Dust off your boots and get out and about to explore the beautiful walks around Lough Derg. Whether you want to go for 2 to 3 days or experience a quick looped walk, here are some our recommended routes.
Graves of the Leinster Men Looped Walk
This trail, mostly on very quiet tarmac road with the final descent on purpose-built gravel footpath, takes the walk around the western slopes of Tountinna Mountain, passing through remote countryside with exceptionally spectacular and impressive views of Lough Derg and the surrounding area. The primary feature of interest is the remains of the Graves of the Leinster Men at which point, it is said, the Leinster King and his men met their deaths at the hand of Brian Boru in the early 11th Century.
Ballycuggaran
The site is situated on Crag Hill on the lower slopes of the Slieve Bernagh Mountains overlooking Lough Derg. On the southern side of Crag is a fort, dating to the early Christian period which was the original home of the O’Briens and the reputed birthplace of St. Flannan. Aoibheal’s Rock, the legendary abode of Aoibheal, fairy queen of the O’Briens, is at the highest point of Ballycuggaran. The great oak woods that originally clothed these hills were cut down to fire the iron furnaces of east Clare as well as for shipbuilding.
Ballycuggaran - Crag Wood Walk is a moderate looped walk called the Crag Wood Walk and this trailhead also gives access onto the East Clare Way. A new trail was constructed in 2016 which allows the visitor to access Moylussa the highest point in county Clare.
Moylussa, highest point in Co. Clare.
At 532 metres, Moylussa is the highest point in Co. Clare and a great hike for those of all fitness levels. The hike takes approximately 3 – 5 hours to complete.