3 Days on the Tipperary Shores of Lough Derg

Home > 3 Days on the Tipperary Shores of Lough Derg

A laid-back lakeside escape full of adventure, heritage, food and unforgettable views

Looking for the perfect short break in Ireland? Discover a weekend itinerary full of lakeside charm, traditional villages, cosy cafés, and unforgettable nature-based experiences on the Tipperary side of Lough Derg. Whether you’re a foodie, a heritage lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, this itinerary offers a refreshing blend of activities with just the right pace.

Day 1: Arrival, River Cruise & Lakeside Charm

Morning – Coffee & Cruise

Begin your journey with a pit stop in Birdhill for a coffee and fresh pastries at Matt the Threshers. Then make your way to Ballina-Killaloe, twin towns straddling the River Shannon.

Hop aboard The Spirit of Killaloe for a gentle one-hour boat tour along the Shannon and lower Lough Derg. It’s a scenic, slow-travel way to settle into the rhythm of the region.

Lunch – Cosy Cafés & Local Favourites

Enjoy lunch at The Pantry Café in Nenagh or Goosers Bar & Restaurant in Ballina—both known for hearty local dishes, fresh bakes, and friendly service.

Afternoon – Check In & Culture Fix

  • Stay at the Lakeside Hotel in Ballina or the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh.
  • Pick up fishing gear or local outdoor advice at Open Season in Nenagh.
  • Take in the views from the top of Nenagh Castle, or explore the town’s Heritage Centre in the old gaol.

If time allows:
Drive up to the Portroe Lookout Point for panoramic lake views, or take a scenic walk to the Graves of the Leinstermen.

Dinner Options

  • Tuscany Bistro or Goosers, Ballina – casual, tasty, family-friendly
  • The Peppermill, Nenagh – a local favourite for refined comfort food

Bonus (Sunday Only)

If you’re here on a Sunday, don’t miss the Killaloe Farmers’ Market (11am–3pm). This buzzing market beside the water is full of organic produce, artisan cheeses, sourdough, and crafts.

Overnight Stay Suggestions

  • Fuchsia Lane Farm – eco-conscious and peaceful
  • A cosy B&B or self-catering option in Terryglass such as the Riverrun Cottages or the surrounding countryside
  • Willowbrook B&B in Nenagh
  • A narrowboat named "Miranda" is moored beside a stone boathouse with blue doors and trim, situated on a stone-lined canal or river. The scene features a partly cloudy sky with patches of blue and a bird flying above. In the background, there are other boats docked and a water playground on the lake. The foreground shows a stone and grassy embankment leading to the water.
  • Two people smiling and chatting while sitting in blue and orange kayaks on calm water during a golden sunset.

Day 2: On the Lake – Fishing, Kayaking, Sauna & Scenic Trails

Morning – Choose Your Lakeside Adventure

Start with breakfast at The Wooden Spoon, a cosy café with excellent coffee in Ballina.

Then take your pick:

Option 1: Go Fishing

Rent gear and a boat from Shannon Boat Hire or stop into TJ’s Angling Centre in Ballina. Lough Derg is rich in perch, pike, and bream, and the views make it a dream for anglers.

Option 2: Kayaking on Lough Derg

  • Try the Brian Boru Kayak Experience from My Next Adventure, blending local history with natural beauty.
  • Book a guided kayak tour with Lough Derg Watersports for a calm and scenic trip through hidden lake corners.

Lunch – Picnic or Lakeside Bite

Pause for a picnic on the shore or drop into a nearby café with lake views.

Afternoon – Sauna with a View

Wind down at Ritual Sauna, a wood-fired haven overlooking the lake. Alternate hot and cold therapy, sip excellent coffee, and soak up the tranquil views. They often host breathwork, yoga, and nature-based sessions—perfect if you’re in the mood for mindful movement.

Evening Walk – The Lough Derg Way

Take a short scenic drive to Garrykennedy for a gentle shoreline walk. The Lough Derg Way here passes castle ruins, jetties, and woodlands—perfect golden hour material.

🍽 Dinner – Country Dining

  • Dine at Larkins in Garrykennedy, or continue on to The Derg Inn or Paddy’s Bar in Terryglass, just a 15–20 min drive north along the shore for traditional charm and local ingredients
  • The Green 1918, Borrisokane – a creative, stylish option in a beautifully restored bank building
Cozy rustic pub interior featuring white textured walls and wooden ceiling, a small sitting area with stools around a barrel table, an old fireplace with framed pictures above, shelves filled with vintage pottery and photos, and a bar visible through a wooden beam doorway with a sign reading "PLUG."

Day 3: Heritage Villages, Irish Wool & Sauna Wind-Down

Morning – A Locals Spot for Breakfast

Start your day in one of the many cafés in Nenagh serving fresh bakes, warm coffee, and good conversation in various settings, or meet some of the locals in the Abbey Court Hotel coffee dock.

Midday – Monastic Magic

Visit the hauntingly beautiful monastic village of Lorrha, where 12th-century priory ruins and ancient high crosses echo Ireland’s medieval past.

Lunch – Picnic or Local Café

Enjoy a relaxed picnic lakeside in Dromineer or Terryglass, or find a nearby café or pub for something warm and satisfying.

Afternoon – Lakeside Sauna operating at various lakeside secluded spots including Youghal Quay and Skehanagh

Take your final lake dip and unwind in style at Lakeside Sauna. This mobile, wood-fired sauna offers stunning views, optional cycling or yoga pairings, and a deep sense of calm before the journey home. Keep an eye on their Instagram or website for updates on yoga classes or sound baths, locations and times.

Evening – Final Feast at The Thatched Cottage, Ballycommon

Wrap up your Lough Derg escape with dinner at The Thatched Cottage, a beautifully restored pub known for its cosy charm, hearty fare, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to toast your trip.

Bonus – Hanlys Woollen Mills
If you’ve time today, stop into Hanlys Woollen Mills near Nenagh. One of Ireland’s oldest working mills, it’s perfect for authentic Irish knitwear and homewares, with a behind-the-scenes peek at local textile heritage.

Optional Adventure – Paddle the Fools Island Loop

Kilgarvan Quay | 2km | 40 minutes

Looking to add a unique outdoor activity to your final day? Paddle the Fools Island Loop, a gentle, wildlife-rich kayak route that circles a tree-lined island in the sheltered eastern corner of the lake.

  • Perfect for intermediate paddlers or beginners with a guide
  • Great for birdwatching—and keep an eye out for rare native wildlife
  • Book through Lough Derg Watersports for equipment and local expertise
Stone-paved pier extending into a large body of water under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds, with boats docked on the right side and a low stone wall on the left.

Bonus: Hire a Cruiser & Explore by Water

Got more time? Make it a floating holiday. Rent a Shannon cruiser and drift from village to village at your own pace. Moor for lunch, take shoreline walks, or simply enjoy a drink as the sun sets over the lake.

Top Providers:

  • Emerald Star – Ideal for first-time boaters
  • Silverline Cruisers – Great service and flexible routes
  • Shannon Princess – A luxury barge with private chef and crew
  • A man wearing a bright yellow jacket and sunglasses is pointing at a map on a black signpost labeled "Lough Derg Way" near a body of water with a stone bridge and buildings in the background.
  • Grassy cemetery with various gravestones and a weathered stone chapel with an arched entrance and cross on top, set against a bright blue sky with scattered clouds and surrounded by green trees.

Plan Your Escape to Lough Derg

Whether you’re after peace and quiet, outdoor fun, or a deeper connection to Ireland’s heritage and landscape, the Tipperary shores of Lough Derg offer a rich, relaxed escape. Perfect for couples, solo travellers, or small groups, this 3-day itinerary balances activity and downtime with local food, hidden gems, and real Irish charm.