Marking the border between County Clare, County Tipperary and County Galway, Lough Derg is the third-largest freshwater lake in Ireland. With an area of over 50 square miles, it is home to a hydroelectric power station that at one time was the largest in the world. This narrow but sprawling Lough Derg also attracts many pleasure sports such as sailing, fishing, kayaking and even windsurfing.
Lough Derg is home to some of the largest trout in the Republic of Ireland, and attracts eager anglers from all across Ireland and further afield. With several marinas and jetties dotted along the shores of the lake, you should have no trouble at all hiring a small boat if you wish to head out on the water.
Keen twitchers will also find an excellent selection of birdlife around the lake. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a rare breeding pair of white-tailed eagles. These were reintroduced to Ireland in 2007 and made Lough Derg their home. Surrounded by small villages and lush forests, Lough Derg is remote enough to remain unspoiled, while being close enough to key road routes to be easily accessible.
