Best lakes around Legmoylin are found within the wider County Armagh region, offering diverse natural attractions. This area, particularly South Armagh, features a landscape characterized by rolling hills and significant loughs. The region provides opportunities for outdoor activities, with several lakes known for their scenic settings and recreational potential.
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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While Legmoylin itself doesn't have prominent lakes, the broader County Armagh region offers several significant bodies of water. These include Lough Neagh, Ireland's largest lake, Camlough Lake nestled between Camlough Mountain and Slieve Gullion, Seagahan Dam known for fly fishing, and Carnagh Forest Lakes with walking trails. Other lakes like Clay Lake, Loughgall Lake, Lowry's Lake, and Shaw's Lake also provide recreational opportunities.
The highest lough in Northern Ireland is Calliagh Beara Lough, situated between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion. It is also found next to the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion.
Yes, several lakes in County Armagh are popular for fishing. Camlough Lake is well-stocked with pike, bream, roach, and perch, though permits are required for boat fishing. Seagahan Dam, Lowry's Lake, and Shaw's Lake are regularly stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout and are primarily fly-fishing lakes. Loughgall Lake and a portion of Lough Neagh also offer angling opportunities. For detailed information on fishing permits and regulations, you can visit the DAERA Public Angling Estate website.
The area around Legmoylin's lakes offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including those around Slieve Gullion and the Poets' Trail. There are also cycling routes that offer scenic views, such as the Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours. For those who enjoy a brisk pace, running trails like the Slieve Gullion running loop are available.
Yes, there are walking trails around some of the lakes. Carnagh Forest Lakes features a walking trail around its circumference. Near Glasdrumman Lough, you can find a section of the Poets' Trail, which combines natural beauty with local history. While Camlough Lake doesn't have a dedicated circular trail, the roads along its shore are popular for relaxed cycling and walking, offering tranquil views.
Yes, several spots are suitable for families. Camlough Lake is noted as family-friendly, offering a peaceful setting. Glasdrumman Lough, with its Poets' Trail, is also considered family-friendly, providing an opportunity to enjoy nature and learn about local history. Many of the moderate hiking routes in the Ring of Gullion area are also suitable for families.
The lakes around Legmoylin, particularly within the Ring of Gullion, offer diverse natural features. You'll find scenic loughs nestled between rolling hills, such as Camlough Lake. Mountain lakes like Calliagh Beara Lough provide stunning, high-altitude views. The vast expanse of Lough Neagh supports a rich ecosystem, important for birdwatching. Many lakes are surrounded by forested areas and farmland, creating serene environments.
Yes, the area combines natural beauty with historical significance. Near Calliagh Beara's Lough on Slieve Gullion, you can find Bronze Age cairns, ancient burial sites that add a mystical element to the landscape. The Poets' Trail near Glasdrumman Lough also highlights the history of the region, including information about the nearby O'Neill Castle ruins.
The best time to visit the lakes around Legmoylin generally depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer (April to September) offer milder weather, ideal for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the scenic views. The longer daylight hours are perfect for extended outdoor exploration. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a stark, serene beauty, though some trails might be more challenging due to weather conditions.
While the lakes offer beautiful scenery, specific designated wild swimming spots are not widely promoted for the lakes around Legmoylin. Many lakes in the region are used for fishing or are reservoirs. If considering wild swimming, it's crucial to research local regulations, water quality, and safety guidelines for any specific lake, as conditions can vary and not all bodies of water are suitable or safe for swimming.
For information on fishing permits, especially for lakes like Seagahan Dam, Loughgall Lake, Lowry's Lake, and Shaw's Lake, you should consult the official sources. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) provides details on public angling estates and permits. You can find more information on their website: daera-ni.gov.uk.
Carnagh Forest Lakes features a walking trail around its circumference, which is generally suitable for dog walking. When visiting any lake or trail with your dog, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or livestock, and to follow the Leave No Trace principles by cleaning up after your pet. Always check for specific local signage regarding dog access.


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