10 km plus; 2.5 hrs; Start: Map 59 R814860
A walk of discovery by road and riverbank; Historic

Sli Eala (Swan Way in Irish) links the historic lakeside village of Dromineer to the picturesque bridge and wier at Ballyartella. Set in the heart of Tipperary Lakeside, the route passes through an area of natural beauty with history and ledgend at every turn. The walk for part of its length follows the meandering Nenagh River (An Ghaothach). This river is home to many Mute Swans which give the walk its name.

Nearby Walks . . 
  At Dromineer . . 
         Lough Derg Way 
  Upstream . . 
       Opposite shore . . 
         Portumna Castle 
  Downstream . . 
       Opposite shore . . 
 At Mountshannon 
Aughinish Point 

Waterway Walks
Walks by Lough Derg – Sli Eala    * * 

Maps:

Ordnance Survey of Ireland, Discovery Series 1:50,000
– Map 59, Central Lough Derg including Williamstown, Dromineer, and Garrykennedy

Acknowledgement:

This page was developed from a pamphlet written by Paddy Mackey and designed by Anne Lawlor the production of which was supported by the Tipperary Leader Group. A link to a copy of the pamphlet is provided in the right-hand column. The permission of the Sli Eala Walk Committee to publish the pamphlet and extracts from it is gratefully acknowledged.

A road, a mile of kingdom. I am king
Of banks and stones and every blooming thing.

Patrick Kavanagh, Irish Poet (1905 – 1967)

Notes to map:

  1. Dromineer Castle
  2. Water Pump
  3. Famine Soup Kitchen
  4. Annaghbeg House
  5. Annaghbeg Bridge
  6. Stream Metal Bridge
  7. Mill Race Bridge
  8. Ballyartella Bridge
  9. The Weir
  10. Ballyartella Castle (ruins)
  11. Hanly’s Woolen Mills and Visitor Centre
  12. Ballycommon

Walking notes:

The walk starts at Dromineer (R814860) on the shores of Lough Derg. You follow the Sli Eala signs to reach Annaghbeg Bridge (R831849) by road. From there the route continues along the bank of the Nenagh River. When you arrive at Ballyartella (R840834) you can relax in the picnic area overlooking the wier.

There is a Visitor Centre in the nearby Woollen Mills.

To return to Dromineer you have several options. You may decide to visit the Village of Ballycommon (R836823) or return by quiet roads. See map. An illustrated Guidebook to the Walk can be purchased in the local shops, price 50p.

Your journey will take you through working farms, so always follow the ‘Farmland Code’.

Waterproof footwear is advisable.

By Nenagh River

Sli Eala Brochure