What makes a trip around the western shores of the Lough Derg Blueway West, in County Clare, so enjoyable is all the little villages you pass through along the way.
There’s Tuamgraney, home to Ireland’s oldest church in continuous use, 10th century Saint Cronan’s, as well as a small artisan chocolate factory, woollen mills and the much loved local pub of Nuala’s.
Next up is Scarriff with the most westerly harbour on the Lough Derg Blueway and is also the focus of the annual Scarriff Harbour Festival.
There is the 18th century village of Mountshannon with its lovely harbour and views of Bushy Island, where a pair of rare white tailed eagles reside. The pier is also the place to take a trip out to the monastic island of Inis Cealtra or Holy Island.
