East Clare & Lough Derg
Clare
About This Route
East Clare is traditional music heartland - home to the villages where Irish music never stopped playing. This route combines the music heritage with Lough Derg's peaceful shore and the pretty towns of the Shannon's great lake.
Why This Route?
East Clare offers culture and calm:
- Traditional music - Heartland of Irish music
- Lough Derg - Shannon's great lake
- Holy Island - Monastic ruins by boat
- Pretty villages - Mountshannon, Killaloe, Scarriff
- Peaceful pace - Away from tourist crowds
The Route
Ennis
Clare's county town:
The Town
Medieval street pattern:
- Traditional music pubs
- Clare Museum
- Franciscan Friary
- Saturday market
Music
Ennis is a centre for traditional music:
- Sessions most nights
- Custy's music shop
- Fleadh Nua festival (May)
Tulla
Small village with big music reputation:
- Tulla Céilí Band (legendary)
- Music school
- Traditional character
Feakle
The heart of East Clare music:
- Pepper's Bar (sessions)
- Feakle Festival (August)
- Lough Graney nearby
Scarriff
Market town on the Graney River:
- Good facilities
- Access to Lough Derg
- Traditional character
Tuamgraney
Ancient church site:
- Oldest church in continuous use in Ireland
- Brian Boru connection
- East Clare Heritage Centre
- 10th-century doorway
Mountshannon
Beautiful village on Lough Derg:
The Village
Award-winning heritage village:
- Harbour
- Craft shops
- Good restaurants
- Quiet atmosphere
Holy Island (Inis Cealtra)
Boat trips to monastic island:
- Round tower
- Five churches
- High crosses
- Viking graveyard
Killaloe
Twin town with Ballina (Tipperary side):
Killaloe
Clare's side:
- St Flannan's Cathedral
- Brian Boru heritage centre
- River activities
- Historic bridge
Ballina
The Tipperary twin:
- Restaurants and pubs
- River walks
- Marina
Return via Broadford
Through quiet countryside to Ennis.
Traditional Music
The Tradition
East Clare kept the music alive when it faded elsewhere:
- Tulla Céilí Band (1946)
- Willie Clancy influence
- Living tradition
Sessions
- Feakle - Pepper's Bar
- Ennis - Multiple venues
- Tulla - Local pubs
- Sessions usually start after 9pm
Festivals
- Feakle Festival - August
- Fleadh Nua - Ennis, May
Holy Island
Getting There
- Boats from Mountshannon (seasonal)
- Book in advance
- Weather dependent
What's There
- Round tower (24m)
- Church ruins (5 churches)
- High crosses
- Saints' graveyard
- Romantic ruins
History
Founded 7th century, flourished until Viking raids. Brian Boru's brother is buried here.
Walking
Lough Derg Way
Long-distance trail along the lakeshore.
Raheen Wood
Nature reserve near Tuamgraney.
Killaloe Heritage Trail
Town walk with history.
Practical Tips
- Holy Island - Book boat trips in advance
- Music sessions - Informal; respect the musicians
- Feakle Festival - Book accommodation early
- Mountshannon - Limited parking in village
- Bridge - Killaloe-Ballina bridge can be busy
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
