Garrykennedy (Garraí Uí Chinnéide in Irish) is a townland, settlement and harbour in the historical Barony of Owney and Arra, North Tipperary, Ireland. It is located on the eastern shore of Lough Derg (Shannon) 2 km north of Portroe. It is a very relaxing and enjoyable place along the lough which is known for its beautiful views, its fishing culture and its holiday atmosphere.
On entering the harbour, you will see the ruins of a medieval castle. This was inhabited by the O’Kennedys, who were once the dominant family of the area. Only a corner pillar now remains but its fallen stonework was used to construct the harbour in the early 19th century. Garrykennedy was once a hive of activity, as the local slate quarry would export slate all over Ireland. Barges delivering turf and barrels of Guinness stout to the town-lands of Tipperary would also dock at the harbour during this period.
Within the harbour you will find a pretty park dotted with picnic areas and barbeque facilities. There is a playground for the children and pony rides can be arranged from Newtown, located ten minutes away.
Garrykennedy Castle, a ruined tower house located beside the water was once an clan home built in the 15th Century. By the mid-17th Century the castle was already a ruin.
The harbour was once important for transporting goods, particularly slate from nearby mines. The present quay, built about 1780 is classified as being of Architectural, Archaeological and Technical interest but is now a leisure facility with a modern marina nearby. Cruisers are particularly attracted here by the local pubs, known for their food and music.
St Mary’s Church, a detached gable front building with bellcote from 1872. Stained glass, arched windows and mouldings are signs of skilled craftsmen.This small church is notable for Architectural, Artistic and Social reasons.
Kiltybardon lake can be found on the road from Ballinamore to Carrick-on-Shannon. The water is 8 - 12 feet deep, and is very easy to fish for bream, roach, hybrids, perch and pike.
Also in the area are Bolgonard lake, Corgar lake and Lough Awaddy.
Drumlaheen lake covers over 200 acres, and although it's not easy to fish, some of the biggest bream and roach have been caught here.
Keshcarrigan lake needs some baiting, but bream of up to 4 pounds have been caught here, along with roach, perch and hybrids.
Lough Scur is a well known water which can be accessed via the Erne system. Plenty of bream, roach, hybrids, skimmers and perch. The water 6 - 10 feet deep.
Carrickport lake is about three miles from the town and is a good water with bream of 3-4lb and good roach and hybrids. The lake has depth of up to 20 feet.
Castlefore Lake has very good stocks of bream and roach, although it may need pre-baiting as it's not fished very often.
Sheebeg and its bigger brother Sheemor, are both reputed to be faiery hills, inhabited by the mystical race of the 'Sidhe' of ancient Ireland. Sheebeg is reputed to be the burial ground of the great Irish mythical hero Fionn MacCumhaill. On the summit is a passage mound built by stone age man to accurately predict the seasons.