Places to Stay in Killaloe/Ballina
From gorgeous glamping to lakeside boathouses, Lough Derg’s places to stay are elegant, romantic and ever surprising.
The Killaloe Hotel
Set just outside Killaloe on the shores of Lough Derg, the Killaloe Hotel is a chic, boutique-style hotel surrounded by nature, glistening water and bobbing boats. It's about a 15-minute walk from here into town, which makes it a good bet if you want to mix accessibility with tranquillity. Inside the space is elegant and welcoming, with 32 smartly designed rooms. The views are to die for, the restaurant is a popular local spot, and both the Library area and the Marina Gardens are perfect places to relax with a drink, a coffee or both…
The Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre
Occupying an elevated position on the banks of the Shannon in Ballina, the Lakeside Hotel offers comfort, a great location and beautiful views from some of its rooms. You'll get everything you expect from a big hotel here – spacious accommodation, pool, leisure centre, bar and restaurant – but it's all done with a personal touch, thanks to friendly, efficient staff. Everything is on your doorstep, too, so it's a great choice if you want to park up and totally relax for a few days.
Self catering
Lough Derg is packed with excellent self-catering options that cater for all budgets and tastes. There are lovely little boltholes for two, such as Pop's Dream boathouse and scenic rustic-chic cabins, such as the elegant Blackrock Point, as well as great, family favourites, which mix affordability with comfort. A popular spot that's just a five-minute drive from Killaloe is Bridge House Studios, with two self-catering cottages – River Cottage, which sleeps four, and Willow Cottage, which sleeps two. Riverrun House & Cottages is set on a 68-acre farm in the heart of Terryglass, boasts great self-catering accommodation and is just across the road from Paddy's Bar in the village. Or opt for Lough Derg Holiday Houses, which mixes rural farmland with a lakeside setting. Located on the west side of the lake, the houses are in a great spot about midway between Portumna and Killaloe/Ballina.
Podumna
Glamping right in the centre of town? Podumna Village has it sorted… Despite being located on one of Portumna's main streets, once you step beyond the gates here, you're into a secret little oasis, with lovely little wooden eco pods, a "shepherd's hut", and B&B rooms for those who are a little less adventurous. Everything is spotlessly clean and nicely designed; and the atmosphere is laid-back and relaxed, thanks to the warmth and friendliness of the owners.
Coolbawn Quay
A lakeside hideaway set within a landscape of green fields and bordered by forest, Coolbawn Quay is a beautifully designed holiday village resort offering a vareity of accommodation. Its privacy and seclusion means it's a popular destination for weddings, so may get booked out early at weekends during the summer. But the rooms, suites, house suites and cottages make an idyllic base for a stylish Lough Derg weekend, while the spa, marina and Clubhouse bar and restaurant seal the deal.