Where History Meets Hospitality: The Story of The Lakeside Hotel
Tucked between the twin towns of Ballina and Killaloe, the Lakeside Hotel has been a proud part of this region’s story since the turn of the 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Lough Derg and the River Shannon, this cherished property has not only welcomed generations of travellers but has also stood witness to some of Ireland’s most significant historical moments.
Born in 1894: A Legacy Begins
While the Lakeside Hotel as we know it opened in 1894, its foundations were laid a few years earlier during a time when Killaloe was enjoying a surge in tourism. The Shannon had gained a reputation across the UK for trout and salmon fishing, attracting lords, ladies, and nobility from Britain. The demand for elegant accommodation grew, and the Lakeside Hotel emerged as a refined retreat for visitors drawn to the region’s natural beauty and calm.
A Hotel Through Wartime
The Lakeside Hotel's journey wasn’t without interruption. In May 1916, during a tumultuous time in Ireland’s history, the British Army commandeered the hotel, using it as a base until 1922. Following the Anglo-Irish Treaty, the hotel transitioned to a recruitment centre for the Irish Free State Army.
During the Irish Civil War, it was repurposed again, this time as a hospital. However, in August 1922, anti-Treaty forces burned down the original structure. Rising from the ashes, the hotel was rebuilt in the 1930s by John McKeogh, its new owner, and it has been serving guests with warmth and hospitality ever since.
The Twin Towns of Ballina & Killaloe
Ballina and Killaloe straddle the River Shannon at the southern tip of Lough Derg, joined by a striking 13-arch stone bridge. On the Clare side lies Killaloe, a charming town of steep narrow streets and historic sites like the 13th-century St. Flannan’s Cathedral and Brian Boru’s 11th-century fort. Across the river, Ballina in Tipperary boasts riverside parks, the Derg Marina, and a lively main street filled with eateries and pubs.
The twin towns have long been a secret escape for Irish families and international visitors alike. Their combination of natural beauty, rich heritage, and outdoor activities, from cruising to kayaking, makes them an ideal destination.
Nature and Nostalgia
Today, The Lakeside Hotel sits as gracefully as ever on the banks of the Shannon, surrounded by award-winning landscaped gardens and views of the Arra Mountains and Mount Bernagh. Guests can stroll by the water, watch the sun set over the lake, or simply take a moment to connect with the history all around them.
From its days as a fishing retreat for nobility to its service during times of war and its role today as a peaceful haven, The Lakeside Hotel is more than a place to stay, it’s part of the story.
Plan Your Stay
Whether you're tracing the footsteps of Irish kings, enjoying a romantic break, or simply craving lakeside tranquillity, The Lakeside Hotel offers a timeless setting for every kind of stay.
👉 Explore our packages and begin your own chapter in this historic retreat.
