Lough Derg



Situated in the Shannon River Basin about 30 miles north-east of Limerick, Lough Derg was once an important stopping point along the Irish waterways. Today, the lake is a tranquil beauty spot, boasting many splendid features such as the Falls of Doonass, the largest waterfall on the River Shannon.

Marking the border between County Clare, County Tipperary and County Galway, Lough Derg is the third-largest freshwater lake in Ireland. With an area of over 50 square miles, it is home to a hydroelectric power station that at one time was the largest in the world. This narrow but sprawling Lough Derg also attracts many pleasure sports such as sailing, fishing, kayaking and even windsurfing.

Lough Derg is home to some of the largest trout in the Republic of Ireland, and attracts eager anglers from all across Ireland and further afield. With several marinas and jetties dotted along the shores of the lake, you should have no trouble at all hiring a small boat if you wish to head out on the water.

Keen twitchers will also find an excellent selection of birdlife around the lake. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a rare breeding pair of white-tailed eagles. These were reintroduced to Ireland in 2007 and made Lough Derg their home. Surrounded by small villages and lush forests, Lough Derg is remote enough to remain unspoiled, while being close enough to key road routes to be easily accessible.

Popular places to visit


Top Lough Derg Hotel Deals

The Central Hotel Donegal

The Central Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, County Donegal
The Central Hotel Donegal
Lough Eske Castle

Lough Eske Castle

5 out of 5
Lough Eske, Donegal Town, County Donegal, Donegal, Donegal
Lough Eske Castle
The Abbey Hotel Donegal

The Abbey Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, County Donegal
The Abbey Hotel Donegal
Mill Park Hotel

Mill Park Hotel

4 out of 5
The Mullins, Donegal, Donegal
Mill Park Hotel
Harvey's Point Hotel

Harvey's Point Hotel

4 out of 5
Lough Eske, Donegal, Donegal
Harvey's Point Hotel
The Lodge at Harvey's Point

The Lodge at Harvey's Point

3.5 out of 5
Lough Eske, Donegal
The Lodge at Harvey's Point
Atlantic Guest House

Atlantic Guest House

2 out of 5
Main Street, Donegal, Donegal
Atlantic Guest House
Donegal House

Donegal House

3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, Donegal
Donegal House
Gateway Lodge Donegal

Gateway Lodge Donegal

3 out of 5
Killybegs road (R925), Donegal, Co. Donegal
Gateway Lodge Donegal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Lough Derg

Exploring Lough Derg offers a variety of activities, including the renowned Lough Derg Pilgrimage and scenic nearby lakes ideal for fishing holidays. Visitors can also embark on educational tours to learn more about the area's rich heritage. Additionally, indulge in a relaxing spa experience to unwind after a day of discovery. It's a perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity in the stunning Irish landscape.

Shopping

Lough Derg offers a quaint shopping experience with local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Surfworld Bundoran, located 30.6km away, and Hannah McGuinness, 32.2km away, are excellent options for a broader selection of items.

Recreation

At Donegal Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf amidst breathtaking landscapes, just 19.3km from Lough Derg. For relaxation, visit Letterkenny Leisure Centre, 38.6km away, offering wellness activities. Alternatively, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at The Seascape Spa, located 40.2km from Lough Derg.

Adventure

At Lakeside Centre, located 25.7km from Lough Derg, immerse yourself in a delightful campground atmosphere, perfect for family adventures and outdoor fun. Experience thrilling water sports at Gartan Outdoor Adventure Centre, situated 41.8km away, where sports enthusiasts can enjoy an exhilarating day on the water.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Balor Arts Centre, just 20.9km from Lough Derg, where culture and entertainment thrive. For a thrill, visit the Amazonas Outdoor - Indoor Airsoft Firing Range, located 38.6km away, offering an exciting adventure atmosphere for all ages.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Lough Derg

Lough Derg, located in Pettigo, County Donegal, offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and serene experiences. Visitors can explore the scenic lake, charming islands, and historic shrines, perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and stunning views. Consider activities such as a trip along the banks of Lough Derg or visiting the Lough Derg Yacht Club. Additionally, there are trending hotels nearby to enhance your stay in this picturesque area.

  • Saint Patrick's Purgatory: This historic shrine, located 644m from Lough Derg, offers a unique blend of spirituality and culture. Visitors can engage in reflective pilgrimage, exploring the rich heritage that surrounds this sacred place.
  • Station Island: Situated 805m from Lough Derg, this enchanting island boasts beautiful beaches and outdoor spaces. It’s a perfect spot for leisurely strolls, picnics, and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of nature.
  • Black Lough North: Just 1.6km from Lough Derg, this picturesque lake is renowned for its stunning scenery and romantic vibes. Ideal for outdoor activities, it invites visitors to unwind while enjoying its natural beauty.

Best time to go to Lough Derg

The best time to visit Lough Derg is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
May50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
July57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Lough Derg

To save money on your trip to Lough Derg, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February or November, when prices are lower. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance can also help secure the best rates, with Wednesdays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia to compare prices, filter for eco-friendly hotels, and check for last-minute deals. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings, ensuring a budget-friendly experience while exploring the beautiful surroundings of Lough Derg.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Lough Derg are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Lough Derg about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Lough Derg is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Lough Derg is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Lough Derg with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.