The picturesque Shannon-side towns of Killaloe and Ballina are located at the southernmost tip of Lough Derg. Killaloe is the larger town and is a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months, people come from all over Ireland to enjoy its Celtic atmosphere and stunning scenery. Killaloe boasts some beautiful architecture and its winding streets contain plenty of shopping, pubs and restaurants, along with a few secrets.
Killaloe originates from a monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by Saint Molua and it is from him that the town gets its name (Mo-lua). In the 10th century, this area (Kincora) was home to Brian Ború, the High King of Ireland, making Killaloe the nation’s capital for a brief time. Brian Ború was a legendary Irish hero and is known for being the king who united the Irish tribal leaders against the Viking invasion. The town’s strategic location on the Shannon allowed him to make successful raids on his enemies in the provinces of Connacht and Meath. Make sure to imagine these bloody encounters when sailing through the fresh dawn mists and gazing upon the ancient castles which flank either side of the lough.
The 12th century St Flannan’s Cathedral is well worth a visit, having recently undergone an extensive restoration. The Brian Ború Heritage Centre and Tourist Office is located next to the bridge and contains a wealth of information on the life and story of Brian Ború; a visit to the site of his fort can be arranged here.
The famous Killaloe Music Festival takes place within the walls of the Cathedral in mid-July and attracts musicians from all over the world.
On the Ballina side of the bridge you will find the Cherry Tree restaurant which offers great food and a relaxing atmosphere. Molly’s Bar, just next to the bridge, offers a gr
The picturesque Shannon-side towns of Killaloe and Ballina are located at the southernmost tip of Lough Derg. Killaloe is the larger town and is a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months, people come from all over Ireland to enjoy its Celtic atmosphere and stunning scenery. Killaloe boasts some beautiful architecture and its winding streets contain plenty of shopping, pubs and restaurants, along with a few secrets.
Killaloe originates from a monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by Saint Molua and it is from him that the town gets its name (Mo-lua). In the 10th century, this area (Kincora) was home to Brian Ború, the High King of Ireland, making Killaloe the nation’s capital for a brief time. Brian Ború was a legendary Irish hero and is known for being the king who united the Irish tribal leaders against the Viking invasion. The town’s strategic location on the Shannon allowed him to make successful raids on his enemies in the provinces of Connacht and Meath. Make sure to imagine these bloody encounters when sailing through the fresh dawn mists and gazing upon the ancient castles which flank either side of the lough.
The 12th century St Flannan’s Cathedral is well worth a visit, having recently undergone an extensive restoration. The Brian Ború Heritage Centre and Tourist Office is located next to the bridge and contains a wealth of information on the life and story of Brian Ború; a visit to the site of his fort can be arranged here.
On the Ballina side of the bridge you will find the Cherry Tree restaurant which offers great food and a relaxing atmosphere. The Tuscany Bistro is also a wonderful place to dine and Molly’s Bar, just next to the bridge, offers a great night out and is renowned throughout the region as a terrific location for live music and fun. For those of you looking to unwind, the Simply Delicious Coffee Shop in Ballina is well known on Lough Derg for having some of the best coffee around, It is a lovely place to visit too. An adventure centre is located in Two-Mile Gate, 3 km north of Killaloe. There is a small beach in this harbour also. Equestrian activities, mountain trekking, fishing and diving are all available within the town’s environs. For more information on these please enquire at the tourist office.
This year the towns will be celebrating the Féile Brian Ború with a huge festival taking place from the 1st – 5th of July. The programme will be full of exciting and fun events and will attract visitors from all over the world. It is certainly an occasion not to be missed if you happen to be in the region.
Killaloe is a popular location for coarse fishing, with good supplies of bream and pike. Trout is also in good supply during May and in the autumn months.
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eat night out and is renowned throughout the region as a terrific location for live music and fun. An adventure centre is located in Two-Mile Gate, 3 km north of Killaloe. There is a small beach in this harbour also. Equestrian activities, mountain trekking, fishing and diving are all available within the town’s environs. For more information on these please enquire at the tourist office.
Killaloe is a popular location for coarse fishing, with good supplies of bream and pike. Trout is also in good supply during May and in the autumn months.
Must Do:
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