Lough Derg BLueway - Mountshannon and Cloonoolia Bays
Paddling Trail · Clare
Lough Derg BLueway - Mountshannon and Cloonoolia Bays is a 6.6 km beginner waymarked out-and-back route in Clare, starting near Mountshannon.
Note from the trail operator
Difficulty: A section of this trail is possible for guided beginner paddlers, depending on their ability and fitness. Suitable also for self-led intermediate paddlers.
As recorded in the register on 2026-08-13. Check with Waterways Ireland South Shannon Operations Division before travelling.
Grade
| Activity | Grade | Difficulty | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canoeing/Kayaking/Paddling | Beginner | Easy | 2 hours 20 minutes |
Getting there
Starts at Mountshannon Harbour, near Mountshannon.
Finishes at Mountshannon Harbour.
- Trailhead coordinates
- 52.92952, -8.42948
- Irish Grid reference
- R 71171 86580
The National Trails Register's own latitude and longitude fields are empty for all 1,186 trails on it. This trailhead comes from Sport Ireland's separate Trailheads dataset, matched to this trail on its register ID.
About the trail
This trail explores two close-by and relatively sheltered bays. Start in Mountshannon Harbour or at the swimming area and turn left (east) in the direction of Mountshannon Bay (500 metres). You’ll notice a private marina on the northern shore of the bay. Continue along the shoreline of the bay, then pass around the tree lined Dooros point (800 metres), with Mountshannon campsite and harbour on your left. Rounding Dooros Point brings you to the entrance of the much wider Cloonoolia Bay. The small harbour on its eastern shore marks your turning point to return to Mountshannon.
Who manages it
Waterways Ireland South Shannon Operations Division
Waterways Ireland South Shannon Operations Division
Conditions and closures change. The operator is the authority on both, not this page.
Elsewhere
Trails nearby
Measured trailhead to trailhead, in a straight line.
- Lough Derg Blueway - Mountshannon to Holy Island 0 m away · 5 km trail
- Lough Derg Blueway - Castlelough to Killaloe 5.2 km away · 12 km trail
- Arra Mountains Loop 6.1 km away · 12.4 km trail
- Lough Derg Blueway - Garrykennedy to Youghal Village and Little Tamona 6.3 km away · 4.5 km trail
- Lough Derg Blueway - Williamstown (Dromaan) to Church Bay 6.8 km away · 7.6 km trail
- Lough Derg Blueway - Williamstown Ilaunaboe Quay 6.8 km away · 8.75 km trail
Common questions
How long is the Lough Derg BLueway - Mountshannon and Cloonoolia Bays?
6.6 km, recorded as a out-and-back route on Sport Ireland's National Trails Register. Sport Ireland estimates 2 hours 20 minutes.
How hard is the Lough Derg BLueway - Mountshannon and Cloonoolia Bays?
Sport Ireland grades it Beginner, with an overall difficulty of Easy. Grades are set against national criteria, so they are comparable with other registered trails.
Where does the Lough Derg BLueway - Mountshannon and Cloonoolia Bays start?
Starts at Mountshannon Harbour, near Mountshannon. The trailhead is at 52.92952, -8.42948 (Irish Grid R 71171 86580).
Who manages the Lough Derg BLueway - Mountshannon and Cloonoolia Bays?
Waterways Ireland South Shannon Operations Division. They are the authority on current conditions and closures, not this page.
More in Clare
Trail data from the Sport Ireland National Trails Register, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Trailhead coordinates from the companion Trailheads dataset. Snapshot taken 2026-08-13.