Lough Derg has inspired a wide variety of art and writing, particularly the Celtic origins of St Patrick's Purgatory, an archaic sanctuary which so fascinated the mediaeval world that it drew penitents and pilgrims from every corner of the known world.

The mythical beginnings of the purgatory inspired the name by which the lake is now known. When a mythical bird/serpent who inhabited the lake was allegedly banished by St Patrick, in its death throes her blood coloured the lake, giving it its name 'Loch Dearg'.

Its 32,000 acres are described by Shannon Development as "an unrivalled asset both for the natives of its three adjoining counties, Galway, North Tipperary and Clare and for the countless number of visitors who enjoy the great natural and diverse beauty of its waters, shoreline and its easily accessed inland treasures".

The lake has always captivated visitors. In 1777, the agricultural traveller, Arthur Young, wrote that here "the face of the country gives every circumstance of beauty."

Lough Derg is navigable over its total length of just under 40 kilometres, from Portumna at its northern tip to Killaloe and Ballina in the south and also has access to over 200 kilometres of navigable inland waterways.

Today the lake is not a trade route and has relatively little tourist traffic, apart from the high season months of July and August, Indeed in spring, early summer or during autumn, one can often be alone on this wonderful amenity.

Few of Ireland's lakes offer such easy access or variety of attractions to the hiker, boater, cyclist or motorist. The sheer pleasure of being on the lake's non-tidal waters is exhilarating. Almost anything that floats is available for hire . . . a variety of boats from Shannon cruise hire companies, barges, yachts and dinghies, sailboards and canoes.

Ideally the lake should be explored around its banks and then, if possible, from the water. A cabin cruiser, equipped with dinghy and bicycle, affords excellent and leisurely opportunities for the best of both worlds.

Numerous well-sheltered harbours and good moorings provide peace of mind for the uninitiated, or for those hiring a cruiser for the first time.

Inland from the lake's shores, myriads of fascinating country roads and lanes go everywhere and are havens of tranquillity, echoing rural living at its most tempting.

For those wishing for less strenuous explorations, day cruises and lake excursions on well-equipped licensed craft allow for easy touring of all aspects of the lake in leisurely fashion.

For the watersport enthusiast the facilities are world class. Good sailing breezes and uncluttered expanses provide top class conditions for sailing and windsurfing, excellent for the beginner and challenging for the expert.

The absence of cross-winds and accessible moorings make these some of the most suitable waters in Europe for waterskiing. Canoeing is also becoming quite popular.