Blogger: Jill
Spring is in the air, and there is no better way than to spend the day rambling and admiring a picturesque location. No town is more suitable for such activities than Killaloe Co. Clare. With the beauty of the Lough Derg and the Shannon River flowing by, to the great variety of walks and hikes that one can part take in around the town.
I personally recommend venturing North of the town; on the Scarriff road with the lake on your right hand side you can park up and enjoy the magical view out onto the lake.
Then on the opposite side of the road is Ballycuggaran Woods. If you feel up for a stroll or a hike I would totally recommend venturing onto the trails that are enclosed within Ballycuggaran. As you walk along the paths you get to continually look out and admire the gorgeous landscape and take in just how vast the lake and the river really are.
I would advise if you are feeling energetic and adventurous (in typical OnTheQT style) that you persevere and climb up towards the top. The spectacle at the top makes it all worthwhile and it is a lovely photo opportunity too. Then you can enjoy the leisurely walk down, knowing that the prospect of yummy treats awaits when you return to the bottom and head for a wander around Killaloe town.
Killaloe contains a great assortment of place to indulge in a post walk/hike treat. My favourite has to be The Wooden Spoon on Bridge Street. Laura and her brilliant staff will look after you in the adorable quirky setting. Weather it’s Coffee and a delicious apple and raspberry scone. Or how about Tea and one of the amazing selection of cakes, (Lemon Drizzle, Coffee Cake, actually I love all the treats, so maybe try them all, just means that you might have to go back). Perhaps a scrumptious hot chocolate after a tasty sausage roll or Falafel Roll with a tasty salad might help to replenish you after a good day adventuring.
Also if you happen to be in Killaloe on a Sunday morning the Sunday Market is a must. You can take this great opportunity to pick up a delightful variety of fresh foods and other goods, to help you have the makings of a lovely Sunday lunch. The market is always a buzz with people and who knows who you might bump into.
Overall Killaloe never fails to impress its visitors with plenty to see and do, and now that the sun is starting to shine (on occasion), it is very well worthwhile trip to make for an enjoyable time. Let yourself escape by the enchanting water of the Shannon and admire how captivating this lovely little country can be.
