Lough Derg shore mini-break

It seems like a lifetime ago but a couple of weeks back we were basking in temperatures of up on 28 degrees in some parts of our beautiful isle.

Hopefully we will feel those temps again soon; maybe in time for when the kids get their summer break from school in 2 weeks time.

We were lucky enough to have booked a self-catering cottage that gorgeous May weekend for a small family break.

On the shores of Lough Derg, Terryglass, Co. Tipperary.

Terryglass, for those who have never been, is a lovely wee village. It has 2 pubs and one shop, all beside each other and within a few mins walking distance from the pier and the self-catering cottages. The perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Both pubs (The Derg Inn and Paddys Bar) do food and have picnic benches outside, perfect for lunch/dinner on a sunny day (we ate 'out' every evening, whats seldom is wonderful!).

Down at the pier there are plenty of facilities ie public toilets, showers, playground and picnic benches for those staying in the marina or interested in watersports.

We toured for the few days we were staying there, keeping as close to the waters edge as possible. First port of call was 15 mins up the road; the town of Portumna, Co. Galway. Home to Portumna Demesne, Forest Park and Portumna Castle (some of it open to the public while still under restoration) and gardens, on the shores of Lough Derg (we didnt do much walking as we had my partners elderly mother with us).

Next day we traveled southwards, along the 'Derg Way', and found a lovely wee spot to pull in and park.

Of course my eldest spotted this boats Irish name before us adults! (please look it up if you dont know what it means hehe)

We drove down through Killaloe (lovely town too) to a village called O'Briensbridge and across the Shannon on this bridge is Montpelier, Co Limerick.

On the way back to our rented cottage we dropped into the village of Dromineer for an ice-cream.

 And were lucky enough to see this wee family enjoying the good weather.

After a lovely few days it was time to say goodbye to Terryglass and a lovely weekend.