Explore the Lough Derg region by eBike.

Your host at the nest, Rob Queen, also owns Lough Derg eBike Tours, offering guided tours and eBike rentals.

As a guest at The Nest, we are offering special discounted rates on eBike rentals and eBike guided tours. You can either set off from the front door, or you can pick up your bikes at any of the beautiful locations in the region.

Our fleet of eBikes are high quality Trek pedal-assist models, which means that they feel just like peddling a normal bike, only easier. You will particularly enjoy the ease with which you will conquer any uphill stretches.

Booking ahead is advised, as all eBike options are subject to availability!

Self-Guided Rentals

Self-Guided rentals are available to Nest guests for the bargain rate of €35 per bike per day or €21 per half day. We can provide you with a Garmin SatNav device which will guide you on any of the local routes, avoiding the busier roads and taking you past the scenic spots. Or if you prefer to find your own way, we can suggest the best places to visit.

Within easy reach of The Nest are such places as the lake shore at Dromineer, Garrykennedy, Luska and Terryglass. Or historic spots such as Knigh (pictured) and numerous ruined churches. The town of Nenagh is also a fairly easy cycle away, featuring shops, pubs, cafes and historical spots.

One-Way Rentals

If you wish to go further afield, but don’t want to overdo the distance cycled, then another option is to do a one-way rental. The way this would work is that you would cycle to your chosen destination, which might be Terryglass, or Garrykennedy, or the Silvermines, or Killaloe (pictured), to name a few examples. At some of the destinations there would be the option of a discounted lunch with one of our participating cafes/pubs. We would meet you there at a pre-arranged time with the bike trailer, and would give you a lift back to The Nest. You would be provided with a Garmin SatNav device showing you a scenic route, using quiet roads as much as possible. This option is available at the bargain rate of €40 per bike.

Guided Tours from The Nest

Guided tours by eBike are available either from the Nest or by meeting up at a designated starting place. See below for the options for designated starting places. Guided Tours are available for €52 per person.

Starting from the Nest, there are several options, catering for various interests and distances:-

• Explore the beautifully quiet stretch of lakeshore at Luska, calling in at various historic spots along the way, as well as passing by several of the places which inspired the songs of local lad Shane MacGowan.
• Cycle to the lakeshore village of Garrykennedy, passing through scenic countryside along the way. This route includes the option of stopping for a drink or lunch at Larkins pub, and/or heading up into the hills above Garrykennedy.
• Cycle into Nenagh, visiting some of the many landmarks of the town, and returning via the lakeshore village of Dromineer.

Killaloe

Killaloe is one of the oldest towns in the area, having been founded in the 6th Century. It is at a key crossing point in the River Shannon, and is around a 30-minute drive from The Nest. There are a number of routes to explore from here, including the following:-

• The Lough Derg shore. There is a dedicated cycle/walking path up the western shore, taking you along the Lough Derg shore.
• Killaloe Tour. There is a shorter route which explores Killaloe and the surrounding countryside, including numerous historical spots and scenic views.
• The Three Counties Tour. Cycle south along the River Shannon, calling in at Birdhill for an artisan coffee, then crossing the river at O’Brien’s Bridge to visit the majestic Parteen Weir. Then return to Killaloe on the quiet roads of the Slieve Bearnagh range in County Clare.

Holy Island

Holy Island is an ancient monastic site on an island in Lough Derg. It can be visited by driving to Mountshannon (approx 50 mins from the Nest), or you can get there by eBike. The eBike tour starts from either Killaloe or Tuamgraney in County Clare, depending on how far you want to cycle. From there you will explore the Lough Derg shore, calling in at the historic villages of Tuamgraney and Scariff along the way to Mountshannon. There is a boat which will take you out to the island from Mountshannon Harbour, and tickets can be booked from the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience. In the event that the visitor centre is closed, you can also buy tickets for the boat directly from the operator, Ger Madden.

The Silvermines

As you drive to Nenagh from The Nest, you will see The Silvermines mountain range on the horizon. As the name suggests, there used to be silver mines in the area, along with numerous other precious metals. The mining days are long gone, and now it is a beautiful area to explore. The town of Silvermines is a 20-minute drive from the Nest, and is a great place to start an eBike cycle from. The recommended route takes you up a valley between Silvermines Ridge and Keeper Hill (pictured), before descending back into Dolla and Silvermines. The route is extremely scenic, but there are only 2 significant climbs, both of which are well within the capabilities of your eBike.

If eBiking isn’t your thing, this is also a great area for hiking, with good walking at both Keeper Hill and Silvermines Ridge.

Garrykennedy

Garrykennedy is a 20-minute drive from The Nest, and is one of the most beautiful villages on the Lough Derg shore. It is also a great place from which to start an eBike tour. The village is between the lake and the Arra range of hills, which makes for great scenery. Depending on how confident you are on an eBike, we can either take a gentle cycle along the shore to Castlelough, or we can head up into the hills to the majestic Graves of the Leinstermen beauty spot. Or we can take a route which goes a little less up into the hills but still offers great views down over the lake. The choice is yours!

Garrykennedy is also home to the award winning Larkins Pub and Restaurant, which we highly recommend as a place to call in after your cycle!

Terryglass

Another beautiful village on the shores of Lough Derg, Terryglass is a 20-minute drive to the north of The Nest. From here, there are two eBike routes on offer.

• Explore the lake shore from Terryglass, heading along quiet roads to the beautiful stretch of lake shore at Luska, returning via scenic North Tipperary countryside.
• Or visit the monastic settlement of Lorrha, founded in the 6th Century and including 3 abbeys. This tour also involves visiting Lackeen and Redwood castles, and is a must for lovers of history.

On arrival back in Terryglass, we recommend lunch at the Derg Inn.

eBike and Lake Cruise

This tour is a great way to experience the lake on land and on water. Cycle to Terryglass, passing by historic sites and beautiful lake shores along the way. Then board the RIB operated by Derg Lake Tours, who will bring you to Dromineer on the speedy yet comfortable boat. At Dromineer, your bikes will be waiting for you, and it is a short cycle back to The Nest from there.

Please note that if you are not keen on eBiking, then you can drive to Terryglass and book the RIB directly at the above link.

eBike and Sauna

Ritual Sauna are based at Dromineer, and offer a sauna and coffee bar by the lakeshore. You can book the sauna directly, or you can combine your sauna with an eBike tour, departing from the Nest to cycle down to Dromineer then cycle back. Or you can do a tour by eBike, ending up at Dromineer for a dip in the lake and a sauna.