Exploring the Northern end of Lough Derg from the Nest.

As you head north from The Nest, there are several beautiful spots to visit, including stretches of shoreline, historic villages, and the popular harbour village of Terryglass.

Highlights

The area to the north of The Nest can be explored by car or by eBike, or you could even take the 322 Bus to Terryglass. The bus goes from the end of the road – simply turn left out of The Nest and walk 500m to where the lane meets the road to Puckaun. The bus will arrive approx 5 minutes after the Dromineer departure time and will stop for you if you hail him!

En route to Terryglass, you will pass through the village of Puckaun, and then you will pass through beautiful countryside, with a number of options to divert to the lake shore at places such as Luska, Skehanagh and Mota Quay. These are all stunning spots, and you may even be lucky enough to have the lake shore to yourself.

The next village you will pass through is Ballinderry, and from there it is a short hop to the harbour village of Terryglass.

Puckaun

Puckaun is the nearest village to The Nest, and includes a number of historic cottages. It is a great place to wander around, and includes Kennedy’s Pub and shop. If you wish to hear trad music, Kennedy’s is a good place to stop off, as there are ‘sessions’ of local musicians every Friday evening.

Luska, Skehanagh and Mota Quay

After you leave Puckaun behind, there is a left turn after 3km, signposted to Luska Quay. This brings you to a beautiful stretch of the Lough Derg shoreline.

Luska is a peaceful spot which is at the end of this first stretch of road. Continuing further along the lake shore you will next come to Skehanagh, where there is a popular swimming spot (pictured), and where you can take a sauna with Lakeside Sauna.

Continuing along the shore, you will pass a number of smaller quays, including an area where local homeowners keep rowing boats. Heading uphill, you will then pass St Barron’s Church. This is a ruin which dates back to the 12th Century, and is on the site of an earlier abbey, established by St Barron. He was a 6th Century travelling monk, and some believe he may have been the first European to sail to the Americas, pre-dating St Brendan!

As you rejoin the R493 road towards Terryglass, you will pass a left turn after around 5km, which will take you to Mota Quay. This is yet another beautifully peaceful spot, and is well worth the short detour.

Kilbarron and Carney

Kilbarron, along with neighbouring Carney, was home to various members of Shane MacGowan’s mother’s family (the Lynches), and throughout his childhood and into adult life, he would spend as much time as possible in the area, in particular the long summer holidays. There are a number of sites in the area with deep significance to Shane MacGowan’s life, and many of them are reflected in his songs. In particular, “The Broad Majestic Shannon” refers to a number of local scenes, and the lyrics are reproduced in Kilbarron village. Another site worth visiting is Johnny Ryan’s pub in Carney village, which was another of Shane’s haunts, and is a fine place for sitting outside on a sunny afternoon. Across the road from the pub is a mural depicting the Lynch family in Shane’s youth. The sites from Shane’s story are highlighted in the Unravelling Shane MacGowan tour. There is a bus which explores the route every 2nd Saturday, or you can explore on your own by eBike or by car, using the leaflet which is available from the Nenagh Tourist Office and in The Nest.

Ballinderry

Ballinderry is a village which includes a riverside walk and several heritage buildings, including the 19th century Elsie Hogan’s pub (sadly closed currently). A short distance outside the village is the Mouse House toll bridge, which dates back to 1776, and still includes the toll booths.

Terryglass

The final port of call on this tour is Terryglass, which is a charming village at the northern end of Lough Derg. The harbour area is a great place to stroll around, and you can take a tour on the lake in a RIB with Derg Lake Tours from here.

There are also 2 holy wells in Terryglass. One has the cure for headaches, the other will help your eyesight!

Last but not least, Terryglass boasts 2 fine pubs, where you can get good food or a drink. These are Paddy’s Bar and The Derg Inn, and we recommend either as a good place to end your day!