Keeping the iconic River Shannon and Lough Derg largely in our sights throughout, this stunning, leisurely tour features a picturesque river cruise and a scenic circular lough drive to appreciate the best of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. We also indulge in some traditional tastes along the way, including Irish coffee, a beef and Guinness lunch and delicious Irish chocolates, and visit the famous Foynes Flying Museum.
Clare says…
This is the ideal Irish getaway for those seeking “that something different” and off the beaten path. Experience a relaxing holiday filled with tranquillity in the enchanting surroundings of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Where everyone who enters the excellent Lakeside Hotel is treated as an individual.
Leisurely Loughs & Traditions in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands 2026
Inis Cealtra (Holy Island)
Foynes Flying Boat Museum
Foynes Irish Coffee
Killaloe River Cruise
Larkins, Garrykennedy ©Failte Ireland
Lough Derg
Thatched Cottage, Adare Village © Chris Hill Photographic
Wilde Irish Chocolates
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Killaloe & River Cruise Driver’s Day Off
We spend today at leisure, relaxing in our hotel and exploring our scenic base of Killaloe. A short stroll from our hotel takes us to Killaloe River Cruises, where we embark on a 1-hour circular river cruise along the picturesque River Shannon to Lough Derg. With on-board commentary, spectacular scenery and a comfortable boat, we take in the views as we gently cruise along the calm, sheltered waters of Ireland’s finest waterway. Enjoying an Irish coffee as we sail, we can appreciate the magnificent scenery from the open deck or get comfy on the enclosed lower deck.
Day 3 Scenic Lough Derg Drive, Traditional Irish Lunch & Wilde Irish Chocolates
Today we enjoy a scenic drive around Lough Derg. One of the most beautiful lakes on the River Shannon, it is also the largest and most southerly, touching the counties of Clare, Galway and Tipperary. We pause in the county town of Nenagh, County Tipperary, with its 13th century castle and striking cylindrical keep, before continuing to the quaint Garrykennedy and its lovely country pub, Larkins, located on the banks of the lough. Here, we enjoy a traditional taste of Ireland, tucking into a tasty lunch of beef and Guinness casserole served with mash and tea/coffee. We then continue our scenic circular Lough Derg drive, stopping to admire the beautiful villages of Portroe and Terryglass, and finish our day with a visit to the small artisan chocolate factory of Wilde Irish Chocolates. Located on the banks of Lough Derg, we are treated to a guided tour and tasting.
OR
Boat Trip to Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) and Visitor Centre
As an alternative, discover the enchanting allure of Inis Cealtra on a fascinating boat trip to this secluded island nestled within the serene waters of Lough Derg. Journey back in time to this once thriving celtic monastic settlement and explore a bygone era with its majestic 80-foot round tower, six church ruins and a captivating cemetery. The Visitor Centre housed in a beautifully restored rectory building in the charming fishing village of Mountshannon is the best place to start your visit.
Day 4 Foynes Flying Boat Museum & Adare
We begin our day with a visit to the famous Foynes Flying Boat Museum, home to the world’s only replica of a B314 legendary flying boat, where we enjoy a guided tour and Irish coffee experience. We then spend the afternoon at leisure in picturesque Adare with time to explore and see for ourselves why it is renowned as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. We return to our hotel early afternoon to make the most of the fantastic leisure facilities before we depart.
HOW ABOUT?
Today it’s also possible to incorporate a visit to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland, OR the beautiful Cliffs of Moher. Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, standing 702ft at their highest point and having a range of over 5 miles, the sheer scale and impact of the cliffs is spectacular to see!
Ask your Account Manager for details.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Killaloe & River Cruise Driver’s Day Off
We spend today at leisure, relaxing in our hotel and exploring our scenic base of Killaloe. A short stroll from our hotel takes us to Killaloe River Cruises, where we embark on a 1-hour circular river cruise along the picturesque River Shannon to Lough Derg. With on-board commentary, spectacular scenery and a comfortable boat, we take in the views as we gently cruise along the calm, sheltered waters of Ireland’s finest waterway. Enjoying an Irish coffee as we sail, we can appreciate the magnificent scenery from the open deck or get comfy on the enclosed lower deck.
Day 3 Scenic Lough Derg Drive, Traditional Irish Lunch & Wilde Irish Chocolates
Today we enjoy a scenic drive around Lough Derg. One of the most beautiful lakes on the River Shannon, it is also the largest and most southerly, touching the counties of Clare, Galway and Tipperary. We pause in the county town of Nenagh, County Tipperary, with its 13th century castle and striking cylindrical keep, before continuing to the quaint Garrykennedy and its lovely country pub, Larkins, located on the banks of the lough. Here, we enjoy a traditional taste of Ireland, tucking into a tasty lunch of beef and Guinness casserole served with mash and tea/coffee. We then continue our scenic circular Lough Derg drive, stopping to admire the beautiful villages of Portroe and Terryglass, and finish our day with a visit to the small artisan chocolate factory of Wilde Irish Chocolates. Located on the banks of Lough Derg, we are treated to a guided tour and tasting.
OR
Boat Trip to Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) and Visitor Centre
As an alternative, discover the enchanting allure of Inis Cealtra on a fascinating boat trip to this secluded island nestled within the serene waters of Lough Derg. Journey back in time to this once thriving celtic monastic settlement and explore a bygone era with its majestic 80-foot round tower, six church ruins and a captivating cemetery. The Visitor Centre housed in a beautifully restored rectory building in the charming fishing village of Mountshannon is the best place to start your visit.
Day 4 Foynes Flying Boat Museum & Adare
We begin our day with a visit to the famous Foynes Flying Boat Museum, home to the world’s only replica of a B314 legendary flying boat, where we enjoy a guided tour and Irish coffee experience. We then spend the afternoon at leisure in picturesque Adare with time to explore and see for ourselves why it is renowned as one of Ireland’s prettiest villages. We return to our hotel early afternoon to make the most of the fantastic leisure facilities before we depart.
HOW ABOUT?
Today it’s also possible to incorporate a visit to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland, OR the beautiful Cliffs of Moher. Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, standing 702ft at their highest point and having a range of over 5 miles, the sheer scale and impact of the cliffs is spectacular to see!
Ask your Account Manager for details.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre
Ballina, Killaloe, County Clare
The 4-star Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre occupies a scenic spot on the banks of the River Shannon, with views of Ballina, County Tipperary, and Killaloe, County Clare. Relaxation is high on the agenda, with the 57 bedrooms designed to maximise the views of the lake and carefully chosen colour schemes intended to help guests unwind. All rooms are equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The elegant restaurant comes with views of the lake and makes use of local ingredients, meats, fish and fresh vegetables in its dishes and there is also a popular bar, O'Hara's, named after Hollywood legend Maureen O'Hara.
Lakeside Hotel & Leisure Centre
Ballina, Killaloe, County Clare
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £479pp
No Double/Twin for Sole Use Supplement (max 3 incl driver)
Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions
• Return ferry crossing UK - Ireland
• 1 hour River Shannon cruise with Irish coffee
• Beef & Guinness casserole with mash & tea/coffee at Larkins Bar & Restaurant
• Guided factory tour & tasting at Wilde Irish Chocolates
• Guided tour of Foynes Flying Boat Museum & Irish coffee experience
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
Call to tailor this tour 01732 879191
Click to get a quote
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