The Route Options
Route 1 – Dromineer to Terryglass
This route is the shortest option at 33km, starting from Dromineer, where there is ample parking. Meet at the harbour car park, before heading off on quiet roads to Terryglass.
The harbour at Dromineer is one of the most scenic spots on Lough Derg, and you will head away from the Lough initially, passing by beauty spots such as the weir at Ballyartella (by Hanley’s Woollen Mills) and the historic church and tower at Nigh Cross, before heading back to the Lough shore at stunning Skehanagh. From there you will pass the 12th Century Kilbarron Abbey, before following the Lough Derg drive to Ballinderry. Here, you will switch on to a quiet back road which will take you over the Mouse House toll bridge, which dates back to 1776, and onwards to Terryglass harbour.
Route 2 – Nenagh to Terryglass
This route is slightly longer, at 40km, and starts from Banba Square in Nenagh, outside the tourist office.
First, you will leave Nenagh via quiet back roads, heading into Dromineer, which is the first visit to the Lough Shore. Carrying on from Dromineer, you will pass through picturesque Puckaun, before heading to my favourite bit of shoreline at Skehanagh. From there you will pass the 12th Century Kilbarron Abbey, before following quiet back roads to Kilbarron Village (pausing to admire the memorial to Shane MacGowan) and on to Ballinderry. Here, you will switch on to a quiet back road which will take you over the Mouse House toll bridge and onwards to Terryglass harbour.
Arriving at Terryglass
Both routes will bring you initially to Terryglass Harbour, before heading back into the village. Here, you can avail of a discounted lunch at the Derg Inn. Please note that the discounted lunch is subject to availability, and is only available to customers who pre-booked at least a day ahead. If you go for this option, you won’t regret it!
After your lunch, you can return to your start point via the TFI bus route 322, which goes to both Dromineer and Nenagh from Terryglass for a very reasonable fare of €2 per person! Meanwhile, your bikes will be picked up from Terryglass and returned to base.
Please note that both these routes can be done as either a half day or full day rental, or as a guided tour. When booking, simply specify your preferred start/end points, and/or leave a comment stating that you want to do a one-way trip. It’s as simple as that, and is the perfect way to explore the northern end of the Lough Derg shore!
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