Top 5 Lakes around Maytown
Best lakes around Maytown are situated amidst the rolling hills and ancient landscapes of the Slieve Gullion and Ring of Gullion area. This region is characterized by its tranquil loughs and historical sites, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. The area provides opportunities for exploring diverse aquatic environments, from mountain lakes to peaceful ponds.
Best lakes around Maytown
- The most popular lakes is North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, a summit that features…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough
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Camlough Lake
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Calliagh Beara Lough
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Bessbrook Pond
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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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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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This peaceful pond located in the heart of the village of Bessbrook is an ideal place for a waterside stroll along its paths.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Maytown are best for families?
For a family-friendly experience, Camlough Lake is an excellent choice. It's a narrow, elongate lough that offers rich waters for fishing and is nestled amidst scenic hills. Another great option is Bessbrook Pond, a peaceful spot in the heart of Bessbrook village, ideal for a waterside stroll.
Are there any historical or natural monuments among the lakes near Maytown?
Yes, the area is rich in both. North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough is a summit featuring a Bronze Age stone box site, with the lough reflecting the sky nearby. Additionally, Calliagh Beara Lough itself is an intermediate lake and natural monument, notable for being the highest lough in Northern Ireland, situated between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Maytown?
The Maytown area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling on routes like the 'Gosford Park loop from Newry' or 'Climb by Rostrevor Forest – Warrenpoint Shore Road loop'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails such as 'Newry, Carnavaddy and Annaloughan Mountain loop'. For hikers, there are easy trails like the 'Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond' or the 'Camlough Mountain Summit – Summit of Ring of Gullion loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the respective guides: Road Cycling Routes around Maytown, MTB Trails around Maytown, and Easy hikes around Maytown.
Are there easy walking paths around the lakes?
Yes, for easy walks, Bessbrook Pond offers peaceful paths ideal for a waterside stroll. Additionally, the 'Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond' is an easy hike covering about 4.3 km, perfect for a relaxed outing. You can find more easy hikes in the Easy hikes around Maytown guide.
What makes Calliagh Beara Lough unique?
Calliagh Beara Lough is unique for several reasons: it is the highest lough in Northern Ireland, nestled between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion. It's also associated with the ancient legend of the witch Beara, adding a mystical element to its natural beauty.
Can I go fishing in the lakes near Maytown?
Yes, Camlough Lake is known for its rich waters, making it a popular spot for fishing. While specific details on fishing regulations or permits are not provided here, it's generally considered a good location for anglers.
What kind of views can I expect around the lakes?
The lakes around Maytown offer picturesque views. From North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, you can enjoy sweeping views from the ridge. Camlough Lake provides scenic vistas of the surrounding hills, while Bessbrook Pond offers tranquil waterside views within the village setting.
Are there any lakes suitable for cycling around?
Yes, Camlough Lake is a great option for cyclists. The roads around the lake are not very busy, allowing for relaxed cycling along its narrow, elongate stretch of water, with views of the surrounding hills.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Maytown?
The lakes around Maytown, situated in the Slieve Gullion and Ring of Gullion area, offer natural beauty year-round. However, for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring and summer typically provide the most pleasant weather. The area is known for its tranquil loughs and historical sites, which can be appreciated in any season, though some mountain paths might be more challenging in winter.
What do visitors appreciate most about the lakes in the Maytown area?
Visitors to the Maytown lakes appreciate the blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. The tranquil loughs, like Calliagh Beara's Lough, offer a sense of mysticism and ancient history. The scenic views, opportunities for fishing at places like Camlough Lake, and peaceful strolls around Bessbrook Pond are highly valued by the komoot community.
Are there any mountain lakes in the Maytown region?
Yes, the Maytown area is known for its mountain lakes. Calliagh Beara's Lough, located on top of the ridge near the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion, is a prime example of a quiet mountain lake. Calliagh Beara Lough is specifically noted as the highest lough in Northern Ireland, nestled within the Slieve Gullion landscape.
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Still not found your perfect lake around Maytown? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
