Mountshannon To-dos

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"Things to do while in Mountshannon"

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Things to do in Mountshannon

Golf : Pony Trecking : Walking & Cycling Routes : Woodland
Boating : Fishing : Swimming : Archaeology : Park : Eating Out : Pubs : Shops

Mountshannon is a great spot for things to do, especially if you like outdoor persuits or taking to the waters and the wilds.

There is a broad range of tourist facilities and activites within easy reach of Mountshannon. Leisure activities such as golf and boating are very popular with tourists. Fine food and wine is never far away and traditional Irish music can be heard in the bars most evenings throught the Summer.

The natural geography and terrain of the area allows for many leisure and sporting activities.

Golf: There is a nine hole golf course and eighteen hole pitch and putt about one mile from the village.The green fees are very reasonable and fantastic views of the lake and surounding mountains can be had from the well kept fairways.

Pony Treking: Pony treking is also another very popular pastime available. The nearest pony treking center is about four miles from the village of Mountshannon, between Whitegate and Coos. The centre is family operated and can cater for medium sized groups. After some initial guidance you will be taken on a long trek through some beautifull woodland. Prices are reasonable and it is a great way to pass the day. Details

Walking & Cycling: The backdrop of the Sliabh Aughty mountains provides a beautiful place to go hiking or for a long cycle. In recent years a series of different walks have been marked out in the area. The system of trails is known as The East Clare Way. The trails are well signposted and of differing lengths so that they cater for most people. The local community was also involved in the Woodpark project which set up a series of walking treks in a local woodland some years ago.

Woodland: The area in and around Mountshannon is heavely wooded. Althought much is plantation there are several deciduous woods which facilitate woodland walks and cycles. The nearest is 'Woodpark', about 3/4 of a mile outside of the village along the 'Middle line'. This woodland is home to numerous forms of flora & fauna and is interspersed with carvings and sculpture from local artists. The streams here are managed in part by one of the local 'Angling Clubs' and have been developed into spawning beds for trout. More info on our Woodpark page.

Boating: The lake provides great potential for fun. Boating and fishing are the two big activities and boats can be rented at the harbour. Lough Derg is a large lake and a boat trip around the bay or islands can take some time, but it's a great way to get in touch with the nature of Mountshannon.
Large cruisers can be rented nearby also combining both transport and accomodation.

Fishing is very good on the lake and a broad range of species can be caught. There are several angling supply shops locally and bait can be bought in Mountshannon itself. Some tackle can be rented along with boats. There are also several 'Ghillies' available in the area for those more competitive anglers. See this local fishing site to learn more.
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Swimming: The harbour has a shallow water swimming area ideal for children. It is semi-enclosed by a harbour wall and jetties and is attended by trained life guards in the summer season.
See the Harbour page for more details.

Archaeology: The locality has some very interesting historical sights or is a good base to set out to see some. In the imediate area is a large selection of 'Enclosures' such as Ring forts, a Wedge Tomb (known locally as 'The Dolmen'), Lime Kilns, Kyles (Cillin or Children's burial grounds) and on Holy Island an extensive Monastic settlement establiched in the 8th Cenury. Further afield are a selection of churches, one hosting the 'East Clare Heritage Centre' and sporting it's original 10th Century door frame. Also within 20km can be found Holy Wells, Mass Rocks and an ancient Stone Circle. Learn more at our Archaeology page

Aistear Iniscealtra Public Park: The focal point of the village is the Aistear Iniscealtra, a project which embraces the history of the village. The development incorporates a large green area, amphitheatre, labyrinth garden (with 'sunken seated stone & hornbeam arbour'), a lake side 'Look-out' and an extensive maze area comprising assorted planting, hedging and stone walled courtyards. The courtyards display aspects of Irish spirtuality through the ages with replica historical artifacts, carvings and pieces of sculpture. There are park benches and seating throughout.

Restaurants & Coffee Shops: There are some great places to go for a nice meal when you visit Mountshannon. There is one restaurant in the Main street called 'An Cupàn Caifè' and one in 'The Village Inn Hotel' in the centre of the village. The Hotel bar also servers pub grub during the day. There is a bar called Rogers/The Bridge Bar on the way into the village from the West that also serves pup grub. Between them there is a good range of food available, but European style dishes are the most common.
During the Summer months two coffee shops often spring up. One at 'Callura Pottery' near the village cross roads and one at the sweet shop at the harbour swimming area.

Bars: Mountshannon has four bars, including the Hotel, and each one has a diffrent type of clientele, so there is always somewhere to let your hair down. The Hotel and The Bridge Bar are both good for sports fixtures on the TV and the Hotel has a large projector screen. The Bridge Bar and Cois Na HAbhana often have bands in and both also have pool tables. Keane's bar hosts regular Tradional Irish music nights. Ask about and watch for posters locally.

Shops: Mountshannon has two small grocery shops at Keane's Bar and at the Top Garage. Both provide all the essentials you may need, such as food, petrol and cooking gas. The petrol station also includes a post office. Why not send your friends a postcard from Mountshannon?
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Gifts: Mounshannon has one Pottery Gift shop located in the centre of the village for gifts for special occasions or your own delf and decor.

The range of activities in Mountshannon is very diverse, but there is sure to be something to please everybody. One thing everybody can do when they visit Mountshannon is have fun!

e-mail us at: info@mountshannon.com