Like any other country, Ireland has no shortage of lakes. Rough estimates place the number of its lakes at over 12,000!
Together, Ireland’s lakes cover over 1,200 sq km (463 sq m), making up 1.71% of Ireland’s total landmass of about 84,421 sq km (32,595 sq m).
This makes it quite difficult for a potential visitor like you to choose which lake to visit. To help you choose, we have shortlisted ten of the most outstanding ones.
Just a small tidbit before we set out: the exact choice of which lake to visit largely depends on what exactly you are up to versus what that particular lake is best-known for.
10. Lough Inagh, Co. Galway — exudes raw, dramatic beauty and provides a world-class fishing resource
If you are a dedicated angler who just wants to catch fish, there is no better lake for you than this. Situated at the heart of Connemara valley, it is encircled by the Twelve Bens and Maumturk mountain ranges.
Apart from world-class fishing, it is also great for general sightseeing. The reason is that it gives off raw, dramatic beauty that is pretty breathtaking to gaze at!
All these benefits are provided in an environment that is extremely detached, tranquil, and serene. Put differently, it is the ideal location to retreat to if you also want to unwind.
9. Lough Derg, Co. Clare/Galway/Tipperary — particularly suited for the boating and watersport enthusiast
Sprawling across three counties of Tipperary, Galway, and Clare, this is the perfect go-to for all of your water-sporting undertakings.
The lake boasts a 179-km (111 miles) shoreline, vast rolling waters and an island right at its heart. Together, these resources blend to provide great opportunities for water-sporting and other aquatic activities.
Adding to all these is the famous McDermott’s Castle. It is a fairy-tale fortress that occupies its own tiny island at the heart of the lake. The island is a great place to escape to if you want to reset from the otherwise busy schedule.
8. Lower Lough Erne, Co. Fermanagh – features a network of 90 island havens as well as pristine waterways
Prepping for a holiday or some kind of retreat? This lake should be at the top of your checklist!
As you may have already deduced, it offers many vacation and retreat opportunities. At the core of these is the network of 90 island havens and pristine waterways.
A visit to the island gives you the opportunity to take boat rides, walk around, gaze at the surrounding natural beauty, eat, and sleep in any of the numerous luxury resorts.
7. Lough Corrib, Co. Galway — perfect for camping and long vacations
Perhaps no other lake in this list is as comprehensive as this one. Among others, it incorporates a range of resources and amenities in one standard package.
These include, but are not limited to, hundreds of islands, lots of greenery and campsites, and a somewhat rugged shoreline.
These combine with the historic Ashford Castle to give you just about every reason to set up base here for a longer duration of time.
Fun fact: This is the largest lake in Ireland!
6. Lough Key, Co. Roscommon — perhaps the most history-rich of all of Ireland’s lakes!
Ireland has a long, rich history that goes far back in time to around the year 8,000 B.C.! Perhaps no other lake provides you with the opportunity to explore Ireland’s past than this.
A combination of Island castle fortress and heavy attachment to Irish mythology makes it just the right place to be if all you want is to dig deep into Ireland’s past.
While at the lake, take time to hop onto any of the 30 forested islands that dot it. You are also assured of some sense of peace thanks to the fact that waves hardly hit its surface.
Several boating companies have a presence here. This means your transport out and about the numerous islands is assured of maximum peace and tranquility.
5. Muckross Lake, Co. Kerry — great for diving, rowing and snorkeling
Muckross Lake is the deepest in Ireland. Because of this, it is the best lake to consider if you want to deep dive, row, or snorkel. In a nutshell, it is a peaceful and detached ‘oasis’ that is wholly surrounded by old, mossy woodlands.
Making these feats even more possible is the fact that the lake enjoys maximum quietness and tranquility year-round. You may be sure not to be tossed out and about as you row quietly.
You will find it tucked in Killarney National Park. As you visit the lake, do not forget to make a stopover at “Meeting of the Waters.” This is the point where Mount Killarney’s three lakes converge right next to the historic Dinis Cottage!
4. Lough Leane, Co. Kerry — the best place for a leisure lover and a sightseer
No other lake on this list has a higher concentration of monastery ruins and historic castles than Lake Leane. Of these, Innisfallen Abbey, Muckross Abbey, Ross Castle, Castlelough Castle, and Parkavonear Castle stand out.
Other than these, the lake also features forested islands, historical ruins, a shimmering surface, and nearby romantic landscapes. You have it for your consideration if you are a leisure lover and sightseer.
As you walk around the lake, you will also get the rare opportunity of digging deeper into Irish mythology thanks to its deep connections to the same.
3. Glendalough Upper Lake, Co. Wicklow — best for photography
‘Glendalough’ translates to the ‘valley of the two lakes.’ This is because it is situated right at the heart of a dramatic U-shaped glacier valley.
It offers a blend of pristine mountain wilderness and early Christian spirituality. The surface boasts moody, deep-blue waters that reflect the old-growth oak woodlands and the surrounding soaring mountain ridges.
Together, these provide great resources for photography. As a result, it is the most-photographed vista in all of Ireland!
As if that is not enough, it also sits next to the iconic 6th-century monastic settlement. While at the place, take a short walk to capture its towering Round Tower too!
2. Lough Ouler, Co. Wicklow — a hiker’s paradise
Shaped like a heart and set apart on the Tonelegee Mountain range, Lake Ouler blends many features that make it great for hiking.
It is uncongested thanks to the small number of visitors and its detached location. All its forests and nearby wildernesses are also naturally preserved and unspoiled by humans.
Its crown jewel, perhaps, is its summit. A hike to this point grants you the privilege of gazing at its heart shape and natural dark blue surface.
1. Lough Tay, Co. Wicklow — The Guinness Lake
Located in Wicklow County, it is nicknamed ‘The Guinness Lake’ because its surface perfectly mimics a freshly poured pint of Ireland’s archetypal black beer.
Indeed, its surface oozes inky dark waters mainly due to the turbidity that is constantly caused by heavy winds. Adjacent to the lake is a series of sheer cliffs.
Perhaps the best place to be to capture all these fascinating features is the high vantage points that dot nearby the Military Road.
Because a visit to Ireland is not something you do every day, carry with you a good camera not only to capture but also to memorialize all of these breathtaking views!
