What to do in Killaloe

Visit Killaloe / Ballina

Leave Feeling Inspired & Relaxed.
There is an abundance of things to do in Killaloe, County Clare and Ballina, County Tipperary.

Killaloe is located where the River Shannon resumes its course out of Lough Derg, the river is wide and meandering. A narrow 13 arched stone bridge leads from Killaloe County Clare to Ballina Co. Tipperary. Standing on either side of Killaloe bridge you will find our two superb local four star hotels www.lakesidehotel.ie and www.killaloehotel.ie both provide a convenient location for your stay. Or perhaps you would like to stay in one of the local guesthouses a full list can be found here www.discoverireland.ie.

Person in blue jacket on wooden path overlooking hilly landscape.

Person photographs two smiling people by river with stone bridge.

Stone church with arched entrance, tower, and gravestones under a partly cloudy sky.

Cruise the River Shannon and Lough Derg

Join Killaloe River Cruises for the best opportunity to explore the River Shannon and Lough Derg nestled in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. A commentary is provided as you gently cruise along the calm sheltered waters of Ireland’s finest waterway.

Bar facilities are available on-board Spirit of Killaloe. Relax and unwind with an Irish Coffee or with one of fourteen premium gins served on board. Spirit of Killaloe has an open deck with seating for all passengers where you can truly appreciate the magnificent scenery.

The lower deck is fully enclosed to ensure a comfortable cruise. Our 12-person boat Spirit of Lough Derg maintains our scheduled cruise depending on demand. The boats are owner operated offering a very personal service providing great knowledge and information on the locality.

Colorful houses on a narrow street with parked cars and a church in the background.

Couple laughing and sharing a drink at an outdoor market with trees in background.

Tour boat on river with houses and hills in the background.

Day 1 Take It Easy

The twin-towns have been awarded heritage town status because of their rich and historic past. The royal palace of High King Brian Boru (940-1014), a founder of the O’Brien Clan and one of the greatest kings of Ireland is just one of the many sites to testify the national importance of Killaloe.

Gentle walk around Killaloe

Take a morning stroll and explore our picturesque towns, at the Southern end of Killaloe on the banks of the River Shannon stands the restored 13th century St. Flannan’s Cathedral. In the grounds of the Catholic Church at the top of the main street lies St. Lua’s Oratory after being rescued from Friar’s Island which was submerged by the Shannon Hydro Electric Scheme (1926-1929). Other interesting sites to see are the Pier Head and Tobermurragh which form part of the new Fáilte Ireland Killaloe Heritage Trail (4.5km) details of the trail are here.

Variety of delicious food in a riverside setting

Call into one of the local café’s or restaurants for some freshly served lunch. Killaloe offers a wide variety of restaurants, each with its own unique atmosphere serving a wide variety of cuisine. For a list of restaurants and café’s see www.discoverireland.ie.

Woman and child in coats on a boat, gazing out at the water.

Two women on a boat holding drinks, with water and hills in the background.

Server brings drinks to women and child on a boat with tables and seating.

Relax and Unwind

In the afternoon book into one of Killaloe or Ballina’s beauty specialists for a luxurious treatment or unwind with a game of golf at www.eastclaregolfclub.ie (22km from Killaloe) set on 150 acres of unspoilt, rolling and quiet countryside.

Fishing on Lough derg

Don’t leave without a spot of angling, as Killaloe and Ballina are a prime location for pike-fishing. TJ’s angling centre provides all the equipment you need. www.shannon-boat-hire.com is a wonderful incentive which offers fishing courses for young enthusiasts.

Evening Entertainment on the banks of the River Shannon

In the evening time there is a good selection of pubs and restaurants each with its own brand of live entertainment, fine pints and craic.

Day 2 Take It Easy

Blue Flag Beach
Take the short drive out to the nearby Blue Flag Beach at Ballycuggaran and stroll around this picturesque park, feed the ducks or swans or maybe you would like to dip your feet into Lough Dergs’ refreshing water. Continue by car to the charming village of Mountshannon. Enjoy afternoon tea overlooking the River Shannon in www.lakesidehotel.ie or www.killaloehotel.ie.

Three children joyfully running along a lakeside path.

Two people in wetsuits wave by a calm lake at sunrise.

Serene lake with mist, mountains, and trees in the background.

What to Do in Killaloe

The towns of Killaloe and Ballina are amongst Ireland’s most picturesque settings on the banks of the River Shannon. An ancient stone bridge joins the two towns while also joining the counties of Clare and Tipperary. Killaloe has heritage town status. Follow the footsteps of Brian Boru along the self guided trail and more!