Mountshannon, Lough Derg

May 2011

Mountshannon is an attractive and well kept former Tidy Town winner, situated on the shores of Lough Derg.

The swimming area is located to the side of the popular marina, which is a well used stopping off spot for people cruising the waterways. However, don’t be put off as the area for swimming is separate and safe.

The whole area of the marina is well kept, with attractive grassy areas and plenty of seats. The swimming spot has slipways to walk out onto which gives you access to the soft lake waters. As always with lakes be careful and beware of hidden rocks.

Unusually for Ireland, but welcome, is a small indoor changing room which backs onto well kept toilets. The whole area is a credit to the local community and Clare County Council.

The one big drawback is the sign warning you to beware of algae in the summer months. There was none when we swam there in May, but the summer is obviously different . It’s a shame because otherwise this is an attractive place to swim, relax and picnic.

Blue Flag location.

Directions

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Coming from the M7 you take exit 27 onto the R494 to Killaloe. Then you take the R463 to Scariff and the R352 to Mountshannon. In the middle of the town there is a turn signposted for the harbour, which has ample car parking.

Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 58

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