Mountshannon

A beautiful and scenic village founded in the 18th century, Mountshannon sits on the shore of Lough Derg, one of Ireland’s biggest lakes, in east County Clare, Ireland.

Mountshannon really is a lovely place to visit: the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the population has many different cultures and nationalities. The village itself is elevated on a hill, overlooking a beautiful harbour, with an exceptional vista of the lake and its islands—including Bushy Island, a nesting site for a pair of White Tailed Eagles.

The village has strong links with history, with some excellent archaeology in the locality. Ring Forts, Holy Wells, Famine Graves—and even a wedge tomb (known locally as The Dolmen)—can be found close by, but the most impressive historical site has to be Iniscealtra, or Holy Island, a monastic settlement of great importance in ancient Ireland. The island is just a short boat trip from the village, and comprises various churches, graveyards, a holy well, and a selection of religious stone carvings.