Way: Lough Derg Cycleway
Trailheads: The cycleway starts and ends at Killaloe/Ballina
Services: Killaloe/Ballina, Scarriff, Mountshannon, Whitegate, Portumna, Terryglass, Dromineer, Garrykennedy and Portroe.
Distance: 132km
Time: Approximately 2 - 2.5 days
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult.
Terrain: Mostly flat with occasional steep climbs. Excellent scenery and lake views.
Traffic: On this route can be busy during peak holiday season. Otherwise very light.
To Suit: Suitable for people of medium levels of fitness.
Minimum Gear: Helmet, bike, mobile phone, fluid, snacks, waterproofs and a rucksack.
Lough Derg, which covers 32,000 acres, is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Ireland. Low hills and mountains with a shoreline of marvellous inlets and bays surround it. 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 route circles the entire lake. Easy riding along the route could take several days, particularly as there are so many places to stop off to view the scenery or spend an overnight.
Most cyclists like to start and complete their journey at Killaloe and Ballina but, essentially, you can pick up on the cycleway, which is signposted in both directions anywhere along the route.
Killaloe has a beautiful Cathedral, and the former lock keeper’s house by the thirteen-arched stone bridge has been rebuilt as a heritage centre. Here you will find all the information you need about the locality.
You may ride around the lake in a clockwise direction but this is a matter of choice as the route is signposted in both directions. Shortly after leaving Killaloe on the R463, there is a short viewing point that provides you with your first glimpse of the lake. Further on, and after a short climb beyond Ogonelloe village, you can see Holy Island with its 10th Century monastic tower.
At Tuamgraney, you branch on to the R352 and, less than 3.5 kilometres away is Scarriff, an ideal place to stock up on provisions before moving on to Mountshannon, an exquisite old world village and a busy yachting centre. This is a place you will want to explore before heading off towards Whitegate. Here, the road moves away from the lake and by the time it comes into view again, you have almost reached the next town, Portumna. This is a pleasant little town with a number of old ruins and a delightful Forest Park.
Lough Derg Cycleway Downloadable Map
Shannon Region Cycleways Downloadable Map
The next time you’re in Ireland’s Shannon Region make sure to pick up a copy of the new Discover Lough Derg brochure which provides useful information on adventure activities including water sports, entertainment, accommodation and local eateries surrounding Lough Derg - Ireland's Pleasure Lake.
Head Office, Shannon Town Centre,
Shannon, Co Clare: t: +353 (0)61 361555 f: +353 (0)61 361903
