athlone and explore this ancient town, birth
place of the famous Irish tenor Count John McCormack, and one
time boyhood home to the Duke of Wellington. Lots to see here
and great shopping too. Pass on through Athlone and enter the
great Lough Ree, truly an inland sea. Head for Hodson Bay. Moor
for the night in the harbour and visit the Hodson Bay Hotel And
Spa. Golf is also available here.
DAY 3
Explore Lough Ree and visit Glasson – Oliver Goldsmith country
– on the east side of the lake, returning to Athlone for the night.
DAY 4
Leave Athlone and return.
DAY 3
Heading further south, the lake becomes more dotted with
islands. One of the best known, White Island, is home to a series
of pre-Christian statues collected from islands all over the lake
and placed together here in the ruins of an old church. White
Island is just off-shore from Castle Archdale, an excellent country
park offering walking and cycle paths throughout the forest and,
in season, an outdoor pursuits centre runs from the site.
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
DAY 4
South of Enniskillen, the lough winds in a channel through
the beautiful rural countryside stopping in Bellanaleck and
Carrybridge, before heading out into the island-dotted expanse
of the upper lough. Stop at the Share Holiday Village, an
outdoor centre for able bodied and disabled outdoor activities,
or visit the Hare Krishna on Inish Rath Island. The last stop of
the trip is Crom Estate, now run by the National Trust, a 1,900
acre loughside estate with a visitors’ centre and café beside the
mooring, and walks and paths for cycling thoughout the estate.
SUGGESTED SHORT CRUISES
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Getting Here
Killaloe
AIR
Belfast International Airport
Tel +44 (0)28 9448 4848 www.belfastairport.com
City of Derry Airport
Tel +44 (0)28 7181 0784 www.derryairport.com
Cork International Airport
Tel +353 (0)21 431 3131 www.corkairport.com
Donegal Airport
Tel +353 (0)74 9548284/9548232
www.donegalairport.ie
Dublin International Airport
Tel +353 (0)1 814 1111 www.dublin-airport.com
Enniskillen Airport
Tel +44 (0)28 6632 9000
www.enniskillen-airport.co.uk
(suitable for private visiting aircraft)
Galway Airport
Tel +353 (0)91 755569 www.galwayairport.com
George Best Belfast City Airport
Tel +44 (0)28 9093 9093 www.belfastcityairport.com
Ireland West Airport Knock
Tel +353 (0)94 936 8100 www.irelandwestairport.com
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
Kerry International Airport
Tel +353 (0)66 976 4644 www.kerryairport.ie
Shannon International Airport
Tel +353 (0)61 471 444 www.shannonairport.com
Sligo Airport
Tel +353 (0)71 916 8280 www.sligoairport.com
SEA
A number of ferry carriers link the south of Ireland with the UK and mainland Europe. The majority of sea services are through Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Dun Laoghaire, Larne and Rosslare ports.
The quickest all year round crossing from Britain to Northern
Ireland is 90 minutes from Stranraer to Belfast. A seasonal 75
minute crossing (Easter to September) runs from Troon to Larne.
Other frequent ferry services run from Cairnryan to Larne. An
overnight ferry connects Liverpool and Belfast all year round.
CAR HIRE
Cairnryan-Larne (P&O Irish Ferries) Tel +44 (0)870 2424777
For information on car hire in the region, please visit our airport
websites (listed above) or contact one of our Discover Ireland
Centres/Tourist Information Offices.
Troon-Larne (P&O Irish Ferries) Tel +44 (0)870 2424777
Liverpool-Belfast (Norse Irish Ferries) Tel +44 (0)870 6004321
RAIL AND BUS SERVICES
High speed trains run regularly between Dublin and Belfast
stopping in Drogheda, Dundalk, Newry and Portadown.
Irish Ferries www.irishferries.com
Translink Tel +44 (0)28 9066 6630
Norfolkline www.norfolkline.com
Iarnrod Éireann
Irish Rail Network
Tel +353 (0)850 366222 www.irishrail.ie
Steam Packet (seasonal)
www.steam-packet.com
Stena Line
www.stenaline.com
For information on internal and island ferries in the region
including departure and arrival times, please visit our website
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands or contact one of our
Discover Ireland Centres/Tourist Information Offices.
Stranraer-Belfast (Stena HSS) Tel +44 (0)870 5707070
Brittany Ferries www.brittany-ferries.ie
P&O Ferries www.poirishsea.com
INTERNAL FERRIES
Bus Éireann
National bus company servicing all main towns and cities.
Tel +353 (0)1 836 6111 www.buseireann.ie
GETTING HERE
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29
Practical Information
Carrick on Shannon
BANKING
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Banks open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am
and 4pm. Each bank has one later opening day per week. ATM
machines are available at most banks throughout the region. The larger Tourist Information Offices in the region have Bureau de Change facilities, as do all banks.
The free emergency telephone number is 999 – no coins required
in telephone coin boxes. Ask for the appropriate service – Fire,
Ambulance, Gardaí/Police, Lifeboat, Coastal, Mountain and Cave
Rescue Services. In Ireland, telephone numbers of Garda Stations
are listed in the green bordered pages at the front of the telephone
directories under ‘Garda Síochána’. A victim support 24 hour
helpline number is Tel: 1800 661771. In Northern Ireland, contact
the Police Service of Northern Ireland on Tel: 0845 600 8000
Money transfers can be organised through Western Union Money
Transfer. Freephone: 1800 395395.
Credit Cards: 1800 695695. This Company provides a service
from 110 countries and has more than 250 outlets in Ireland.
CURRENCY
The unit of currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro and
each Euro has 100 cent. Notes are €500, €200, €100, €50, €20,
€10, €5. Coins are €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c. Sterling is the currency in Fermanagh but Euro is widely accepted, enquire
before you try to buy.
Passports are not required for travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
For the latest information on passports and visa requirements for
Ireland, contact the Department of Foreign Affairs, 80 St. Stephen’s
Green, Dublin 2, Ireland. Tel: +353 1 478 0822 or visit www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie
For further information on travel to Northern Ireland, contact the
Britiah Embassy in your country of origin or visit www.ukpa.gov.uk
DRIVING
A valid driving licence is required by the visitor from their country
of residence. Driving in Ireland is on the left hand side of the
road. Safety belts must be worn at all times by front and back
seat passengers. Motorcyclists and passengers must wear safety
helmets whilst driving.
Speed limits are as follows:
Motorways: National roads: Non-national roads: Urban Areas: PASSPORTS/VISAS
Ireland
120kph
100kph
80kph
50k-60kph
Northern Ireland
70mph
60mph
60mph
30-40 mph
AA Roadwatch provide extensive information about motoring in Ireland, including a route planner with maps. Visit www.aaroadwatch.ie
www.discoverireland.com/lakelands
SHOPPING HOURS
Shops are generally open from 9am-6pm Monday-Saturday. Most
large stores have a late-night shopping evening or two during the
week. Some large stores are open on Sundays, particularly in cities
and larger towns. The visitor may find an early closing day in some
rural towns, and Tourist Information Offices will be able to advise
on this.
TIPPING
In Ireland tipping is now customary in restaurants and it is standard
to add a gratuity of approximately 10% to the bill. If a service
charge is already included in the bill as presented to the customer,
a small tip is appreciated for good service. Tipping is not usual in
pubs, except when you are served at your table.
Done ga l
Ireland’s Lakelands
& Inland Waterways
D er ry
Ballybofey
Castlederg
Lough
Eske
Barnesmore
Meentullynagarn
Inver
Killybegs
Mountcharles
Donegal
Dunkineely
Lough
Derg
Lagny
Lower Lough Erne
Mullinasole
Mullanacross
Donegal Bay
Kildoney
Tully
Caldwell
Ballyshannon
Drumlisaleen
Drumbbadmeen
Kinlough
Minran Hill
D
Owl I.
Rossinver
Enniskillen
Springfield
Devenish Island
Letterbreen
Drumharriff
Arney
L. Macnean
Lower Wheathill
l
Ba
Aghoo
Drumfin
Riverstown
Lough
Allen
Drummacool
Culfadda
Carrowcrory
Ballinafad
Liskeagh
Mullaghroe
Cloonloogh
Sroove
Carracastle
L.
Gara
Monasteraden
Lomcloon
Drumshanbo
Lough Allen C.
Acres Lake
Rathermon
L. Drumharlow
Ballymore
Ardsoreen
Killaraght
Kingsland
Breedoge
Callow
Lurgan
Jamestown
Rathcroghan
L. Corry
Strokestown
Coolshaghtena
Enmoo
Beachwood
Kilteevan Inchenagh
Carrowmore
Roscommon
Rathcline
Derrygowna
Clooncraff
Bracknagh
Portrunny
S
k
uc
ck
Poolboy
Lock
N
av
Gortnahorna
Crossconnell
Ballykeeran
Ballybornia
Oghil
i ga
tion
Shannonbridge
Sugarloaf Hill
Clondelara
Muckanagh
Kilquain
Holy I.
Scarriff
tuary
Coonagh
Churchfield
Clarina
Wellington
Ballycommon
Monsea
er
g
Nenagh
Silvermines
Ballycahane
Ballynahinch
e
in
ns.
Mt
Mackney
Newport
Annacotty
Limerick
Moroe
Mungret
Ballysheedy Cahernarry
Caherconlish
Ballyneety
Old Kildimo
Patrickswell
Crecora
Adare
Killonahan
Rear Cross
Lismullane
Bohereen
Askeaton
Abington
Clonteen
Boher
Brittas
0
Ballynagarde
Pallasgreen
Betty Ville
Rathkeale
Croom
Corbally
Glenduff
Cragg
Castleconnell
Adcrony
Lisnagry
Burtonhill
Mellon
Ballyculhane
New Kildimo
O’Briensbridge
Cloonlara
Ardnacrusha power Parteen
station and lock
Cratloe
Newtown
Ballina
Birdhill
Bridgetown
Monaster
Holycross
Li m e r ick
Bruff
Bruree
Kilcormac
Killeen
Limerick
Junction
5
10 km
Cadamstown
Woodville
Birr
Carrig
Sharavogue
Borrisokane
Finnoe
Sil
Sixmilebridge
s
non E
Glenomera
Parteen Weir
Rossmanagher
Shannon
Shan
Garraunboy
Formoyle
O’Briensbridge
Aglish
Lisbryan
Ballingarry
Goatstown
Ballyanny
Derry
Arra
Mtns.
Grange
Ballyvally
Killaloe/Ballina
Kilbane
Oatfield
Sedboro
ve
rm
Slieve
Bernagh
Newmarket
on Fergus
D
Portroe
Broadford
Darragh
Killadysert
Ogonnelloe
Carrowoore
Annacarriga
Kilkishen
h
Loug
Croghan
Sil
ve
r
Fiveally
Eglish Castle
Carney
Dromineer
Garrykennedy
Bodyke Tuamgraney
Tulla
Ennis
Kilgarvan
Illaunmore
I. Williamstown
Williamstown
Sheeaun
Mountshannon Dromaan
Clarecastle
Ballinderry
Kyle Park
Goat I.
Connagh
Cl a r e
Drominagh Point
Gorteeny
Rossmore
Derrygoolin
Coologory
Moat
Ville
Terryglass
Clonco
Clondagough
Ballyshire
Annagh
Rathcabban
Pike
Tullamore
Screggan
Broughal
O f fa ly
Rapemills
Clongowna
Lelagh
Abbeville
Pollagh
Blue Ball
Lug
Newtown
Killycross
Ballyea
Portland
Lough Derg
Carrick
Gortarevan
Fahy
Sha
nn
on
Gortanummera
Earlstown
Abbey
Ballyshrule
Portumna
Crannagh
Shannonhill
Ballynagar
Cappagh
Moyglass
Woodford
Kilbeggan
Clara
Rahan
l
Ferbane
Cloghan
Banagher
Lavagh
Victoria Lock
Longfort
Oldstreet
Capira
Killeen
The Green Door
Derryhivenny
Slieve Aughty
Mountains
Horseleap
Noggusbay
m
Kilmore
Killimor
Ca na
and
Feaghbeg
Eyrecourt
Feebrack
Gr
Lisbeg House
Shannon
Harbour
Cloonnamaskry
Lough Rea
Lough
Ennel
Lemangahan
Ballylin House
Belmont
Laurencetown
Kiltormer
Ballydavid
Loughanavally
Fairfield
Ballycumber
Derrennboy
Loughrea
Mullingar
Killinure Lough Kilkenny West
Drumraney
Glassan
Ballykeeran
Coosan
Old Town
Gannaveen
Coxtown
Kilreekill
Skeagh
Su
Ballinasloe
Moyvore
Ballymore
Castlesampson
Bellaneeny
Ballynamona
Carrowreagh
Aughrim
Ballynacarrigy
Abbeyshrule
Ballymahon
Gorteen
Burnbrook
Bellanamullia
Athlone
Keoghville
Moyvoughly
Bogganfin
Athlone Lock Mount Temple
Doyle
Creggan
White Hall Killachoona
Belrea Keelty
Fardrum
Moate
Carrowduff
Farnagh
Cornafulla
Killogeenaghan
Cloonown
Kilcashel
Tober
Attiroy
Drumlosh
Ballydangan
Tinmuck
on Ballynahown Doon
ann
Mannion
Sh
Prospeet
Kilnagarnagh
Woodmount
Clonmacnois
Hollybrook
Cloonkeen
Derrymullan
Attymon
Barry
Foygh
Auburn
Tobermacloughlin
Mid Shannon
We s t m e a t h
Portlick
Hare I.
Brideswell
Ga l way
Keenagh
Rathowen
Crossea
Rathmore
Inny Tang
Muckanagh
Coolaleena
The Pigeons
Inchmore
Kiltoom
Eskerbaun
Hodson Bay
Thomas Street
Mostrim
Carrickboy
Corlea
Lough
Ree
Lecarrow
Ballynasaggart
Newtown
Curraghboy
Mount Bellew
Corboy Upper
Richfort
Rindoon
Lecarrow
Ballagh
Rahara
Longford
Churchland
Danesfort
Forthill
Quaker
Is. Corrool Drumnee
Lecarrow Canal
Lackan
Mount
Talbot
Killoe
Derryoghil
Derrygeel
Derraghan
Knockcroghery
Kilglass
Granard
Ballinalee
Longfor d
Clondra
Cloonfore
Cloonmore
Mote Park
Ballymurray
Scardaun
Athleague
Ballygar
Cloonagh
Clontumpher
Bohernameeltoge
Aghaboy
Killashee
Kilroosky
Ballinagard
Forbes
na l
Ca
Lough Ree
Lough
Gowna
Drumlish
Camlin
River
Ballyleague/Lanesborough
Aghnacliff
Ballinamuck
Kilnacarrow
Killattimoriarty
Carrigan
Lough
Gowna
Farnagh
Roosky
yal
Ro
Curraghore
Cloontuskert
New Inn
Cattan
Dromod
Erra
Derrycanan
Cava n
Bellananagh
Gortletteragh
L. Rinn
Derrycarne
L. Bofin
Cavan
Kilmore
Drumcrow South
Lugganammer
Drumlaggagh
Fearnaght
Corboghill
Carrownaskeagh
Tarmonbarry
Kilmacananneny
Tarmonbarry Lock
Lackan
Aghamuck
Killykeen
Killykeen
Forest Park
Carrigallen
Aghavas
Kilglass
Kilglass
Ballymagrine
Ballyfeeny
Scramouge
L. Forbes
Tobernaskeha Fishertown
Moneyboy
Coolteige
Killeshandra
Edergole
Killamaun
Aghamore
Roscrea
Cootehill
Bellanacargy
Ouley
y
e Wa t e r w aCorrawaleen
Mountain River
Roscom m on
Runnabackan
n-Ern
Albert Lock
Roosky Lock
Grange
Tulsk
Castlerea
Ballyhaise
Carrick-on-Shannon
Cloon Grange
Eslinbridge to
Tarmonbarry Moyne
Mohill
Drumsna
Coonmagunnaun
Ballaghaderreen
Highbog
Raheely
Cloonyquin
Treehoo
Drumliff
Derrygoss
Lough
Oughter
Doogary
Fenagh Drumlea
nno
Garvagh
Ratallen
Danesfort
Ballinameen
Dacklin
Flagfort
Caldragh
Moheedian
Carrowncully
L. Boderg
Frenchpark
Rodden
Loughbally Br.
Smith Hill
Drummullin
Ballyroddy
Kye
Mantua Elphin
Grange L.
Bellanagare
Bettyfield
Cloonybrennan
Runnaruag
Knock
Sha
Kilnagross
Carrick-on-Shannon
Killukin
Drumlion
Croghan
G a ra d i c e L .
Foxfield
Cleaheen
Boyle
Belturbet
Milltown
Drummullagh
Haughton’s Shore
Keshcarrigan
Leitrim
Mona ghan
Rockcorry
Scotshouse
Newtown Gore
Cootehall
Boyle
Extension
Newbliss
The River Erne
Gortmullan
Moher
Drumcong
Corrigeenroe
Smuttemagh Crossna
Clarendon L.Drumboylan
Knockvicar
Boathouse Ford L. Key
l
Cavanagarvan
Clones
Corraskea
Aghalane
Ballinamore
lo
o
Tobercurry
L.
Arrow
Dorrusawillin
Sli
ev
eB
Carrownacreevy
Kesh
Derradda
Cromlin
Aughnasheelan
Arigna
Ballyfarnon Mountallen
Keadew
Ul
Newtownbutler
Clonaroo
Ballyconnell
Pottore
Geevagh
Kilmactranny
Crom
Bla
ck
Ballinphull
Ballymote
Castlebaldwin
Derryad
Killaspeenan
Derrylea
a na
rC
ste
Swan’s Crossroads
Cleighran More
Altagowlan
Lough Allen & Lough Key
Smithborough
Druminiskill
Gortgorgan
Shannon Pot
(source of Shannon)
Ballinagleragh
Spencer Harbour
Drumdoney
Templehouse
Lake
Erneview
Tonnacroob
Killnakelly
Prospect Hill
Doon
Shannon-Erne Waterway
Killadiskert
Drumkeeran
Coola
Monaghan
Eshcarcoge
Donagh Ballagh
Derrylin
Swanlinbar
Glangevlin
Dowra
Collooney
Ballynacarrow
Upper
Lough Ballindarragh
Lisnaskea
Erne
Kinawley
Killavoggy
Sligo
Carntrone
Knockninny
Tober
Belladrihid
Ballysadare
Brookeborough
Maguiresbridge
Carrybridge
Mackan
Gowlaun
Killarga
Gardiners
Fe r m a na gh
Lisbellaw
Bellanaleck
Gortatole
L. Gill
Carrowmore
lys
ad
are
Bay
Trasna
Ardhowen
Tamlaght
Belcoo
Blacklion
Glenfarme
Upper Lough Erne
Enniskillen
Round ‘O’
Broadmeadow
Regal Pass
Fivemiletown
Tempo
Derryhilagh
Portora Lock
Thompsons Br.
Boho
L.L.Macnean
Macnean
Upper
Upper
Manorhamilton
Augher
Clogher
Killee Ballyreagh
Knockmanoul
Poll Beg
Le it r im
Lurganboy
Kilskeery
Ballinamallard
Kiltyclogher
Corracloona
Trillick
Makenny
Monea
Sligo
Sligo
Irvinestown
Rossclare Jetty
Killadeas
Blaney
Aghakeeran
Ballagh Cott.
Gurteen
Lisnarick
Rossigh
Jetty
Camagh Bay
Lissiniska
tns.
ry M
ar t
Seskinore
Dromore
Tummery
Milltown
Tully
Derrygonnelly
Garrison
Ardess
Nedsherry
Kesh
Inishmakill I.
Glennasheevar
Ederney
Muckross
Boa Island
Killy Beg
L. M
elv
in
T yrone
Clonelly
Lowery
More I.
Lower LouLusty
gh Er
ne
Belleek
Bundoran
Mullaghmore
Pettigo
Belalt
Tawnawanny
Croagh
Garvary Br.
Tully
Maghermenagh
Tullymore
Drumskinny
Drummoney Br.
Cashel
Ballure
Omagh
Derrynashesk
The Black Gap
Ballintra
Rossnowlagh
Lower
Durnish
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Lough Erne | Lough Allen & Lough Key | Lough Ree & Mid Shannon | Lough Derg
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