Lough Derg

Lough Derg is the third largest lake in Ireland (after Lough Neagh and Lough Corrib). It is the last of the three lakes situated on the River Shannon, with Lough Ree and Lough Allen further to the north, and its shores reaching the counties of North Tipperary, Galway and Clare.

In total, this spectacular lake covers an area of 118 km2 and is extremely popular for boating and fishing. The Ardnacrusha hydroelectric plant was constructed on Lough Derg in 1927 at the point where it empties into the Shannon. At the time, it was the largest hydroelectric plant in the world.

Flora

The shores of Lough Derg hold much interest for botanists as there are some unusual plants growing in the area. For example the yellow-flowered Irish Fleabane (Inula Salicina) is rarely found elsewhere in Ireland except on the shores and islets of Lough Derg, and is not found in Britain at all. It is more commonly found on mainland Europe, Russia and in Asia. The Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium angustifolium) is another rare plant that can be observed at Lough Derg.