A Day Trip To…The Picturesque Lakeside Town Of Killaloe

Killaloe, Co. Clare is located just 30 minutes from your base here at Adare Manor. A staggering 13 arch bridge joins the sister towns of Killaloe and Ballina, Co. Tipperary uniting them as one. This town is set on the banks of the river Shannon and was once the hometown of Ireland’s greatest King Brian Ború (High King of Ireland circa 940-1014 AD). Killaloe offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the lakeside lifestyle while enjoying the beautiful setting and rich history of this village town. Killaloe comes to life in the summer months and is best experienced on a sunny day.

Kayaking

If you are seeking an afternoon of adventure, a guided kayaking tour across the Lough Derg lake is the perfect fix. Meander through the water and dive into the historic town of Killaloe. Keep an eye out for wildlife as they tend to pop up to welcome you to their beautiful home. This experience lets you travel through not only Lough Derg but the River Shannon too. It is the most peaceful way to see the town and the riverbanks. My Next Adventure offers kayaking facilities in Killaloe and they have instructors that are well versed in all the history Killaloe holds.

For those who want to explore all the beauty of the River Shannon without the physical exertion, the River Cruise is the perfect way. Feeling the fresh air, drifting down the river from the comfort of the top-deck, while catching some rays and exploring all the water has to offer. Take in all the local knowledge from the fantastic crew and learn all about this quaint town which was once the Capital of Ireland. While on board, cosy up on the top deck with a glass of prosecco and bask in the glory of the Irish sun.

Family fun

Killaloe is a haven for family-based fun. Experience the adventure center, UL Sports Adventure Centre built in a safe cove of Lough Derg. The activity center offers family packages which allow you to choose two sports from the variety of land and water activities they offer. Some of their water based activities include kayaking, sailing, wind surfing and paddle boarding. Whether you are rock climbing or wind surfing, you will be sure to make long lasting memories with your family.

The Village

West Lake Aqua Park is a family friendly inflatable obstacle course located in Two-mile-gate. Jump, slide and bounce your way around this floating adventure. Compete and race around the complex course and watch out for the many obstacles to try to avoid a total wipe out. This is an unforgettable experience for all the family to enjoy.

The village of Killaloe is quaint and is best explored by foot. Grab a coffee in one of the many coffee shops in the village and wander the winding streets of the town. Sitting right on the river front is St Flannan’s Cathedral dating back to 1225. On the grounds of St. Flannan’s Catholic Church, you can also visit St. Molua’s oratory. It is thought to date back to the 12th century and originally stood on Friary’s Island but was removed after floods in 1929.

If you are lucky to visit Killaoe on a Sunday, they have a farmers’ market on bank of Lough Derg from 11am-3pm. Discover the best of local produce from fruit and vegetables to artisan cheese and meats. Why not enjoy the abundant food offering such as pastries, crepes and hotdogs? Bring your food and coffee from the bustling market, sit lakeside and enjoy your treats with the natural, serene surrounds.

Two-mile-gate

Located just a five-minute drive from Killaloe is Two-mile-gate lake side park. This is one of the safest spots for bathing in the refreshing water of Lough Derg as it appears almost like a beach and is easily assessable. It is also a perfect place for a picnic as you are surrounded by amazing views of Lough Derg and the surrounding landscape. Take a walk to the many board walks located all around a mini peninsula that juts out onto the lake. Every board walk offers a different view and a different perspective. These boardwalks are the perfect place to sit, take a moment to yourself and enjoy the sounds of nature. Post walk/swim, West Lake Coffee is the perfect place to grab a quick refreshment, ice-cream or sweet treat to recharge. This coffee shop is completely dog-friendly and you will see dogs enjoying a treat as they offer dog friendly drinks on their menu. On a sunny day, Two-mile-gate can get busy so we would advise coming early to secure parking.

Moylussa is located just behind the cove in Lough Derg. It is a 3-hour hike through the forest of Ballycuggaran. This hike offers panoramic views of Lough Derg and the surrounding hills. It is peaceful trail but becomes quite challenging towards the top. However, you are rewarded with breathtaking views walking across a timber boardwalk built into bog land. This boardwalk is quite a unique experience and makes the hike even more memorable.

If you are enjoying a daytrip to Killaloe and would like to squeeze in one more location, we recommend visiting Garrykennedy. It is a little lakeside village that has a great traditional Irish pub with a thatch roof. Larkins Bar & Restaurant offers wholesome food and a great pint. Traditional Irish music sessions can be enjoyed in Larkins weekly, performed by a wide variety of gifted musicians, with some wonderful Irish dancing on display. Also, the drive to this picturesque town is quite scenic and has a some amazing viewpoints along the way.

• Flannagan’s On The Lake offers a gastro pub style menu and is located right on the lakeside. They have a large outside seating area and it is an ideal place to enjoy good food/drink in the sun. Their seafood chowder is a must try!
• The Pipers Inn is located slightly outside the town. This gastro pub offers great food, atmosphere and the perfect cosy snugs to have a drink. Whether you visit in winter and want to wrap up next to the fire or experience it in the warmer months and get to sit out and enjoy the sun – The Pipers Inn is a perfect spot.
• The Wooden Spoon This central café offers fresh food, sweet treats and great coffees. If you want to grab a selection of food to eat on the go or to bring on a picnic, this is the perfect place.
• Tuscany Bistro Ballina is an Italian restaurant located in the centre of the town. Their menu features authentic Italian food for late lunch or dinner. You can also order a takeaway pizza and enjoy it sitting on the bank of Lough Derg.
• Scoops ice cream parlour if you are looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further.

Killaloe is the perfect place if you want to escape to the water’s edge on a sunny day. It has something to offer everyone and is an ideal place for a day trip. There is lots of things to do in Killaloe!