10 km plus; 2.5 hrs; Start: Map 59 R814860
A walk of discovery by road and riverbank; Historic 

Sli Eala (Swan Way in Irish) links the historic lakeside village of Dromineer to the picturesque bridge and wier at Ballyartella. Set in the heart of Tipperary Lakeside, the route passes through an area of natural beauty with history and ledgend at every turn. The walk for part of its length follows the meandering Nenagh River (An Ghaothach). This river is home to many Mute Swans which give the walk its name.

A road, a mile of kingdom. I am king
Of banks and stones and every blooming thing.

Patrick Kavanagh, Irish Poet (1905 - 1967)
 

Notes to map:

1. Dromineer Castle  
2. Water Pump  
3. Famine Soup Kitchen  
4. Annaghbeg House  
5. Annaghbeg Bridge  
6. Stream Metal Bridge  
7. Mill Race Bridge  
8. Ballyartella Bridge  
9. The Weir  
10. Ballyartella Castle (ruins)  
11. Hanly's Woolen Mills and Visitor Centre  
12. Ballycommon  

Walking notes:

The walk starts at Dromineer (R814860) on the shores of Lough Derg. You follow the Sli Eala signs to reach Annaghbeg Bridge (R831849) by road. From there the route continues along the bank of the Nenagh River. When you arrive at Ballyartella (R840834) you can relax in the picnic area overlooking the wier.

There is a Visitor Centre in the nearby Woollen Mills.

To return to Dromineer you have several options. You may decide to visit the Village of Ballycommon (R836823) or return by quiet roads. See map. An illustrated Guidebook to the Walk can be purchased in the local shops, price 50p.

Your journey will take you through working farms, so always follow the 'Farmland Code'.

Waterproof footwear is advisable.
 

Maps:

Ordnance Survey of Ireland, Discovery Series 1:50,000
- Map 59, Central Lough Derg including Williamstown, Dromineer, and Garrykennedy
 

Acknowledgement:

This page was developed from a pamphlet written by Paddy Mackey and designed by Anne Lawlor the production of which was supported by the Tipperary Leader Group. A link to a copy of the pamphlet is provided in the right-hand column. The permission of the Sli Eala Walk Committee to publish the pamphlet and extracts from it is gratefully acknowledged.