Mountshannon

Built on a hill overlooking Lough Derg, Mountshannon is a pleasant little village offering visitors plenty of peace and serenity. In saying that there are still things to do and see - particularly in terms of the village's historical sights and leisure activities such as golfing in the local nine-hole course and boating and other watersports on Lough Derg.

The locality provides interesting walking and cycling trails, including local woodland areas, the walking trails of the East Clare Way and the Sliabh Aughty Mountains. The Aistear Inish Cealtra Public Park is an idyllic place to unwind - enjoy the large green spaces, Amphitheatre, lake-side lookout and array of historical artifact replicas.

One of the most important historical sites in the area in Holy Island, or Inishcearltra, which is located on Lough Derg. A monastic settlement just a boat ride away from the village, Holy Island's monastic settlement includs the ruins of five churches, graveyards, a holy well, early monastic cells and stone carvings. Romanesque arches dating from the 12th century can be seen as can the ruins of a round tower and crosses dating before 1,000 AD.

The village was founded by Limerick merchant Alexander Woods in the 1830s. He had the aim that Mountshannon would be a Protestant settlement of such quality that neighbouring Catholics would be encouraged to convert religions. However, that did not last for long and by the early 20th century the land was taken over by the Irish Land Commission and was divided into different estates.

The village has lovely walks and bars and cafes where you can rest and dine after a day on the lake. There is a designated area for swimming in the lake and it is protected by a Life Guard.

Mountshannon has a modern Marina and also lots of modern holiday homes to let asa well as hotel accommodation. It is an ideal village for a family holiday and offers a great location for exploring East Clare