Top 6 Lakes around Carrowkeel

The most prominent and notable lake in the immediate vicinity of Carrowkeel is Lough Arrow. This scenic freshwater lake is primarily located in County Sligo and is a significant feature of the landscape overlooked by the ancient Carrowkeel complex.

Lough Arrow is a large, picturesque limestone lake with three islands and a long peninsula. It's surrounded by mountains, including the Bricklieve Mountains to the west, the Curlew Mountains to the south, and the Braulieve Mountains to the east. The area is a designated Special Area of Conservation due to its hard water lake habitat and rich biodiversity.

Yes, Lough Arrow is renowned as one of Ireland's outstanding brown trout fisheries, particularly famous for spent gnat fishing. The angling season runs from April 1st to September 30th, with May being popular during the mayfly hatch. Additionally, Lough Melvin also attracts anglers worldwide, being home to three unique species of trout, salmon, and an endemic species of char.

The area around Lough Arrow is a designated Wildlife Sanctuary, supporting a regionally important population of wintering waterfowl. It's a prime breeding site for the Great Crested Grebe and various nesting duck species, including the rare Common Scoter and the Red-breasted Merganser. The protected otter also inhabits Lough Arrow.

Yes, the Lough Arrow region is rich in history and mythology. The Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery itself offers incredible views of Lough Arrow. The massive Heapstown Cairn, one of Ireland's largest Stone Age cairns, is situated on the northern end of Lough Arrow. The east side of the lake is also associated with the ancient epic myth of the Second Battle of Moytura.

Several spots are family-friendly. The View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho offers panoramic views with picnic benches. Meenameen Lough in Lough Navar Forest is peaceful and quiet, suitable for families. The View of Lower Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho is another family-friendly viewpoint over the lake.

Beyond fishing, you can enjoy activities like rowing, kayaking, sailing, and open-water swimming on Lough Arrow. For land-based activities, there are easy hikes and walks around Lough Arrow. You can also find various cycling routes, including touring and road cycling, and easy hiking trails in the wider Carrowkeel area. For more details on routes, check out the Cycling around Carrowkeel, Road Cycling Routes around Carrowkeel, and Easy hikes around Carrowkeel guides.

Yes, Lough Arrow offers opportunities for easy hikes and walks with picturesque routes. Additionally, the wider Carrowkeel area features easy hiking trails such as the Rossergole Point Walk and the Cliffs of Magho loop. You can find more information on these in the Easy hikes around Carrowkeel guide.

Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning panoramic views, especially from viewpoints like the Cliffs of Magho. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere, particularly at places like Meenameen Lough, is also highly valued. The diverse fishing opportunities, especially for trout, are a major draw for anglers.

Absolutely. The View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho provides sensational panoramic views over Lough Erne and towards the Atlantic Ocean. The View from the Cliffs of Magho also offers great views of the lake even during the ascent, with benches for breaks.

The angling season for brown trout on Lough Arrow runs from April 1st to September 30th, with May being particularly popular during the mayfly hatch. Generally, spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty and wildlife.