Mountshannon, Co. Clare

Select County Dublin City Co. Antrim Co. Armagh Co. Carlow Co. Cavan Co. Clare Co. Cork Co. Donegal Co. Down Co. Dublin Co. Fermanagh Co. Galway Co. Kerry Co. Kildare Co. Kilkenny Co. Laois Co. Leitrim Co. Limerick Co. Londonderry Co. Longford Co. Louth Co. Mayo Co. Meath Co. Monaghan Co. Offaly Co. Roscommon Co. Sligo Co. Tipperary Co. Tyrone Co. Waterford Co. Westmeath Co. Wexford Co. Wicklow Kells Kells

Mountshannon (Baile Uí Bheoláin in Irish) is a village on the western shore of Lough Derg, north of Killaloe in east County Clare.

Mountshannon is a favourable haunt of anglers for the mayfly season on Lough Derg. A chain of islands lies along this part of the shore, and there is a large area of shallow water suitable for trout (the record Irish brown trout, 30 1/2 lb, was caught here).

With the recent improvement in the harbour it has become a popular sailing centre. Mountshannon is well placed for exploring the lake's western shores, with plenty of scope for walks and bicycle rides. There is also a bathing area that is popular with families.

Fishing boats are available for hire, and in summer you can go by boat to Holy Island, the site of a monastery founded in the 7th century. The ruins include four chapels and a graveyard of medieval tombs.

A recent addition to Mountshannon is the maze built in the center of town in a very well maintained small park, with lovely views of Lough Derg. The maze features information about the development of traditional art in Ireland. Next to the maze is a picnic area made out of wood carved by local artists. In the entrance is a stone with a hole facing toward Holy Island. To the rear of the maze is a fine turf labyrinth similar to the pavement labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France.