Top 14 Lakes around Carrick

Visitors frequently enjoy the panoramic views from the Cliffs of Magho, which offer stunning vistas over Lough Erne and towards the Atlantic Ocean. Another favorite is Rossmore Point Beacon, where you can find a bench to relax and take in the serene views over Lough Erne.

Yes, Castle Archdale Marina on Lough Erne is a hub for water activities. You can hire hydrobikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and boats there to explore the lake.

Yes, Carrick Lough, though smaller at 9 acres, is a lovely place set amongst green countryside. It's popular with anglers for its pike, perch, bream, and roach, and its lakeshore is ideal for a peaceful picnic.

The region offers a variety of trails, including wonderful rolling gravel riding through the Culeigh Lakelands Global Unesco Geopark, like the Gravel Path by the Lake. These trails cut through dense woodland and open spaces with far-reaching views. For specific hiking options, you can explore easy hikes around Carrick or more challenging hiking routes, including loops around the Cliffs of Magho.

Many locations are family-friendly. The viewpoints like Cliffs of Magho and Rossmore Point Beacon are great for scenic outings. Castle Archdale Marina offers various watercraft rentals suitable for families. Additionally, North Woodburn Reservoir near Carrickfergus provides accessible paths and diverse wildlife, making it excellent for family walks and birdwatching.

The lakes are rich in wildlife. North Woodburn Reservoir is known for swans, herons, birds of prey, and unique bryophyte species. Carrickfergus Mill Ponds are a wildfowl refuge, hosting ducks, mute swans, greylag geese, kingfishers, and swallows. Lough Key in Carrick-on-Shannon has free-roaming deer, foxes, hares, red squirrels, and various bird species. Colliford Lake in Cornwall is a significant habitat for birds like goldeneye, golden plover, lapwing, and Great Crested Grebes.

Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Carrick Lough is known for pike, perch, bream, and roach. North Woodburn Reservoir is regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout and has facilities for disabled anglers. Lakes around Carrickmacross, such as Monalty Lake, Capragh Lake, and Rahans Lake, offer excellent pike and coarse fishing, with some providing fishing stands and boat launching facilities.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer the best weather for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and water sports. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can be peaceful for quiet walks, though some facilities might have reduced hours. Birdwatching is excellent in winter at places like Colliford Lake.

Yes, Lough Key in Carrick-on-Shannon features Castle Island with its historic tower house and Trinity Island with medieval abbey ruins. Lough Allen has small islands like Inishmagrath, which holds the ruins of an early Christian church, and ancient human artifacts have been found nearby. Lough Rinn is home to the historic Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens.

For runners, there are several trails available. You can find various running trails around Carrick, including moderate routes like the View of Lough Nabrickboy loop or the Blackslee Waterfall loop. These routes offer diverse scenery for your run.

Yes, Acres Lake near Drumshanbo (part of the Shannon Blueway) is home to Ireland's first floating boardwalk, stretching for 600 meters. This boardwalk forms part of a 6.5 km walking and cycling trail, offering a unique way to experience the lake.

North Woodburn Reservoir near Carrickfergus is designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) due to its unique bryophyte species. You can find more details on the DAERA website: North Woodburn Reservoir and North Woodburn Reservoir ASSI. Carrickfergus Mill Ponds are also a Local Nature Reserve, supporting a wide variety of bird life.