Derg playgrounds: a child’s paradise
From monkey bars to zip-lines, merry-go-rounds and turret-esque slides, the incredible playgrounds dotted around Lough Derg are sure to keep your energetic little gymnasts entertained through the summer months.
While family holidays are a chance to create treasured memories, it can be difficult to find activities to entertain your little ones.
Once lunch-time rolls around, and they’re still brimming with energy, it’s time for a trip to some of the best playgrounds in the land – many situated around Lough Derg.
From outdoor pursuits to scenic walks, tours and markets – there’s plenty for all the family in Lough Derg. A visit to one of these play-parks is a super way to immerse your kids in nature, mania and screen-free fun – while you observe at a safe distance.
VAST CHOICE
With up to 15 amazing play-parks to choose from, you may find it difficult to squeeze in the other sights and sounds of the lakelands. Here’s a glimpse at what’s on offer:
KILLALOE PLAYGROUND
Killaloe Playground in Killaloe has swings and slides galore! Get your children’s imagination going and watch them socialise and build friendships with other visiting kiddies. They are guaranteed to be bursting with excitement - especially when they’re whizzing down the zip line!
Or take the kids to the oasis of calm that is Birdhill's children's park. This little woodland park is full to the brim with intriguing mysteries and exciting possibilities. Learn about the Tuatha Dé Danann and the animal friends of the fairy folk. You can bring a picnic and dine in the rose garden, spy on a fairy council meeting before you head over to the wishing chair to close your eyes and think very hard about what it is you want to wish for. Find all the fairy homes; they are up high and down low and pick your favourite. In the centre of the woodland, there is a ‘Nook’. A space where you can retreat to for quiet time- and still see everything that's going on, some of the windows look right out on the Fairy council.
BALLINA PLAYGROUND
Ballina Playground is right beside the lovely Lough Derg, an amenity not to be missed. The playground is spacious and modern with a range of swings, slides, bridges, tunnels and climbing units.
If you don't want to travel too far then the Nenagh Town Park playground is a truly special place. It was built by architects who felt that it would create a sense of magic to extend play across the park and not just fence it within the formal playground. Perfect for your little ramblers.
Other playgrounds around the lake include a very good one at Dromineer while down the lake shore there is Castlelough playground which was built to be inclusive of all ages.
There is also a playground in Garrykennedy which is a seriously fun spot for children of all ages and this pretty place is a fun spot to have a picnic.
BORRISOKANE TOWN PARK
The Borrisokane town park playground is a very spacious development with state-of-the art equipment. Your children will be able to play to their heart’s content and then stroll down to the duck pond where you’re sure to find lots of bread-wielding children.
Meanwhile, just twenty minutes up the road Portumna playground is vibrant and inviting. There’s plenty of equipment to keep kids entertained for hours and they are sure to make a few buddies as it has many interactive play areas. There are also benches for adults to relax and read a book in the comfort that their kids are in a happy and safe space.
TERRYGLASS
Located next to the harbour in Terryglass, this enclosed and spacious playground has glorious views of Lough Derg. There is a wide array of equipment for the kiddies to choose from, they won’t be disappointed! Along side the playground there is a Fairy Trail, with a seriously impressive entrance sculpture.
THE CLARE SIDE
Other playgrounds well worth a visit include Scarriff Riverside Park, which is situated along the walkway that extends along the town's river. Not only does it boast merry-go-rounds and monkey bars, it has outdoor gym contraptions
Mountshannon Community Playground playground is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Mountshannon, a stone’s throw away from Mountshannon harbour. Children of all ages are guaranteed to be enamoured by the super fun swings, especially the spider climber.
Another option is to start your day off with the loop route which is O’Brien’s Bridge Riverside Walk to get those heart rates up and then let your kiddies unwind and their imaginations run wild at the local playground with its unique turret-esque slides, in the lovely village of O’Briensbridge.
Or why not visit the Woodpark Forest Trail at Mountshannon. It's a beautiful natural woodland area covering 72 acres, within 1.6km from Mountshannon Village. It has two main entrance points which can be reached on foot but is also accessible by car. The entrance points have detailed information boards about the woodland trails and wildlife. The wonderful Fairy Trail is a very popular attraction for a family day out.