Top 7 Lakes around Leitrim Upper

Leitrim Upper's lakes offer diverse natural features, from the wide trough valley surrounding Blue Lough to the dramatic glacial valley of Glenade Lake, framed by the Dartry Mountains. You'll also find lush greenery, high mountains, and steep cliffs around Glencar Lake, and peaceful forest settings near Silent Valley Duck Pond.

Yes, several lakes are great for families. Silent Valley Duck Pond is a calm spot with picnic benches and a kids' play park. Lough MacNean features an amenity area with car parking, picnic spots, a playground, and a pier. Lough Allen also offers the Acres Lake Boardwalk, a unique floating walkway suitable for all ages.

The region's lakes hold interesting historical and cultural connections. Lough Allen has revealed ancient artifacts, including stone tools and crannógs, when water levels drop. Garadice Lough features wooded islands with historical ruins, such as an Ó Ruairc castle and a 17th-century church. Glencar Lake is famously associated with W.B. Yeats' poem 'The Stolen Child,' inspired by the nearby Glencar Waterfall. Glenade Lake is also linked to the local legend of the 'Dobhar Chú' or water dog.

The lakes provide excellent opportunities for various outdoor activities. Lough Allen is a hub for water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, and offers scenic routes for cycling. Fishing is popular at Lough Allen, Lough MacNean, and Garadice Lough. For land-based activities, you can find numerous easy hikes, running trails, and cycling routes throughout the region.

Yes, fishing is a major draw. Lough Allen is known for pike and trout. Lough MacNean is popular for pike, trout (especially during mayfly season), perch, bream, roach, and hybrids. Garadice Lough is renowned for its excellent coarse fishing, with abundant bream, roach, rudd, perch, pike, and tench, and regularly hosts angling events.

For tranquility, Silent Valley Reservoir is known for its peaceful and tranquil setting amidst the Mourne Mountains. Blue Lough offers a place to pause and enjoy impressive nature. Glenade Lake, nestled in its glacial valley, provides a serene environment with impressive mountain views. Glencar Lake also offers a tranquil setting for walks and enjoying nature.

Yes, you can find unique features. Sandy beach at Lough Shanna offers a surprising sandy shore high in the mountains, perfect for relaxation. Lough Allen features the Acres Lake Boardwalk near Drumshanbo, a floating walkway that's part of the Shannon Blueway, providing unique views for walkers and cyclists.

While specific seasonal guides are not available, the region's natural beauty can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports and fishing, especially during the mayfly season for trout. Autumn offers stunning scenery with changing foliage, and even winter can provide peaceful, atmospheric walks, though some areas like Red Bog Pond can get quite boggy, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

The Acres Lake Boardwalk at Lough Allen is designed for walkers and cyclists, offering an accessible experience. Silent Valley Reservoir also features well-kept paths suitable for strolling. For general easy walks, explore the easy hikes around Leitrim Upper guide.

Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and tranquility. Many enjoy the peaceful settings of places like Silent Valley Reservoir and Blue Lough, where they can pause and enjoy nature. The unique experience of finding a sandy beach at Lough Shanna high in the mountains is also a delight, perfect for relaxation and picnics.

Glencar Lake is mentioned as a tranquil spot for swimming. While the guide does not explicitly list designated 'wild swimming' spots, the serene nature of many lakes, such as Glencar Lake and Lough Allen, suggests opportunities for those seeking a refreshing dip in natural waters. Always exercise caution and check local conditions before swimming in unsupervised areas.

The Lough MacNean Amenity Area offers facilities including car parking, picnic spots, a playground, and a pier. Garadice Lough also provides numerous permanent fishing pegs and car parks for easy access. Glenade Lake has a car park and viewing area at its southern end. Silent Valley Duck Pond has picnic benches available.