Banagher – Terryglass – Garrykennedy – Killaloe – Mountshannon – Shannonbridge – Banagher
1 week - 22 hours - 165 km - 2 locks
The Lough Derg Tour. Leaving Banagher and heading south, you pass through Meelick Lock with the usual helpful lock-keeper and, having waited for the swing-bridge at Portumna to open, head to Terryglass for the night.
With its Award-winning pubs, Terryglass is always popular so make sure you arrive nice and early in the harbour. Take a leisurely cruise down the eastern shore to Garrykennedy and if space permits, tie up in the old harbour. Eat in Larkin’s Pub for good traditional Irish fare.
Continue down the eastern shore to the southernmost part of the navigation at Killaloe. Actually two towns, one each side of the river (the other is Ballina), there is plenty to see and do on both sides. Taking the western shore back up the lake, spend the night in Mountshannon with it’s picturesque houses and quiet harbour.
Next morning, start early as you will cruise on up past Banagher to Shannonbridge and, if you’re early, to Clonmacnoise, one of the finest early Christian settlements. You can’t stay the night in Clonmacnoise, so go back to Shannonbridge for a pub meal and overnight stay. Next day, take a gentle cruise back to Banagher.