Best lakes around Dorsy (Cavan Ohanlon) are primarily found within the Slieve Gullion area, a region characterized by its distinctive hills and historical significance. This landscape features mountain lakes nestled among ancient cairns and rolling terrain. The area offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, with several loughs providing opportunities for exploration.
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 most popular lakes in the Slieve Gullion area, near Dorsy (Cavan Ohanlon), include North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, which combines a Bronze Age cairn with a mountain lake. Another highly regarded spot is Calliagh Beara Lough, notable as the highest lough in Northern Ireland. Visitors also frequently enjoy Camlough Lake, known for its tranquil waters nestled between the hills of Slieve Gullion and the Ring of Gullion.
Yes, Camlough Lake is considered family-friendly, offering a peaceful environment for visitors. Additionally, Glasdrumman Lough is also noted as family-friendly, with an information panel about the Poets Trail nearby, blending nature with local history.
The lakes around Dorsy (Cavan Ohanlon) are rich in history. North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough features a Bronze Age cairn right next to the lough. Glasdrumman Lough is part of the Poets Trail, which shares the history of the region, including information about the nearby O'Neill Castle ruins.
The lakes are set within the distinctive hills of the Slieve Gullion area. You can observe mountain lakes, such as Calliagh Beara Lough, which is the highest lough in Northern Ireland. The landscape offers rolling terrain and serene waters, reflecting the surrounding hills and sky.
The area offers various outdoor activities. You can explore hiking trails, including easy routes like the Slieve Gullion Summit loops, or more challenging options such as The Poets' Trail - Creggan Route. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes like the Ring of Gullion Cycle Tours. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide and road cycling guide for Dorsy (Cavan Ohanlon).
Yes, there are several hiking trails. For instance, you can hike to North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough. The Poets' Trail also passes by Glasdrumman Lough. You can find a range of options, from easy to difficult, in the hiking guide for Dorsy (Cavan Ohanlon).
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The tranquil waters, especially at Camlough Lake, offer a peaceful environment. The historical significance of sites like the Bronze Age cairn near North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, and the legends associated with Calliagh Beara Lough, add a unique charm. The area is also valued for its scenic views and opportunities for cycling and walking.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The roads around Camlough Lake are not very busy, allowing for relaxed cycling. There are dedicated road cycling routes in the area, such as those included in the Road Cycling Routes around Dorsy (Cavan Ohanlon) guide.
Yes, there are easy hiking routes available. For example, the Slieve Gullion Summit loop that includes Calliagh Beara Lough is an easy option. You can find more easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Dorsy (Cavan Ohanlon) guide.
Calliagh Beara Lough, situated between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, holds the distinction of being the highest lough in Northern Ireland.
Yes, the region is steeped in local legends. Calliagh Beara's Lough, next to the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion, is said to be the home of the witch Beara, adding a mystical element to its natural beauty.


Still not found your perfect lake around Dorsy (Cavan Ohanlon)? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.