Lough Derg is Ireland's third-largest lake, covering approximately 32,000 acres and sitting on the River Shannon — the longest river in Ireland. The lake stretches roughly north to south from the town of Portumna down to the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina, bordering three counties: Clare, Galway, and Tipperary. Its elongated shape and considerable size mean that prevailing winds, which typically blow from the southwest in Ireland, are a significant factor for paddlers, particularly on a north-to-south traverse.

For experienced kayakers, canoeists, and stand-up paddleboarders, the lake offers around 160 kilometres of paddling possibilities, with 14 formal access points distributed around the shoreline. The Lough Derg Blueway provides well-mapped trails suitable for varying skill levels, with sheltered bays and harbours offering more manageable conditions for less experienced paddlers. One notable route runs from Scarriff Harbour to Holy Island Pier, a distance of 7.5 kilometres each way. The initial section follows a narrow river channel that provides some shelter from wind, though paddlers should be aware that motor cruisers also use this channel, and the return upstream journey can be more demanding due to river flow. The Holy Island pier is approximately 6 kilometres north of Scarriff and 1 kilometre south of Mountshannon on the R352.

Wildlife on the lake includes white-tailed sea eagles, swans, and leaping trout. The lake also holds considerable historical and cultural significance, with early Christian monastic settlements on Holy Island and at Terryglass, and a long history as a transport route for the region.

Lough Derg Watersports operates guided kayak tours from Kilgarvan Quay on the northeast shore in County Tipperary, with qualified Canoeing Ireland instructors leading sessions for all experience levels, including family tours and children's camps. Equipment including helmets, buoyancy aids, paddles, and wetsuits is provided. Wild camping along the shores is technically possible, though it exists in a legal grey area in Ireland and is generally tolerated only when practised with a leave-no-trace approach in remote areas, arriving late and departing early.