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Waterway Walks
Index of Walks by Lough Ree
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*** N.B: Read Warnings
on Welcome page.
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(Map not suitable for navigation)
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Walks by Lough Ree in downstream sequence:
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Portrunny
* * |
3.5 km; 1 hr; Start: Map 40 M960602
On paths, roads and shore by farmland |
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A pleasant rural walk around Cruit Point. Leaving the jetty, turn left and follow the shore to Cruit Point. It is possible to continue some distance along the north shore of Galey Bay. At any point, turn and walk back to the jetty.
In the past it was possible to cross the peninsula by walking south along the lane just to the left of the pub when viewed from the jetty and walking back to the jetty by following the shore. The route across the peninsula is shown on the ordnance survey map. In September 2002 we were unable to find the route to the south shore of the peninsula and believe it has been made inaccessible to walkers.
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Inchcleraun
(Quaker Is.)
* * * |
Up to 4km; 1 hr; Start: Map 40 M996593
Cross country by farmland & shore; Historic - Monastic |
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One of the more interesting waterway walks in Ireland. Only accessible
by dingy. The monastic remains are amongst the most important
on the waterway. Only those at Clonmacnoise are more extensive. A very
enjoyable and peaceful place to visit on a bright fresh day with a
light breeze blowing.
To fully enjoy this walk read one of the short descriptions of
the island's history that are included in many books and guides
about the Shannon and study a map of the island.
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The Clogas on Inchcleraun (44kb)
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Barley Harbour
* * |
Up to 10km; 2.5 hrs; Start: Map 40 N016576
On roads by farmland; Pleasant architecture. Cultural |
It is dangerous to approach Barley Harbour by boat in certain weather conditions or without a good knowledge of the navigation in the vicinity of the harbour.
For those with local knowledge, Barley Harbour is
one of the most delightful and peaceful places to visit on Lough Ree.
A few minutes spent studying Map 40 will suggest a couple of possible
walks. Newtown Cashel (N042597), the nearest village, is 5 km away. Much nearer
and well worth a visit is Michael Casey's studio. Many will enjoy
his excellent bog oak carvings. Michael's studio is located about
five minutes walk from the harbour (N018575). Others will find interest in
the fine stone walls and the design of the small group of bungalows
to the east of the harbour.
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By Barley Harbour (27kb)
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Rindoon
* * * |
2 km; 0.5 hrs; Start: Map 40 N006544
Cross country by farmland & shore & woods. Historic |
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Another fascinating place to visit. Best approached from Safe Harbour
(provided the wind is not blowing from the east). Go ashore
by dingy. Rindoon Castle is well worth a visit. The Castle was built
in the thirteenth century. After visiting the Castle the next
challenge is to find the ruined
windmill in the woods to the south of the Castle. Next head north-west
along the north-east shore of Carrownure Bay and visit the Town Wall.
As you return towards your dingy along the shore of St John's Bay
contemplate what a visit to the peninsula would have been like
when it was a thriving early Norman town.
Occasionally we have anchored in Carrownure Bay at about M999543
and gone ashore by dingy on the west shore of the peninsula. To
approach, follow the main navigation channel to a position south of
red buoy number 4 from which you have a clear view of the Bay lying to the north-west. Then,
using Admiralty Chart 5078 and the depth sounder for guidance, motor
slowly into Carrownure Bay and choose a point at which to anchor.
We have anchored in Carrownure Bay on a number of occasions and so
far we have not encountered a problem. That said, we would only
attempt this in good weather, with the aid of the Admiralty chart
and a depth sounder, and at very low revs.
The Heritage Council has published a report
Rindoon, Co. Roscommon: A Management Plan. Section 2 of this report is of particular relevance. It includes extensive information for on-line viewing about Rindoon and a number of detailed maps and diagrams.
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Portlick
* * * * |
5 km; 1.25 hrs; Start: Map 47 N060498
On paths & roads by woods & farmland; Historic |
A wonderful walk exploring the wooded glades and farmlands
of Portlick and the Whinning peninsula. Most of the walk is close
to the lake shore. Return by Portlick Castle. Arguably the most
enjoyable walk by Lough Ree. Visit the page.
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Rindoon Castle (70kb)
At Carrownure Bay (40kb)
Dawn by Temple Island (32kb)
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Hodson's Bay
* * |
Up to 4 km; 1 hr; Start: Map 47 N009463
On roads by golf course & shore |
For a pleasant stroll before dinner leave the harbour at Hodson's Bay
and follow the
road south west to the main road (N61) at N002453. Return, pass
the harbour, and continue to the caravan park at N011469. Return
to the harbour.
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Maps:
Office of the Admiralty
- Chart 5078. 1844. Lough Ree.
CAUTION: This chart has not been corrected since first date of
publication and should be used with caution.
Ordnance Survey of Ireland, Discovery Series 1:50,000
- Map 40, Lough Forbes to Cribby Islands, Lough Ree
- Map 47, Cribby Islands, Lough Ree to below Shannonbridge
The need for two OS maps contrasts with the excellent situation
on the Erne where each of the lakes is covered by a single 1:25000
series map i.e., a total of two maps covers two large lakes. The maps
of Lough Erne provide significantly more detail including submarine
contours and navigation details. Hopefully a map of similar quality
covering Lough Ree will be published shortly.
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On the Inner Lakes (52kb)
Ballykeeran Lough (30kb)
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The Clogas on Inchcleraun (44kb)
By Barley Harbour (27kb)
Rindoon Castle (70kb)
At Carrownure Bay (40kb)
Dawn by Temple Island (32kb)
On the Inner Lakes (52kb)
Ballykeeran Lough (30kb)