Lakes near Carrowmannan offer diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities within County Armagh, often referred to as the "Orchard County." While Carrowmannan is a small townland, its surrounding area features several notable lakes. These bodies of water contribute to the region's rich environment, providing tranquil settings and varied outdoor experiences.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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.
2
0
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.
1
0
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.
1
0
This lough, located between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, is the highest in Northern Ireland.
0
0
This peaceful pond located in the heart of the village of Bessbrook is an ideal place for a waterside stroll along its paths.
0
0
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.
1
0
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.
3
0
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.
3
0
The region offers a variety of natural features. You can visit Camlough Lake, known for its tranquil waters nestled among the hills of the Ring of Gullion. For a unique experience, explore North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, a quiet mountain lake located on the ridge of Slieve Gullion, which is also the highest lough in Northern Ireland.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly options. Bessbrook Pond, located in the heart of Bessbrook village, is ideal for leisurely waterside strolls. Glasdrumman Lough also features family-friendly trails and historical points of interest.
The lakes around Carrowmannan are rich in history. North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough is situated near an ancient Bronze Age cairn. Additionally, Glasdrumman Lough is part of the Poets Trail, which shares the history of the region, including information about the nearby O'Neill Castle ruins.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. Hiking is popular, with routes like the 'Camlough Mountain & Lake loop' and 'Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop'. For more options, check out the Hiking around Carrowmannan guide. The Carnagh Forest Lakes are also popular for coarse fishing and offer walking trails.
Absolutely. There are several hiking trails, including easy options like the 'Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond' and the 'Slieve Gullion Summit loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Easy hikes around Carrowmannan guide.
Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake on the island of Ireland and in the British Isles, with its southern shore touching County Armagh. It's a significant natural landmark, supplying a substantial portion of Northern Ireland's drinking water. The lake and its surroundings are rich in history and folklore, with areas like Oxford Island Nature Reserve offering opportunities for nature exploration and birdwatching.
For fishing enthusiasts, Camlough Lake is known for its rich waters. Additionally, the Carnagh Forest Lakes are part of the DAERA Public Angling Estate and are a popular destination for coarse fishing. You can find more information on angling in County Armagh on the DAERA website.
Yes, the area offers several scenic viewpoints. The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough provides sweeping views from its elevated position. Camlough Lake also offers picturesque views as it's nestled among the hills of the Ring of Gullion.
The lakes and their surrounding areas are home to diverse flora and fauna. Lough Neagh, for example, has significant ecological importance, with Oxford Island Nature Reserve being a prime spot for birdwatching. The tranquil environments of lakes like Camlough Lake also support various local wildlife.
While not directly adjacent to all lakes, there are mountain biking opportunities in the broader region. Routes like the 'Carlingford Castle loop' and trails around Kilbroney Caravan Park are accessible from nearby Newry. For more details, refer to the MTB Trails around Carrowmannan guide.
Visitors appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Many enjoy the peaceful waters of Camlough Lake and the mystical atmosphere around North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough. The well-maintained paths around Bessbrook Pond are also popular for relaxed strolls.
Yes, the Carnagh Forest Lakes are located within the Carnagh Forest area and are part of the DAERA Public Angling Estate in County Armagh. They are a popular destination for coarse fishing and feature a walking trail around their circumference. More details can be found on the DAERA website.


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