Trail · County Clare

Lough Derg Blueway - Williamstown Ilaunaboe Quay

8.8 km3 hrModerateLinear
Route shape, north at the top · start (filled) and finish (ring) · Sport Ireland

Turning left (North) as you leave Williamstown harbour, you pass private marinas and the public shore road (1 km). There are a number of small bays to explore, look out for the two busts on the navigation markers near to the big island ‘Illaunmore’ (3 km). There are a number of small islands and then you cross two and then a third small bay. This section has few areas to land on. After the farmland you enter another area of reeds, look carefully here for a narrow channel (7.3 km), nearly a kilometre long which brings you to an interior hidden small lake Lough Alewnaghta. Otherwise follow the bank North and you will see a short reed channel to a slipway and the car park at Illaunaboe Quay (GPS: 52.992583, -8.354944).

Difficulty: Exposed to wind in places and close to the navigation channel, suitable for intermediate paddlers capable of self-rescue.

Maps and more

Outdoors in County Clare this week

Best day outdoors: Sun, 1 Nov — dry by day, light winds, up to 11°C

  1. Thu, 29 Oct14° / 12°Sun with grey cloudGreat day outdoors
  2. Fri, 30 Oct15° / 11°Grey cloudGreat day outdoors
  3. Sat, 31 Oct13° / 8°Grey cloudGreat day outdoors
  4. Sun, 1 Nov11° / 6°Scattered cloudsGreat day outdoors

Forecast: Met Éireann · outdoor rating by Winsome Planet

Make a day of it

The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.