Top 7 Lakes around Burren
Best lakes around Burren are found within a unique karst landscape, primarily in County Clare, Ireland. This region is characterized by its limestone hills, underground water systems, and distinctive ecological features. The Burren offers a diverse range of aquatic environments, from tranquil lakes to fascinating seasonal turloughs. Visitors can explore these natural wonders and experience the area's geological and biological significance.
Best lakes around Burren
- The most popular lakes is Camlough Lake, an other natural feature that stretches for just over 2 kilometers. This narrow lough provides tranquil waters and scenic views between the hills of Slieve Gullion and the Ring of Gullion.
- Another must-see spot is View of Carlingford Lough from Mourne AONB, a lake viewpoint. Visitors can expect amazing views of Rostrevor National Park and the coast, with trails offering interesting uphill and downhill sections.
- Visitors also love Red Bog Pond, an other natural feature. This peaceful place includes a bench for resting and observing wildlife around the lake.
- Burren is known for its permanent lakes, such as Lough Bunny, and its unique seasonal lakes called turloughs. These include small ponds like Lough Garrig and dynamic wetland ecosystems that transform with the seasons.
- The lakes around Burren are appreciated by the komoot community, with 8 upvotes and 11 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Camlough Lake
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Red Bog Pond
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Even with the new gravel path this area can get quite boggy so best to wear the boots.
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View of Carlingford Lough from Mourne AONB
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Rostrevor Forest
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The Oak wood is a Special Area of Conservation believed to be over 250 years old. It is a remnant of the old oak woodlands that clothed the lower slopes of the Mournes several centuries ago. Most of these oak woods were cleared during the 18th and 19th centuries for use in boat building.
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Tips from the Community
The well-signposted paths lead you through dense forests and offer impressive views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. The mountain bike routes in particular are varied and require both fitness and technique. However, some sections can be slippery in wet weather, so caution is advised. A highlight is the Cloughmore Stone, a huge boulder that was transported here during the last ice age. The approach there is steep, but the view makes up for the effort.
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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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Beautiful Forest features scenic trails with amazing views of Carlingford Lough, especially from The Cloghmore Stone, a 40 tonne granite boulder which was deposited here at the end of the last ice age. The Oak wood is a Special Area of Conservation believed to be over 250 years old. It is a remnant of the old oak woodlands that clothed the lower slopes of the Mournes several centuries ago. Most of these oak woods were cleared during the 18th and 19th centuries for use in boat building.
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Nice and peaceful place with a bench that's perfect for resting weary legs and watching the wildlife around the lake. Even with the new gravel path this area can get quite boggy so best to wear the boots.
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Amazing views of Rostrevor national park and the coast from here. The trails are as good as the views too, with loads of interesting up and downhill sections. A great place to ride off-road!
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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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This way you can enjoy great views over the water to Northern Ireland. As the crow flies, the neighboring country is only a few kilometers away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique types of lakes can I find in the Burren region?
The Burren is home to permanent lakes like Lough Bunny, as well as fascinating seasonal lakes known as turloughs. These turloughs are a hallmark of the Burren's unique karst topography, filling with water during wetter months and often drying up in summer, creating a dramatically changing landscape.
Where can I experience the ecological significance of the Burren's lakes?
You can visit Lough Bunny, a rare and special lake designated as a Special Area of Conservation within the Burren National Park. It's known for its unique hydrology, low nutrient levels, and as a habitat for rare species like the *Octhebius nilssoni* water beetle, as well as various fish, birds, and rare butterflies.
Are there any historically significant sites near the lakes in the Burren?
Yes, near Lough Bunny, you can find the ruins of a medieval tower house on its northeast shore, adding a historical dimension to the natural beauty of the area.
What is special about Lough Garrig?
Lough Garrig, situated on top of Slieve Elva, is notable for being potentially the smallest lake in Ireland. Despite its tiny size, it plays a significant role in the hydrology of the Burren's bogs, acting as a crucial water reservoir that slowly releases water to local streams.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see around the Burren's turloughs?
Turloughs support a dynamic wetland ecosystem, attracting a variety of wildlife. You might spot migratory birds, amphibians like Ireland's only native amphibian, the common frog, and unique flora adapted to fluctuating water levels, such as shrubby cinquefoil and rare turlough violets.
What are the best activities to do around the lakes in the Burren?
The tranquil waters and surrounding limestone hills of lakes like Lough Bunny are ideal for walking, birdwatching, and photography. Turloughs offer opportunities for ecological study due to their unique flora and fauna and dynamic water cycles.
When is the best time to visit the Burren's lakes and turloughs?
The best time depends on what you want to see. For turloughs, visiting during the wetter winter months (typically November to March) allows you to see them filled with water. If you prefer to see the unique flora that emerges as they drain, late spring to early summer (April to July) is ideal.
Are there hiking opportunities near the lakes in the Burren?
Yes, the Burren offers various hiking opportunities. For general hiking around the region, you can explore trails like the moderate 'Clermont & Clontygora loop from Flagstaff' or the easy 'Fathom Wood loop'. Find more options on the Hiking around Burren guide.
Can I go cycling near the Burren's lakes?
Absolutely. The roads around the lakes, such as those near Lough Bunny, offer tranquil cycling experiences. For more structured routes, consider options like 'Route 7 - The Rostrevor Route' or 'Kilbroney Park loop from Warrenpoint'. Discover more cycling routes in the Cycling around Burren guide.
Are there running trails available near the lakes?
Yes, the Burren region provides several running trails. You can find routes like the 'Carlingford Lough Greenway and Ring of Gullion Loop' or the shorter 'Clontygora Court Tomb loop from St Michael's'. Explore additional options in the Running Trails around Burren guide.
What makes the views around Lough Bunny particularly scenic?
The views from the eastern shore of Lough Bunny are particularly striking, encompassing the iconic hills of the Burren National Park, including Mullagh More, Slieve Roe, and Knockanes, as well as the long ridge of Turloughmore Mountain, all set against the tranquil waters.
How do turloughs contribute to the Burren's ecosystem?
Turloughs are dynamic wetland ecosystems that support unique flora and fauna adapted to fluctuating water levels. They provide an ideal environment for local environmental studies due to the fascinating interplay of water, soil, and biodiversity, and are crucial habitats for species like the common frog and various specialized plants.
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