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 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
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 Abbey Hotel Donegal

The Abbey Hotel Donegal

3 out of 5
The Diamond, Donegal, County Donegal
The Abbey Hotel Donegal
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
The Cliffe at the Quay

The Cliffe at the Quay

4 out of 5
Quay St, Donegal, DL
The Cliffe at the Quay
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

Near Lough Derg in Pettigo, County Donegal, visitors can enjoy a relaxing spa experience and indulge in the serene beauty of the local beaches. The area offers a tranquil setting for those looking to unwind, as well as opportunities for leisure activities by the water. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Lough Derg promises a delightful escape into nature.

Shopping

Lough Derg offers charming local shops for gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Surfworld Bundoran, located 30.6km away, has a variety of surf gear, while Hannah McGuinness, 32.2km away, features unique Irish crafts and clothing.

Recreation

Donegal Golf Club offers a stunning golf experience with scenic views and outdoor vibes, perfect for golf enthusiasts. For relaxation, the Letterkenny Leisure Centre provides wellness facilities, while The Seascape Spa is ideal for rejuvenating body treatments in a tranquil setting, enhancing your overall well-being.

Adventure

At the Lakeside Centre, located 25.7km from Lough Derg, immerse yourself in a vibrant campground atmosphere filled with adventure and family-friendly activities. Alternatively, Gartan Outdoor Adventure Centre, 41.8km away, offers thrilling water sports, perfect for those seeking an exhilarating outdoor experience.

Nightlife

In Lough Derg, the Balor Theatre and Balor Arts Centre offer a blend of culture and entertainment, just 20.9km away, perfect for a romantic evening. For adventure, head to Amazonas Outdoor - Indoor Airsoft Firing Range, located 38.6km away, for an exhilarating night out.

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

Find the best attractions near Lough Derg

At Lough Derg in Pettigo, County Donegal, visitors can explore a stunning array of natural attractions, including picturesque lakes, tranquil islands, and historic shrines. This destination offers a delightful blend of beach relaxation and outdoor activities, making it perfect for those seeking scenic beauty and immersive experiences in nature. Whether you're enjoying the serene waters or hiking the scenic trails, Lough Derg promises a memorable getaway.

  • Saint Patrick's Purgatory: A revered shrine located 644m from Lough Derg, Saint Patrick's Purgatory offers a rich cultural experience steeped in Irish spirituality. Pilgrims visit to reflect and engage with its historical significance, making it a place of tranquillity and contemplation.
  • Station Island: Situated 805m from Lough Derg, Station Island boasts beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. It’s an idyllic spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and soaking up the natural beauty of the Irish countryside, perfect for those seeking relaxation.
  • Black Lough North: Located 1.6km away, Black Lough North is a picturesque lake that provides stunning scenery and a romantic atmosphere. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers opportunities for peaceful strolls, boating, and enjoying the captivating landscape.

Best time to go to Lough Derg

The best time to visit Lough Derg can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Lough Derg falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Lough Derg falls in January, 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 during your visit to Lough Derg, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February and November, when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel at least a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and location, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for extra savings. Don't forget to check for additional fees and discounts to maximise your budget.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Lough Derg is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at Lough Derg with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.