Lakes around Shanroe are primarily found within the scenic landscapes of the Slieve Gullion and Ring of Gullion areas, characterized by rolling hills and tranquil waters. This region in Ireland offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, with ancient sites often situated near its loughs. The terrain provides opportunities for exploring both mountain summits and serene lake shores. Visitors can experience diverse natural features, from calm stretches of water to elevated loughs.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Camlough Lake is picturesquely nestled between the rolling hills of Slieve Gullion and the Ring of Gullion. Cycling along the narrow roads on the shore, you immediately feel the tranquility that emanates from the long stretch of water. The lake stretches for more than two kilometers and seems like a narrow, silent crack in the landscape - a peaceful place to take a short break or let your gaze wander over the water. I decided to take a little detour and cycled a little closer to the shore on a path. The water was almost still and reflected the range of hills that rise in the background. It may be a paradise for fishermen, but cyclists also enjoy the special atmosphere. The roads around the lake are not very busy and you can cycle in a relaxed manner without having to constantly pay attention to the traffic. One small criticism: some of the access roads are not well signposted, but if you look around a bit, you'll surely find a good place to get to the shore and enjoy the scenery.
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Along Glasdrumman Lough you walk along a calm body of water surrounded by green hills. The lake lies still and reflects the blue sky while the gentle waves break the sunlight. On one side of the road there is a sign telling you about the Poets' Trail - a hiking trail that shares not only the nature but also the history of this region with you. The information board tells you about the nearby O'Neill Castle, of which only ruins remain today. Here you can immerse yourself in the world of old Irish poems and legends that have their place along this trail. It is a place where nature and culture meet.
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As soon as you cross the gentle ridge of Slieve Gullion, the North Cairn stretches out before you - a slightly smaller hill than its southern neighbour, but no less impressive. The stones that gather here seem like silent sentinels, witnesses of the distant Bronze Age. Two ancient stone boxes were once found here during excavations, which lay hidden in the depths of history. The North Cairn, with its diameter of around 18 metres, invites you to pause for a moment and enjoy the peace. But it is not just the Cairn that is fascinating. Right next to it lies "Calliagh Beara's Lough", a quiet mountain lake that, according to legend, is the home of the witch Beara. On a clear day, the sky is reflected in the calm waters and you can almost feel the ancient magic of this place coming to life. The road here may be rocky, but the landscape rewards with sweeping views and a touch of mysticism that makes Slieve Gullion something special.
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This lough, located between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, is the highest in Northern Ireland.
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Next to this part of the road, you can clearly observe Glasdrumman Lough. On one side of the road, there is also an information panel about the Poets Trail, which passes through here, explaining the history of O'Neill Castle.
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Camlough Lake The often calm, tranquil waters of Cam Lough stretch for just over two kilometers in a north-west to south-east direction. This narrow, elongate lough provides rich waters for the fisherman and marks a break in the lines of hills that surround Slieve Gullion, the Ring of Gullion.
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The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion is somewhat smaller than the South Cairn; it measures about 18 meters in diameter. During excavations, two stone boxes from the Bronze Age were found in the hill. Right next to it is the "Calliagh Beara's Lough" on top of the ridge.
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The lakes around Shanroe are primarily found within the scenic Slieve Gullion and Ring of Gullion areas. Notable examples include North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, which is a mountain lake next to an ancient Bronze Age burial site, and Camlough Lake, a tranquil, elongate lough nestled between rolling hills.
Yes, North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough is located next to a Bronze Age burial site. Additionally, along Glasdrumman Lough, you can find an information panel about the Poets Trail, which explains the history of O'Neill Castle, connecting nature with local heritage.
You can expect diverse natural features, from serene, calm waters reflecting the sky to elevated mountain loughs. The region is characterized by rolling hills and tranquil waters, offering a blend of natural beauty. For instance, Calliagh Beara Lough is notable as the highest lough in Northern Ireland, situated between burial cairns on Slieve Gullion.
Yes, some lakes are family-friendly. Camlough Lake is a peaceful setting suitable for families, and Glasdrumman Lough, with its Poets Trail, offers a gentle walk alongside calm waters, combining nature with local history, which can be engaging for families.
The area around Shanroe's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including moderate routes like the 'Slieve Gullion loop from Forkhill Road' or the 'Poet's Trail: Forkhill Route'. Cycling is also popular, with options ranging from moderate touring bicycle routes like the 'Camlough Lake loop from Camlough' to road cycling routes. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide and cycling guide for Shanroe.
Absolutely. Many lakes are integrated into hiking routes. For example, you can find trails that lead to or around North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, offering sweeping views. The 'Poet's Trail' passes along Glasdrumman Lough. For a comprehensive list of trails, refer to the hiking guide around Shanroe.
The highest lough in Northern Ireland is Calliagh Beara Lough, which is located between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion.
Visitors appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. The calm waters of lakes like Camlough Lake offer a peaceful setting, while the mystical atmosphere and sweeping views from locations like North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, with its ancient sites, are also highly valued.
Yes, there are several cycling routes that allow you to experience the lakes. For instance, the 'Camlough Lake loop from Camlough' is a moderate touring bicycle route that takes you around Camlough Lake. You can find more cycling options in the cycling guide for Shanroe.
The terrain around the lakes varies, characterized by rolling hills and mountain landscapes, particularly in the Slieve Gullion and Ring of Gullion areas. You'll find paths ranging from gentle shores, such as those around Glasdrumman Lough, to rocky ascents leading to mountain lakes like North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough.
While specific cafes or pubs directly adjacent to each lake are not detailed in the guide, the lakes are situated within the broader Slieve Gullion and Ring of Gullion areas. These regions typically offer amenities in nearby villages and towns, which would include options for refreshments.
While the guide focuses on prominent lakes, the entire region of Slieve Gullion and the Ring of Gullion is rich with natural beauty. Exploring the various trails, such as those mentioned in the hiking guide, might lead you to discover smaller, less frequented loughs and serene spots that offer a sense of a hidden gem.


Still not found your perfect lake around Shanroe? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.