There are many other islands on Lough Derg, some private and virtually inaccessible except for the smallest of craft.
It is important to seek local knowledge before any exploration is attempted. Lough Derg is a large lake and can be dangerous in
windy weather.
To learn more about the river Shannon system and
for infomation on all aspects of sailing, fishing and other water activities go to
the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland
(IWAI) or Waterways Ireland-
Shannon Nav websites.
References Portions taken from an original article in the 'InisCealtra Review - 1996' by Gerty Glennon and Louise Moore
Whoes article was part based on the work of Gerard Madden "For God or King - The History of Mountshannon, Co. Clare 1742- 1992" East Clare Heritage, 1992.
(Reproduced here by kind permission) with acknowledgements to Mr. Denis Tiernan
Holy Island, Young's, Bushy & Cribby Islands stretching into the distance.
This island is situated at the mouth of Cloonoolia Bay, a large island of approx.
40 acres. It is closely wooded with Ash,
Sycamore, Elder and Juniper trees on the perimeter and cattle are grazed there. It has a fishing hut and a private jetty and
is connected to the land by a causeway.
The main island is densely wooded with Sallies, Ash, Birch and Sycamore and
an undergrowth of brambles and bracken which makes
it impossible for the visitor to penetrate through it. A few years ago fire destroyed a lot of the old trees. There are a good
few mallards nesting here. The smaller island is very rocky and the trees and shrubs much lower growing due to the exposed nature
of the island. A swans' nest in Cribby Nook, a secluded bay to the west of the island, is hidden away by sallies and rushes.
They are approx. 4 acres in size and are situated in Mountshannon Bay.
A low lying island in the centre of Mountshannon Bay approx. 3 acres
and, despite its name, is quite sparsely wooded.
A lovely quiet peaceful place covered in wild flowers. Bluebells abound and wild primroses, purple vetch, meadowsweet and wild
irises. It is a perfect place to picnic and is accessible by pier.
A perfect jewel of an island accessible by three piers.
There are numerous Sycamores and Holly trees and an enormous old Birch
tree with long extending branches. A series of pathways and seats gives the illusion of being in a park
rather than a natural habitat, although the abundance of wild flowers such as purple orchids, bluebells,
violets and lords and ladies maintains a link with nature. Several families of mallards nest here in the spring.
It is 3 acres in size and is situated west of Bushy.
Holy Island derives its name from 'Inis Cealtra', meaning
the 'Island of the burial ground'; or 'Island of monastic cells'. The island lies about 1km from the mainland and 2km from Mountshannon.
The 50 acre island boasts the remains of no less than 5 churches, early monastic cells, a cemetery and an 80-foot tall round tower.
See 
Castlebawn, Ballykelly Castle or 'Simon's Castle', being the more common name known locally, is
a small island on the southern shores of Scariff Bay and neighbours Cahir Island. It is easy to spot as it has an
impressively rebuilt mid to late sixteenth century castle on it. It is in the townland of Carroweena. The castle was built
by the McNamara family and remained in their ownership until the Cromwellian confiscations of the mid seventeenth century.
It was mostly destroyed in 1827 by explosives after a dramatic siege involving an illegal
distillery opperating out of the castle was ousted. It had previously withstood cannon fire and the charges only took
down the south wall leaving a three sided ruin which has been home to several characters over the years - most notibly
Simon Flannery, which is how the site picked up its name. The castle was rebuilt by Pat & Mary Cody in 1996 and is now open to
the public in the summer months and access is via boat only. See 