Glocca Morra B&B Lough Derg Scenic Drive

Take a drive around Lough Derg and see the
picturesque villages through three different counties.
Starting at Glocca Morra in County Clare, turn left out of
the drive towards Scarriff. Two km on the right hand
side you will come to the first of several lookout points.
Here you can see Holy Island in the distance and also
the coastlines of Scarriff and Mountshannon.
Continue on this road to the town of Tuamgraney where
the East Clare Heritage Centre is located in what is
probably the oldest church in Ireland still in use.
At the junction ahead, turn right onto the R352 to
Scarriff. Follow this road to Mountshannon where you
can turn right pass the Mountshannon Hotel to the
harbour. Here you can take a boat to Holy Island and
see Ogonnelloe and the Arra Mountains of Tipperary
with Tountinna being the tallest.
Back to the main road, turn right and follow the road
through Whitegate on the way to Portumna. You will
pass through many small villages including Gorteeny
and Power's Cross all in County Galway. Follow into
Portumna where you can stop off at Portumna Castle
turning right past the church. This old manor house is
still under reconstruction and is worth the small
admission price to see the grounds and first floor.
Don't miss the Kitchen Garden. Upon leaving the
castle, go straight ahead to the junction and turn right.
This will take you across the bridge in Portumna which
is the Northern most point of Lough Derg. Across the
bridge you enter County Tipperary. Follow the signs for
the N52 to the village of Carrigahorig. Just up the hill
take a right hand turn to Terryglass on the R493. This
will take you through the quaint villages of Terryglass,
Ballinderry, Coolbaun and Puchane. The narrow
winding roads are well worth the trip when you enter
Puchane where you will see old thatched roof cottages
that can be rented as summer holiday homes. Continue
on this road in the direction of Nenagh and back to the
N52. Turn right and follow the signs to Dublin/Limerick
N7 through 2 roundabouts. At the third roundabout,
take the Portroe exit. This is the R494. Follow this
road through Portroe and about another 2 km is a
lookout point on the right hand side. Here you can see
all of upper Lough Derg, and yes, Holy Island and
Mountshannon in the distance. Continue on the R461 in
the direction of Ballina and at the mini roundabout turn
right to cross the bridge into Killaloe. At the end of the
bridge turn right in the direction of Scarriff. Two km
past here is a small picnic area on your right called Two
Mile Gate. Here you can feed the ducks and swans and
take a stroll around the area. Continue on this road for
about 5 km and you'll find yourself back home at
Glocca Morra!