With so much to do ...
Mountshannon makes you Smile!
Mountshannon and the surrounding Lough Derg area offer a range of exciting activities for visitors. Water enthusiasts can enjoy boating, kayaking, and fishing on the expansive lough, while nature lovers can explore nearby walking trails, including the Sliabh Aughty Mountains and the East Clare Way.
A highlight is Inis Cealtra (Holy Island), a historic monastic site accessible by boat, providing a glimpse into Ireland's early Christian heritage.
For those interested in wildlife, the area is home to a reintroduced population of white-tailed sea eagles, which can often be spotted near the lake. With its combination of outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, and wildlife experiences, Mountshannon is perfect for nature and history enthusiasts alike.
Activities
On the Water
With an iconic view of Holy Island and a number of other islands, Mountshannon harbour is also home to a blue flag beach. It is surrounded by a well-tended green sitting area, piers for fishing and boating, a café serving hot and cold drinks—and ice cream!
Swimming is suitable for all ages, with shallow areas for young ones and slightly deeper for older children and adults. There is a lifeguard on duty on the June Bank Holiday weekend during the Mountshannon Arts Festival, as well as throughout July and August.
FIshing
Angling on Lough Derg today can be either Coarse or Sport. Coarse angling is mainly Bait Fishing, or Trolling. Bream, Eel, Tench, Perch, Rudd, Roach and Pike are among the most common catches. Sport fishing is mostly for Trout, which throughout the season can be caught spinning, trolling or wet fly fishing.
However, Mountshannon is most famous for its Mayfly Season from late April through early June. This is the time when mayfly hatch on the surface of the lake, then fly to the bushes and trees of the shore, where they dance romantically in the air for hours on end, and then all head back to the lake to lay their eggs and die.
Trout can be seen—going mad, breaking the surface and mopping up the flies—and anglers, also going mad, chasing trout. Fishing during the mayfly season is mainly Dry Fly, or Dapping, where real mayflies are held out over the water with very long rods.
Fishing can be from the shore, but is mostly in angling boats. All information regarding the rules, dates of fishing seasons, and safety on the lake, etc., can be reviewed at the Fisheries Ireland website.
On the local club website you'll find information on club competitions and local angling.
Visit the Mountshannon Trout Angling Club website.
Waterways Ireland
Waterways Ireland oversees the navigable inland waterways of Ireland and Northern Ireland. WI welcomes all kinds of water sports and boating enthusiasts and invites you to trails for canoeists, walkers and cyclists on the Shannon and Lough Derg Blueways.
Waterways Ireland restores, develops and promotes for public enjoyment, managing the waterways, boat moorings, weirs, blueways and greenways. Mountshannon enjoys WI shower and toilet facilities, as well as a slipway and pump.
Smart cards to use the services can be ordered through Waterways Ireland Online Shop or bought at Rodgers Filling Station in Scarriff, (Eircode: V94 ETF9)
Visit Waterways Ireland website.
Gaelforce Great Swim Trilogy
Mountshannon is delighted to be part of the Gaelforce Great Swim Trilogy–River, Lake, Fjord event, with the Lake element of the trilogy held at Mountshannon Harbour in recent years.
River, Lake and Sea—the Great Swim Trilogy is the ultimate swim journey. A trilogy of open water swimming events in three magical locations, has you plunge into the River Shannon, Lough Derg (at Mountshannon) and Killary Fjord to experience the best of Ireland’s iconic waterways.
Participants swim one tow of all three events to complete the Gaelforce Great Swim Trilogy. Get out of the pool into pure, clear, open water and take on this unique challenge for your swimming year!
Visit Gaelforce Great Lake Swim Website.
Holy Island Tours
Holy Island Tours are based in Mountshannon Harbour. For the past 35 years they have, from April to September, provided a daily service to the famous monastic site of Holy Island/Inis Cealtra.
Boat trips are on demand and operate daily from 10am—4.30pm, weather permitting. The boat is licensed and insured to carry 11 passengers. Each trip takes approx. 15 minutes each way, while passengers are given a guide book and usually stay for an hour on the Island. Guided tours for groups can be arranged in advance.
Holy Island/Inis Cealtra is chiefly associated with St. Caimin who died in AD653. It was a centre of learning and commerce and—like all our monasteries—it suffered badly from Viking attacks, the first being in AD822.
Brian Boru, High King of Ireland from AD1002 to 1014, who resided in Killaloe, built the first stone Church and the Round Tower on the island. His brother Marcan was Abbot and died there in 1008.
Holy Island/Inis Cealtra has been a centre of pilgrimage for over 1,000 years and was one of 12 Notable Shrines in Ireland to which Pope Paul V attached a Plenary Indulgence in 1608. Within two years, Chichester, the Lord Deputy, recorded 15,000 pilgrims. For the following 250 years it was one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Ireland.
The Island contains the ruins of 6 Churches and a cell-like structure which was possibly a Shrine. There are 3 Cemeteries and a neglected Children's Burial Ground. There is the Round Tower, a Holy Well, 6 Bullaun stones, and a unique stone with a hole through it, known as the Bargaining Stone.
The Island contains one of the most impressive collections of medieval stone monuments in Ireland. There are over 100 large grave slabs, 5 High Crosses, several small crosses, socket stones, and other architectural pieces.
Contact Holy Island Tours by email, or phone +353 86 874 9710.
Visit Holy Island Tours website.
Swimming Lessons
Swimming Lessons take place in Mountshannon every summer, usually on the last 2 weeks in July. These are run by Clare Water Safety who aim to promote public awareness of water safety to prevent accidents in the water.
They provide instruction in Water Safety, Swimming, Water Rescue and Basic Life Support. The Clare Water Safety Team usually base themselves in Mountshannon for the last 2 weeks of July, but check their website for updates.
Lessons usually last one 5-day week, with exams held on Fridays.
Visit Clare Water Safety website for full details.
Activities
On the Land
Bohatch Dolmen
If you're planning to visit the Bohatch Dolmen, you're in for a glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past. This megalithic tomb, likely built over 4,000 years ago, is a fascinating example of a portal tomb—large standing stones supporting a massive capstone. These structures were used for burial and possibly ritual purposes by early settlers.
Located in County Clare, the site offers a quiet, atmospheric experience, perfect for history enthusiasts and those who appreciate Ireland’s prehistoric heritage. While it’s not as well-known as the famous Poulnabrone Dolmen, it still carries a mysterious and ancient charm, making it a great off-the-beaten-path destination.
Find it on Google Maps.
The East Clare Way
The East Clare Way is a beautiful walking trail that offers a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the East Clare region. If you're coming to Mountshannon you'll be able to enjoy scenic views of Lough Derg, lush woodlands, and charming rural landscapes. The trail weaves through quiet villages, including Mountshannon, and provides a peaceful escape into the Irish countryside.
The East Clare Way starts near Mountshannon and takes you on a variety of paths that blend woodland, lakeside, and farmland terrain. Along the way, you'll have the chance to explore some fascinating historical sites, including an ancient tombs and old churches. The trail is well-marked, making it a great option for both casual hikers and more experienced walkers.
If you're a nature lover, the area is also home to a rich variety of wildlife and offers plenty of opportunities for birdwatching. You can stop at local pubs or cafes in Mountshannon to experience traditional Irish hospitality and sample some local fare. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or simply want to enjoy the peaceful landscape, the East Clare Way is a rewarding and enjoyable experience for visitors of all types.
Woodpark & Fairy Trail
The Woodpark and Fairy Trail in Mountshannon, located on the shores of Lough Derg in County Clare, offers a delightful experience for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to explore a magical landscape. The trail is set within a peaceful woodland area and takes visitors on a picturesque walk through lush greenery, with plenty of surprises along the way.
As you follow the trail, you’ll come across charming fairy houses and whimsical installations nestled in the trees and underbrush. These enchanting little creations add an element of fun and fantasy, making it a fantastic spot for children to explore and imagine. The path is well-marked and suitable for all ages, offering an easy walk through the forest, with occasional stunning views of the lake.
In addition to the fairy trail, Woodpark is home to diverse wildlife and natural beauty, with peaceful spots perfect for reflection or a family picnic. Whether you’re seeking a serene nature walk, a magical experience for the kids, or simply a scenic escape by the lake, this trail offers something special for everyone.
The location is easily accessible, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring your camera, and enjoy the charm of this hidden gem in the heart of Mountshannon!
Find it on Google Maps.
The Great Oak Tree in Mountshannon Village
Behind Oak Tree House, on the south-eastern approach to the village, can be seen one of the last remaining remnants of the Great Forest of Aughty. This mighty Oak is a companion to the Brian Boru Oak in Tuamgraney, some 10km south of Mountshannon.
More information from Clare Libraries.
More information from Monumental Trees.
Image © Boomadvies Windemuller/Netherlands
Activities
For Kids
AUTUMN IS A SECOND SPRING
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LOOK DEEP INTO NATURE
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STUDY NATURE, LOVE NATURE
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JUST LET IT RAIN
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