About
Killaloe the views are very fine. The mountains of Clare and Tipperary
shadow the town on either side, and away to the north for twenty-three
miles stretches Lough Derg. Going up the lake, the first stopping place
is at Scariff, which overlooks the beautiful Inniscattery or Holy
Island. The reach from here to Portumna is crowded with islands, and on
both shores are ruined castles and finely wooded demesnes. Dromineer, on
the opposite bank, four and a quarter miles from Nenagh, is the next
station. Nearly opposite Portumna, with its ruined and blackened castle,
are the ruins of the monastery of Tirdaglass.
[Illustration: Sailing on the Shannon.]
[Illustration: _Photo, Lawrence, Dublin._ Kincora, Killaloe.]
[Illustration: _Photo, Lawrence, Dublin._ Shannon Steamer.]
The ancient city of Portumna was once the chief pass and means of
communication between Connaught and North Munster. Between Portumna, at
the head of Lough Derg and Banagher, are the rich meadow lands of
Galway, along which the river winds tranquilly, passing beautifully
wooded islands; its banks green with rich, low-lying pastures. A few
miles from Shannon Bridge is Clonmacnoise, over which hang many ancient
memories of learning, of wars, and of worship.
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