Lough Derg Blueway - Williamstown Ilaunaboe Quay

Difficulty: Exposed to wind in places and close to the navigation channel, suitable for intermediate paddlers capable of self-rescue.

Paddling
County Clare
Grade Intermediate
Length 8.75 km
Time 3 hours
Format Linear
Start Point
Williamstown Harbour
Finish Point
Illaunboe Quay
Nearest Town to Start Williamstown
Grid Ref. R 77770 88123 / R 76217 93570
Lat. and Long. 52.9437, -8.33145 / 52.99258, -8.35494

Turning left (North) as you leave Williamstown harbour, you pass private marinas and the public shore road (1 km). There are a number of small bays to explore, look out for the two busts on the navigation markers near to the big island ‘Illaunmore’ (3 km). There are a number of small islands and then you cross two and then a third small bay. This section has few areas to land on. After the farmland you enter another area of reeds, look carefully here for a narrow channel (7.3 km), nearly a kilometre long which brings you to an interior hidden small lake Lough Alewnaghta. Otherwise follow the bank North and you will see a short reed channel to a slipway and the car park at Illaunaboe Quay (GPS: 52.992583, -8.354944).

Trail Management

Waterways Ireland South Shannon Operations Division

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