Top 8 Lakes around Ardees Lower

The region offers a variety of natural landscapes, from expansive loughs to secluded spots. You can find stunning panoramic views, such as those from Cliffs of Magho overlooking Lough Erne, and tranquil forest settings like those surrounding Meenameen Lough in Lough Navar Forest. Many lakes are set amidst beautiful green countryside.

Yes, several lakes in the broader area are popular for angling. Lough Melvin is particularly renowned for its diverse fish species, including three unique trout species, salmon, and the endemic Melvin charr. Carrick Lough also has a thriving population of pike, perch, bream, and roach. In the wider Ardee area, Mentrim Lakes and lakes near Drumconrath like Corstown Lake and Bracken Lake are well-stocked for coarse angling.

The area around Ardees Lower offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling on routes like the 'Lough Melvin loop' or 'Boa Island, Laghy and Ballyshannon from Belleek loop'. For touring cyclists, there are options such as the 'Boa Island loop from Belleek'. Running enthusiasts can explore trails like the 'View of Lough Nabrickboy – Lough Nabrickboy loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes, Cycling, and Running Trails guides for Ardees Lower.

Yes, several spots are considered family-friendly. The View of Lough Erne from Cliffs of Magho offers sensational panoramic views with picnic benches available. Lough Melvin and Carrick Lough are also noted as family-friendly, offering opportunities to enjoy nature and wildlife. Meenameen Lough in Lough Navar Forest provides a peaceful setting for a break.

The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in flora and fauna. Lough Melvin is home to diverse fish species, including unique trout and char. Carrick Lough also supports a diverse ecosystem. The River Dee, near Ardee, is known for brown trout, salmon, roach, perch, and pike, and offers a quiet, rural setting for wildlife observation.

For breathtaking vistas, visit the Cliffs of Magho, which provide panoramic views over Lough Erne and towards the Atlantic Ocean and Blue Stack mountains. Another excellent spot is the View of Lough Nabrickboy, offering views across deep-blue loughs from forestry gravel roads.

While specific walking trails directly around every lake aren't detailed, the area offers various routes. For running, you can find trails like the 'View of Lough Nabrickboy – Lough Nabrickboy loop' which is a moderate 6.9 km route. The region's forestry gravel roads, such as those around Lough Nabrickboy, also provide opportunities for scenic walks and runs.

Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquil settings and natural beauty of the lakes. The stunning panoramic views, particularly from spots like the Cliffs of Magho, are highly rated. Anglers enjoy the diverse fish populations in lakes like Lough Melvin and Carrick Lough. The peaceful and unspoilt landscapes, such as those found at Meenameen Lough, also contribute to a positive visitor experience.

Yes, the town of Ardee is situated on the banks of the River Dee. This river is known for brown trout, salmon, and coarse fishing, particularly productive near Ardee and its estuary. It offers clear, narrow waters with good bank access and a quiet, rural setting, making it ideal for relaxed angling.

While specific seasonal recommendations for each lake are not provided, spring and summer are generally excellent times to visit for outdoor activities like fishing, cycling, and running, as the weather is milder and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. Angling on the River Dee, for instance, is particularly successful in spring and summer for brown trout.

Lough Melvin is notable for its size, being 12 km long and 3 km wide, and for its unique trout species, salmon, and endemic char. While not a lake, Ardee Bog is an important natural habitat within the townlands of Ardee itself, recognized for its ecological significance.