Top 5 Lakes around Faugher
Best lakes around Faugher, a locality in County Donegal, Ireland, are situated within a region known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. The area provides access to several notable loughs, particularly around Dunfanaghy and within Glenveagh National Park. These lakes offer a range of experiences, from tranquil fishing to scenic walks and adventurous outdoor pursuits. The region's geography includes rolling hills, forests, and rugged mountains, providing varied environments for exploration.
Best lakes around Faugher
- The most popular lakes is Lower Lough MacNean, a natural lake that is one of two lakes forming Lough MacNean. A 67.6 km sculpture trail around its circumference showcases the area's history and wildlife.
- Another must-see spot is View of Lough Nabrickboy, a viewpoint offering scenic views across deep-blue loughs. Visitors can expect fast rolling forestry gravel roads that cut through this wild landscape.
- Visitors also love Gravel Path by the Lake, a trail that offers wonderful rolling gravel riding through the Culeigh Lakelands Global Unesco Geopark. It cuts through dense woodland and traverses open spaces with far-reaching views.
- Faugher is known for natural lakes, fishing lakes, and lakes with scenic viewpoints. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from tranquil waters to those surrounded by challenging terrain.
- The lakes around Faugher are appreciated by the komoot community, with 4 upvotes and 3 photos contributed by visitors.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Lower Lough MacNean
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Carrick Lough
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With a thriving population of pike, perch, bream, and roach, the lake is popular with anglers. It's also home to diverse flora and fauna. The lakeshore makes for a wonderful picnic on a bike trip!
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Gravel Path by the Lake
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View of Lough Nabrickboy
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View of the Sillees River, Ross Lough, and Carran Lough
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Tips from the Community
Fast rolling forestry gravel roads that cut through this wild landscape, passing over Lough Nabrickboy with views across to surrounding deep-blue loughs.
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Wonderful rolling gravel riding through the Culeigh Lakelands Global Unesco Geopark. You'll cut through dense woodland and traverse more open spaces with far reaching views on a clear day.
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Would not regard the Sligo Road from Enniskillen to Belcoo as a cycle friendly road. Extremely poor surface for considerable stretches, very bendy in places too. I live in Enniskillen; have cycled it but would avoid it if at all possible. Cycling via Five Points , on Swanlinbar Road; then via old rail line from old Letterbreen railway station towards Lough MacNean ; or take road from Five Points towards Gortatole is a far more pleasant and safer option.
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From this vantage point as the terrain starts to rise up to Tullybrack Hill, you can see all the way across the Sillees River, Ross Lough and Carran Lough. Your eyes are also drawn to th lush green farmland and woodlands stretching out below.
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Covering an area of 9 acres (3.7 ha), Carrick Lough is a small lake compared to some of its impressive neighbours such as Lough Erne. Set amongst green countryside, the lake, although small, is still a lovely place to visit. With a thriving population of pike, perch, bream, and roach, the lake is popular with anglers. It's also home to diverse flora and fauna. The lakeshore makes for a wonderful picnic on a bike trip!
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Lower Lough MacNean, also known as Lough Nilly, is one of two lakes that together form Lough MacNean. Around the circumference of the lake there is a 42 mile (67.6 km) sculpture trail that showcases the rich human history and diverse wildlife around the lake. Lough MacNean lies within the Marble Arch Caves Geopark which preserves the ancient landscapes. The reedbeds, fen peats, wet grasslands and wet woodland are home to diverse mammals, insects, and birds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most scenic lakes near Faugher?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider Lough Salt, situated high in the Donegal hills. It offers stunning vistas of the lough, Rosguill and Ards Peninsulas, and the Derryveagh Mountains. Another scenic spot is the View of Lough Nabrickboy, which provides views across deep-blue loughs amidst a wild landscape.
What outdoor activities can I do around the lakes near Faugher?
The region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the Gravel Path by the Lake, which offers rolling gravel riding through the Culeigh Lakelands. Glenveagh National Park, home to Lough Veagh, provides numerous walking and hiking trails, including the popular Lakeside Walk, as well as opportunities for hill walking and cycling. For more adventurous pursuits, Lough Gartan is a hub for canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, and windsurfing through the Gartan Outdoor Education and Training Centre.
Are there good fishing opportunities in the lakes near Faugher?
Yes, the Dunfanaghy Fishery Lakes (Sessiagh Lough, Port Lough, and New Lake) are renowned for wild brown trout fishing. Sessiagh Lough is known for its 1lb average trout, while New Lake is considered a premier brown trout fishery. Carrick Lough also has a thriving population of pike, perch, bream, and roach, making it popular with anglers.
Can I find family-friendly walks around the lakes?
Absolutely. The Gartan Lough walk is an easy, buggy-friendly trail offering beautiful views. Within Glenveagh National Park, the Lakeside Walk around Lough Veagh is suitable for families. Additionally, Carrick Lough is noted as a family-friendly spot, perfect for a picnic by the lakeshore.
Are there any historical or cultural points of interest near the lakes?
Yes, around Lower Lough MacNean, there is a 67.6 km sculpture trail that showcases the rich human history and diverse wildlife of the area. Lough MacNean also lies within the Marble Arch Caves Geopark, preserving ancient landscapes. In Glenveagh National Park, you can explore Glenveagh Castle, built between 1867 and 1873, and its beautiful gardens.
When is the best time to visit the lakes near Faugher?
The best time to visit depends on your activity. For fishing, May, June, and September are typically recommended for New Lake, while Sessiagh Lough is good for early and late summer. For general outdoor activities and enjoying the scenery, the warmer months from spring to early autumn (April to October) offer the most pleasant weather for walking, cycling, and exploring the national parks.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes around Faugher?
Yes, there are several cycling options. You can find routes like the Gravel Path by the Lake, which offers wonderful rolling gravel riding. For more structured routes, you can explore various gravel biking and road cycling routes around Faugher, such as those found in the Gravel biking around Faugher and Road Cycling Routes around Faugher guides, which include loops around lakes like Carrick Lough and Lower Lough MacNean.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the lakes in this region?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from the wild landscapes seen from the View of Lough Nabrickboy to the serene settings of Lough Salt. The opportunities for outdoor activities, including fishing, walking, and cycling, are also highly valued. The presence of historical elements like the sculpture trail around Lower Lough MacNean and Glenveagh Castle adds to the appeal.
Are there any lakes suitable for wild swimming near Faugher?
While specific designated wild swimming spots are not explicitly mentioned for all lakes, Lough Veagh in Glenveagh National Park is a deep, serene lake surrounded by natural beauty. However, always exercise caution and check local regulations or advice regarding wild swimming in any specific lough, as some may be public water supplies or have other restrictions.
Are the lakes around Faugher easily accessible, and is parking available?
Many lakes in the region, especially those within Glenveagh National Park or near towns like Dunfanaghy, generally have good accessibility and parking facilities. For example, the Dunfanaghy Fishery Lakes offer boat hire and bank fishing access. Lough Gartan, with its Outdoor Education Centre, is also well-equipped for visitors. For specific trails like the Gravel Path by the Lake, access points and parking would typically be available at trailheads or nearby villages.
Can I find mountain biking trails near the lakes?
Yes, the area offers mountain biking opportunities. You can find trails that cut through wild landscapes and dense woodlands. For example, there are various routes listed in the MTB Trails around Faugher guide, including loops that pass by features like the View of Lough Nabrickboy and the Gravel Path by the Lake.
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