Scarriff: Market Town and Lough Derg Blueway

Scarriff lies at the heart of the Lough Derg Blueway, bringing together the history of a market town with cycling and water activities. When choosing a destination, you can weigh up different interests: a cycle ride, time by the water or historic sites. If you are looking for a hotel in Scarriff, you can assess the town based on these highlights.

Market Town History at the Market House

The Scarriff Community Tourist Office, recognised by Fáilte Ireland, is located in the Market House in Scarriff. The Market House reflects the town’s historic importance as a market town. This makes it both a specific point of contact and a place connected to Scarriff’s history.

Cycling and Routes Around Scarriff

There are several cycling routes from Scarriff, and a cycle ride can also start and finish there. When planning your route, you can choose between several routes starting in Scarriff and a ride that starts and ends in the town.

Separate from these is a 9-kilometre route that runs from Scarriff via Scariff Bay to Mountshannon. It offers views of Lough Derg and Inis Cealtra, also known as Holy Island. The route combines a named trail with views of the lake and island.

Activities on the Water and on Land

The Derg Isle Adventure Centre in Scarriff offers kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, boat hire, water zorbing and fishing. Other activities include an obstacle course, a climbing wall, archery and zip lines. The availability of individual activities may change; check what is currently available if you have a particular activity in mind.

Scariff Harbour is also a point of reference for trips on the water: it is a stopping point for boats travelling up and down the River Shannon. Today, the harbour serves as a stop for recreational boats, though not in the same way as it did in the past. From the harbour, boats can travel along the shores of Lough Derg.

Places of Interest Nearby

Nearby, the Irish Seed Savers shop sells heirloom seeds, historic Irish apple trees and organic apple juice. The shop’s offerings may change; check current availability if you are planning a specific purchase.

Also nearby is Cappabane Wedge Tomb, 2 kilometres north of Scarriff. It is believed to be around 4,000 years old. Castlebawn Castle is a 16th-century tower house on a small island near the shoreline of Scariff Bay. The tomb is described in terms of its approximate age, while Castlebawn is described by its period, building type and island location.

County Clare: Regional Context

In County Clare, the Cliffs of Moher are another regional point of interest: at O’Brien’s Tower, they reach a height of over 700 feet and stretch for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The visitor site has 800 metres of paved paths and viewpoints, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. The Cliffs of Moher Experience also includes a fully accessible visitor centre with a self-guided exhibition and a virtual reality experience on a cliff face. Facilities and operating details may change; check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Also in County Clare, visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park. Trail conditions may change.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bunratty, Bellharbour, Boston, Cratloe, Quin, Kilfenora, Kilshanny, Miltown Malbay

For the wider travel overview: County Clare.