Things to do

Fun & Adventure Awaits You!

There are many things to do in Ballina/ Killaloe during your stay at The Lakeside Hotel. Read on to find out more about the most popular activites in the area. For more information on things to do click here 

Take a cruise on The Spirit of Killaloe 

Join James & Aoife Whelan on board where there is a choice of two decks, the upper deck is ideally suited for taking the sun and enjoying the spectacular scenery. The lower deck has spacious seating for up to 50 people, full bar facilities, tea, coffee and snacks refreshments on board. When on board a detailed commentary will be provided on all interesting sites as you cruise by. For more information or to make a cruise booking visit www.killaloerivercruises.com 

Aqua Splash – Two Mile Gate

West Lake Aqua Park is Ireland’s newest aqua park, located on the beautiful Lough Derg in Killaloe. An epic adventure for all the family to enjoy. Jump, slide, climb and bounce your way around our inflatable obstacle course on the water. Beat the obstacles, race your friends and family- watch them get Totally wiped out!

Whether you are coming with your family, a few friends or a big group – get ready for an unforgettable experience. For more information visit www.westaquaparks.ie/killaloe or call them on 087-9543000.

Kayaking on the River Shannon with My Next Adventure

Paddle up the ancient canal as your guide shares the fascinating history of this must-see area and life on the River Shannon. Marvel at the gothic St. Flannan’s Cathedral as you glide under the 16th century stone bridge. Manoeuvre your way through the lock gates before reaching Lough Derg with panoramic views of the charming twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina as you look down the River Shannon. Return to base as a confident kayaker! For more information visit www.mynextadventure.ie or contact Cillian on ‍087-3952777

Lough Derg eBike Tours

Introducing this eBike experience, where you can rent ebikes on a haf day or full day basis. Guided Tours are also available , & mulitple day rentals. Great quality Trek eBikes , sizes small medium & large. Bike lock , pannier & back rack supplied, safety gear & sat nav available. Delivery to The Lakeside Hotel is complimentary. For more information or to book your eBike visit www.loughdergebiketours.ie or phone 087-4593141

St. Flannans Cathedral 

The early monastery on this site at the southern end of Lough Derg was founded by St. Fachnan, and he was followed as Abbot by St. Flannan who died around 639. The Cathedral was founded about 1185 by Donal Mor O’Brien. The Cathedral incorporates some of the finest examples of Hiberno-Romanesque architecture. 

St. Flannans Oratory 

In the grounds of the Cathedral is St. Flannans Oratory, a 12th Century Romanesque church. 

St Moluas Church 

In the grounds of St Flannans Catholic Church, further up the hill, is St. Moluas oratory. It originally stood on Friars Island in the Shannon, but was removed stone by stone, and re-erected there when the island was flooded and submerged in the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme in 1929. 

Templecheally 

An ancient church and the family burial ground of the O’Hickey Clan – physicians to some of the great clans of Ireland like the O’Brien’s of Thomond and the O’Kennedys of Ormond. 

Tobermurragh (Murroughs Well) 

Ancient lore tells us that it was here the son of Brian Boru was christened. The well is remarkable for the abundant supply of crystal water it provides – even in the driest of summers. 

Beal Boru (Brian Borus Fort) 

A great earthen fort of the end of a spur, giving a commanding vantage at the point where the Lough narrows to form the River Shannon once more. 

Graves of the Leinster Men 

To the East of Ballina lie the Arra Mountains whose highest peak Tountinna (Hill above the Wave) is 465m. It is from these mountains, which skirt the shores of Lough Derg between Ballina and Portroe, that the true majesty of the Shannon’s greatest Lake can be appreciated. The mountains contain one of the most celebrated sites of ancient Ireland – The Graves of the Leinstermen. The pre-historic bronze age chamber tomb dates from about 1000BC and is believed to have been one of the first inhabited places in Ireland. Tradition tells us that the Kings of Leinster and his men were ambushed here on the orders of Brian Borus wife Gormliath, because she feared the Leinster King was to marry her daughter. As the King lay dying he asked to be brought to a spot from where he could see his cherished Kingdom of Leinster. 

The Lough Derg Way 

The Lough Derg Way stretches from Limerick City to Killaloe, a distance of 26kms (16 miles) and from Killaloe/Ballina to Dromineer 32Kms (20 miles) along the banks of the River Shannon, the old Shannon Navigational Canal and the eastern shores of Lough Derg. The canal bank dominates a major part of the southern section of the walk from Limerick to Killaloe and the extended route to Dromineer is an uphill climb overlooking the majestic Lough Derg.  

University of Limerick Water Activity Centre 

Situated at the two mile gate, this Water Activity Centre offers a host of water activities and team building exercises. Alternatively , why not de-stress and enjoy a walk through Ballycuggeran Wood, adjacent to the activity centre. 

Wilde Irish Chocolate

A real working Chocolate Factory ! Visit Wilde Irish Chocolates and see how our chocolates are made. We hand make a hugh range of chocolate goodies in our open plan factory and chocolate shop in Tuamgraney, Co.Clare. Entry is free so come along and see what we are making, ask us questions, make suggestions and most importantly just TASTE!! Visit our website on @ https://wildeirishchocolates.com  or call us on 061-922080.

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