Things to do

Things to do at Fuchsia Lane Farm
Staying at Fuchsia Lane Farm affords you an opportunity to immerse yourself in a real rural retreat. You will experience the lush green landscape, the peace and quiet and the unique country sounds that can only be found on a traditional family farm. As soon as you arrive, you will enjoy the tranquility, space and privacy of Fuchsia Lane Farm, and will soon appreciate that have created something special here and understand why so many of our guests return time and time again.
Here you can take time to relax on the lawns or ramble down the lane to the adjacent bog and view the unique flora and fauna of this beautiful habitat. It is a haven for wildlife including frogs, lizards, dragonflies as well as rare species of orchids and birds. A special moment of any Irish summer in the bog is hearing the skylark’s uplifting song and witnessing the magic of the gentle bog cotton forming a mantle on the bog.
In our native woodland have created a unique relaxation/meditation space where you can listen to the sound of the breeze through the trees or just laze in the hammock. This space has also become popular as a family adventure and picnic destination for younger guests.
You may wish to explore our little orchard and vegetable garden and why not say hello to our hens who may have already provided you with some eggs for breakfast!
Staying indoors we have stacks of toys, books and boardgames to keep all ages happy. We also have our Haybarn Hub, a new option for 2023, where you can gather with your friends and family, enjoy table tennis, yoga or simply watch your favourite movie on the big screen!
If you feel more energetic why not use the play area, improve your basketball, tennis, soccer or hurling shots on the ball court. Our younger guests love the go-kart and other toys and of course don’t forget to check out the fairy tree!
Our Border Collie, Jessie, always welcomes any opportunity to be brought for a walk!
Feel free to take one of our bikes to explore the local roads and make your way to the village and lakeside and then return to relax in the sauna – what could be nicer?
Why not book your family holiday in conjunction with a local activity camp? These can range from hurling and football, soccer, horse riding, swimming, tennis, multi sports, gymnastics and dancing. Contact us for details and dates.
For writers, poets, artists, nature lovers Fuchsia Lane Farm is also the perfect destination.
Things to do locally and around Lough Derg
The Lough Derg area allows you a wonderful insight into the rich heritage and culture of Ireland. You will experience warm welcomes in the communities and you will be spoiled by the amazing artisan food producers and award winning eateries found dotted around its shore.
Terryglass village, voted Irelands Best Kept Village in 2016, can be enjoyed at any time of the year. You can enjoy the quayside at the lake where pier jumping is a ritual during the summer months! You can also barbecue here and its an ideal location for a picnic while you watch the gentle waves lap the shore. Feed your bread scraps to the ducks and let the children enjoy the playground at the lakeside.
The Derg Inn and Paddys Pub are both award wining pubs and restaurants with traditional music at the weekends. Become one of the locals, and, if you want to leave your car, the pubs will drop you home to your cottage.
Ireland’s famous national sport of hurling is always worth seeing. Why not call to the local GAA grounds to see our local team, Shannon Rovers, in action.
Activities on the lake include fishing, kayaking and water skiing. Contact us for more details.
Nenagh is the largest town in the locality. Nenagh Castle and Heritage Centre are well worth a visit. You can sample local artisan food produce at the Country Market on Friday mornings. Local award-winning eateries and delicatessens during your day’ s sightseeing or shopping include, Cinnamon Alley, Country Choice, and The Pantry Café. The town also has a new public leisure centre with swimming pool, gym and town park with playground. You can enjoy other amenities such as an 18 hole golf club, tennis club, river walks and public library.
The Silvermines mountains and Upperchurch provide some wonderful walking trails and the Lough Derg Way and Hymany Way long distance routes are close to Fuchsia Lane Farm.
Hanly Tweeds is a long established family woollen mills producing quality fabrics and woollen cloths. It is a great place to pick up a unique article of clothing as the perfect gift!
Birr Castle and Gardens will entrance and entertain you for hours! See what was once the largest telescope in the world, view majestic gardens with plant species from all around the globe and let the child in you delight in the tree house. Birr town is a heritage town with magnificent architecture and great cafés and restaurants.
Downhill Cycling is one of the fastest growing sports and Bike Park Ireland offers everyone from beginners to pros an action packed day out. There are 6 downhill trails to choose from, a fast uplift service, a 2km enduro climb and the largest pump track in the country.
We recommend that you visit Portumna Castle and Gardens, The Irish Famine Workhouse and the wonderful tracks and trails in the Forest Park. Children will also love the playground in the centre of town. The tennis club also welcomes visitors.
Portumna 18 hole Golf Course is located on the edge of the town and there are also opportunities for horse riding and pitch and putt in the area. Pallas Karting is home to Europe’s largest Karting course and also offers the latest craze of Zorbing and other activities.
Portumna is also the place for the fishing enthusiast! Here Maureen and Ciaran at Garry Kenny’s store will equip you with all you need including their invaluable local knowledge regarding the best spots to fish. If you are tempted by the prospect of some retail therapy, Ladies Day boutique, owned by former Rose of Tralee, Muirne Goode, is the place to visit.
If you are interested in the creative side of things, why not visit BombyxMORI where you will meet Astrid Tomrop Hoffman and see her wonderful creations from silk and felt, you can also enjoy her Asian themed tea rooms during the summer season. BombyxMORI is located near Powers Cross, not far from Portumna
Horse riding and pony trekking are available in a number of centres. Agrimhill Horse Farm will bring you along quiet country lanes and along the banks of the picturesque Kylecrow River. Birr Equestrian Centre hold children’s summer camps and regular Sunday treks in the Slieve Bloom mountains.
The recent reintroduction of the White Tailed Eagles and their successful breeding on the islands off Mountshannon makes this lovely lakeside town a must see. While there, why not take the opportunity to visit Holy Island with local historian and guide, Ger Madden? We can give him a call for you!
If you are a lover of chocolate (who isn’t!), a visit to Wilde Irish Chocolates factory in Tuamgraney just outside Scarrif is a treat. Sample the delicious handmade chocolates and experience for yourself this award-winning confectionery.
Tuamgraney also offers the wonderful McKernan Woolen Mills where one can find the most exquisite scarves all lovingly designed and created by Anke, Eugene and their team. You will just have to buy one as a keepsake! The drop across the road to enjoy some food, a coffee or even more at Nuala’s, a wonderful pub/restaurant operated by Nuala and Paul Kilkenny
The sister towns of Killaloe and Ballina are an ideal place to spend some time. Lovers of good food, scones, coffee and all things nice will have to find some time to linger in The Wooden Spoon. Here Laura Kilkenny’s produce will demonstrate what happens when you put all your love for fine ingredients into your work.
Also in Killaloe James Whelan provides cruises on Lough Derg on his boat, the Spirit of Killaloe, and is a great way to experience the river and lake.
Heading north from Killaloe – Ballina, the Graves of The Leinster Men (signposted from Ballina) affords a panoramic view of the Lough Derg area. Alternatively, follow the Lough Derg Drive along the lake and stop at the viewing point, The Lookout, where you can take in the splendour of the majestic Shannon River. Another great vantage point and a nice walking route can be found at Portroe and the Millennium Cross overlooking the lake. See the video below :
The lakeside village of Garrykennedy is well known for Larkin’s Pub, another award-winning eatery! Local traditional musicians also favour this spot so you might be in time for a ‘Seisiún’, in addition to the weekly Sunday evening session from 7 to 9pm.
Things to do further afield
Explore Limerick, St Johns Castle, Bunratty and sample life in medieval times at the Craggaunowen project near Quin, Co Clare. The castle, which dates from 1550AD, is a typical example of a fortified Towerhouse, which was the ordinary residence of the wealthy at that time.
Visit Holycross Abbey, one of Europe’s most significant monastic sites and Farney Castle where you can buy some beautiful crafts. Continue on to the famous Rock of Cashel and experience the breathtaking beauty of a spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. Attractions include an audio-visual show and exhibitions. If you want a real local insight, seek out the grave of Inez’s great grandfather, Edward Ralph Wilson, who is buried at the Rock!
Galway city is well known for its welcome and atmosphere and is just over one hours drive away. Also within an easy drive is the Burren region. The Cliffs of Moher, Ailwee Cave, Doolin Cave, Burren Perfumery, Ballyvaughan, Kinvara are all places to experience. Kilkenny city , Clonmacnoise, Athlone, the Slieve Bloom Mountains, The National Stud are also worth putting on your itinerary.
Rise early and head to Connemara, experience the wild landscape of Maam Cross and experience Clifden. Visit the famous Kylemore Abbey, home of the Benedictine community. Enjoy a perfect day in the walled gardens, the Gothic Church or its many walks and trails. If time allows take a short trip across to the National Park Centre in Letterfrack.
West Clare and Loop Head have become popular day trips for sea fishing and dolphin watching.
Suggested Itineraries
Day 1
If you arrive on a Saturday, perhaps take time to explore Nenagh there are several café’s and restaurants where you will be served the best of food. We recommend The Pantry, Country Choice (also a supplier of artisan food) or Cinnamon Alley.
Day 2
Get to know the area, visit Terryglass village, stroll down to the harbour, have a morning coffee in one of the pubs, Paddys Bar or The Derg Inn. Take one of our bicycles and tour the local lanes, experience the sights and sounds of a rural area with a proud farming tradition. Drop into the sports field in Ballinderry village and see young people practice their hurling skills as they play our national sport.
Return to your cottage where you can savour a box of local seasonal organic produce and free range eggs which we can have delivered to your door by a local producer. The rest of the evening is yours, if you wish to drop down to the local pubs again, they will drop you home later on! Alternatively, it’s a peaceful 25 min walk on a quiet country lane.
Day 3
Explore the Lough Derg area. Portumna Castle and Gardens, the restored Workhouse and the many walks and trails in Portumna Castle. Try the Lough Derg drive, stopping off at the many lakeside villages along the shore. If you reach Mountshannon, enquire about the trips to Holy Island where you can experience the solitude of a monastic settlement. Come back to Terrglass for an evening meal and music in the pubs or continue to enjoy the surprises in your organic hamper!
Day 4
Time to explore the lower lake area. See the commanding view of the lake from the Lookout near Killaloe. Explore Nenagh town, its castle, heritage centre and family owned retail businesses. Ireland’s friendliest town! Take a cruise from Killaloe on The Spirit of Lough Derg. Enjoy the restaurants in Killaloe/Ballina with their early bird menus. Climb the highest point in the locality at Tountinna or visit the Graves of the Leinstermen. Perhaps travel a little inland to the Silvermines Mountains and hike up Keeper Hill.
Day 5
Time to relax, ramble the extensive gardens at Birr Castle and enjoy this Georgian town with its planned streets and magnificent architecture. Experience Lough Boora parklands where a unique eco experience is being created in reclaimed boglands. Visit Clonmacnoise and learn about Irelands monastic past. Paddys Pub has music on Wed nights.
Day 6
If you want shopping don’t miss out on Hanly Woolen and Tweed Mills where you buy beautiful fabric and tweed created by local craftsmen. Return to the craft shop in Terryglass where you know you saw something you needed earlier in the week. Make time for some more music in the pubs, when you go home you will miss them so enjoy it while you can.
Day 7
Relax in the area, say good bye to the friends you have made along the way in the village and plan for when you are going to come back! Enjoy your last visit to the village by attending the trad session in Paddys Pub, it starts at about 10pm.
Day 1
Arrive to your cottage, chill out and remember you have left the hussle and bustle of everyday life behind. Pause and relax, get to know the area best by dropping down to the village for a coffee, a meal or a drink (perhaps all three!) in the local pubs or tea rooms and savour the slow pace and willingness of the local people to engage in conversation.
Day 2
Ask us for ideas and suggestions, let us show you on your map how long it will take you to get to your chosen places. Drive to Birr to see the castle and gardens, continue to Clonmacnoise or the Slieve Bloom Mountains, or Athlone castle and shopping (in Ireland most shops are open on a Sunday too!) Return to Terryglass for the traditional music session in The Derg Inn.
Day 3
Explore Limerick, St Johns Castle, Bunratty and sample life in medieval times at the Craggaunowen project near Quin, Co Clare. The castle, which dates from 1550AD, is a typical example of a fortified Towerhouse, which was the ordinary residence of the wealthy at that time.
Day 4
Stay a little closer to home, visit Holycross Abbey, one of Europes most significant monastic sites and Farney Castle where you can buy some beautiful crafts. Continue on to the famous Rock of Cashel and experience the breathtaking beauty of a spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale including the 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral. Attractions include an audio-visual show and exhibitions. If you want a real local insight seek out the grave of Inez’s great grandfather who is buried at the top of the Rock, there’s a story to that we can tell you later!
Day 5
Rise early and head to Connemara, experience the wild landscape of Maam Cross and experience Clifden. Visit the famous Kylemore Abbey, home of the Benedictine community. Enjoy a perfect day in the walled gardens, the Gothic Church or its many walks and trails. If time allows take a short trip across to the National Park Centre in Letterfrack. Ramble home slowly that evening as you reflect on the ever changing landscape of the Irish countryside.
Day 6
Take it easy, drop down to nearby Portumna, enjoy Portumna Castle and gardens, visit the restored Workhouse and experience how Irish society dealt with the poor and destitute in the late 1800’s. Also visit Portumna Forest Park for an invigorating walk or just a casual stroll. Return to Terryglass that evening for your meal and enjoy the traditional music in Paddys Pub.
Day 7
Relax and reflect on all that you have experienced during your time here, share your photographs with us and tell your friends on twitter and facebook! Spend one last time in the village and plan for your text trip here, it will be like coming home!