Lough Derg Clare Tipperary
Lough Derg is the largest of the Shannon lakes, a great freshwater lake on the border of Counties Clare, Tipperary and Galway that provides one of the finest sailing and leisure water destinations in Ireland. A lake of approximately 130 square kilometres with a variable and interesting shoreline of bays, headlands and islands, it creates excellent sailing conditions and a landscape of considerable variety. The Shannon River flows through Lough Derg and the river and lake together provide the finest inland waterway system in Ireland.
The lake towns of Killaloe and Ballina at the southern end and Portumna at the northern end provide the principal visitor facilities. Sailing, cruising and angling attract large numbers of visitors throughout summer. The sailing at Lough Derg is considered the finest in Ireland, the combination of the lake's size, the variable winds and the challenge of navigation providing excellent conditions for competitive and recreational sailors alike.
The surrounding countryside provides walking of quality along the lake margins and in the Arra Mountains above the eastern shore, and the historic town of Nenagh in the Tipperary hinterland provides cultural heritage complementary to the lake experience.