Lough Ree, known as the Lake of the Kings, is the fifth-largest lake in Ireland by area at 105 square kilometres, situated along the River Shannon waterway between counties Longford, Roscommon, and Westmeath. The lake is studded with 52 islands and is designated as a Special Area of Conservation. While the greater part of the lake is less than 10 metres in depth, six deep troughs run north to south, reaching a maximum depth of approximately 36 metres just west of Inchmore. This combination of shallow bays and deeper open water gives the lake a varied character that rewards careful route planning.

Access points include Coosan Point, which offers a boat ramp and parking, and the Lanesborough/Ballyleague area at the northern end, where small harbours on both sides of the bridge accommodate canoe and kayak launches. A public marina on the western bank of the Shannon at Lanesborough, built by Waterways Ireland, also includes a slipway suitable for launching smaller craft. Hodson Bay, a few kilometres north of Athlone, provides another accessible entry point where kayak hire is available through Baysports.

The lake's many islands offer natural stopping points for multi-day trips. Inishcleraun (Quaker Island) contains the remains of churches founded in AD 540 and a fort built against Viking raids. Monastic ruins can also be found on Inis Inchturk, Inis Inchmore, Inis Inchbofin, and Inis Ainghin (Hare Island). These historical sites give paddling routes a strong cultural dimension alongside the natural scenery.

Wildlife on the lake includes widgeon, teal, great crested grebes, water rails, and cormorants. The lake also holds strong stocks of pike, bream, roach, tench, and trout, with pike exceeding 9 kilograms recorded. No fishing licence is required to fish Lough Ree or the River Shannon.

The lake's open expanse and exposure to wind make conditions variable, and paddlers should be aware that the deep troughs and large surface area can generate significant wave action in unsettled weather. Multi-day canoe camping trips are feasible given the availability of islands, though some island land is privately farmed. The lake is most commonly paddled in summer months, with the June to August period offering the longest daylight hours and generally more stable conditions.