Ogonnelloe
(UigConnelloe - territory of the Connellys)
Some 7 km from Tuamgraney, situated on the northern slopes of the Bernagh
mountains, Ogonnelloe village has panoramic views of Lough Derg and its many
islands: Scarifff Bay, Mountshannon, Whitegate, Holy Island, and the waters
stretching towards Dromineer and the Tipperary shore.
Killaloe
(Cill Molua - church or cell of St. Molua)
Killaloe is a charming town, sited on high ground to the west of the narrow bridge
crossing the Shannon. The town boasts plenty of shops, restaurants and lively pubs.
It is the original site of the royal palace of Kincora (Ceann Coraidh, the weir head),
with which Brian Boru, High King of Ireland from 1002 to 1014, is associated.
Beal Boru, what remains of Brian Boru's ring fort, is located at the point where
Lough Derg narrows before the town.
Killaloe is an important fishing and boating centre with facilities for sailing and
water-skiing as well as a large marina. Killaloe is also a base for a number of
hire-cruiser companies and Killaloe sailing club is near by.
St Flannan's Cathedral is a simple sandstone building on the west bank of the river.
The Thorgrim stone, before the doorway, is unique for its ogham and runic inscriptions.
In the grounds is a Romanesque church, St. Flannan's oratory, dating from the 12th century.
St. Molua's Oratory, the small oratory of St. Lua or Molua from whom Killaloe got its
name, is an example of early Irish church building.
Grianan ring fort, the site of the hereditary home of the local rulers the Dal gCais,
is situated on the south-eastern side of a steep hill known as Crag or Cragliath,
(Grey Rock) a short distance away.
Killaloe is the home of two summertime festivals.
The Killaloe International Music Festival attracts large crowds each July when the
Irish Chamber Orchestra perform in St Flannan's Cathedral, whilst Feile Brian Boru,
celebrates of the reign of Brian Boru as High King of Ireland.
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