Best lakes around Lislea are found in the surrounding County Armagh area, as Lislea itself is a small village without lakes directly within its boundaries. The region is characterized by rolling hills and offers a variety of natural landscapes. These nearby lakes provide opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic views. The area is known for its natural beauty and historical significance, particularly within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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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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Along Glasdrumman Lough you walk along a calm body of water surrounded by green hills. The lake lies still and reflects the blue sky while the gentle waves break the sunlight. On one side of the road there is a sign telling you about the Poets' Trail - a hiking trail that shares not only the nature but also the history of this region with you. The information board tells you about the nearby O'Neill Castle, of which only ruins remain today. Here you can immerse yourself in the world of old Irish poems and legends that have their place along this trail. It is a place where nature and culture meet.
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As soon as you cross the gentle ridge of Slieve Gullion, the North Cairn stretches out before you - a slightly smaller hill than its southern neighbour, but no less impressive. The stones that gather here seem like silent sentinels, witnesses of the distant Bronze Age. Two ancient stone boxes were once found here during excavations, which lay hidden in the depths of history. The North Cairn, with its diameter of around 18 metres, invites you to pause for a moment and enjoy the peace. But it is not just the Cairn that is fascinating. Right next to it lies "Calliagh Beara's Lough", a quiet mountain lake that, according to legend, is the home of the witch Beara. On a clear day, the sky is reflected in the calm waters and you can almost feel the ancient magic of this place coming to life. The road here may be rocky, but the landscape rewards with sweeping views and a touch of mysticism that makes Slieve Gullion something special.
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This lough, located between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, is the highest in Northern Ireland.
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This peaceful pond located in the heart of the village of Bessbrook is an ideal place for a waterside stroll along its paths.
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Next to this part of the road, you can clearly observe Glasdrumman Lough. On one side of the road, there is also an information panel about the Poets Trail, which passes through here, explaining the history of O'Neill Castle.
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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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The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion is somewhat smaller than the South Cairn; it measures about 18 meters in diameter. During excavations, two stone boxes from the Bronze Age were found in the hill. Right next to it is the "Calliagh Beara's Lough" on top of the ridge.
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The closest notable lake to Lislea is Camlough Lake, located approximately 3.7 miles away. It's a popular spot for water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, open-water swimming, and canoeing. You can also enjoy fishing, walking, and hiking around its scenic shores within the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Yes, North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough features a mountain lake on top of a ridge with Bronze Age historical findings. Additionally, Glasdrumman Lough is connected to the Poets Trail, which shares the history of the region and O'Neill Castle, and Clea Lake is noted for historical 'crannogs' (ancient artificial islands).
The lakes around Lislea offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and running. For hiking, consider routes like the Camlough Mountain & Lake loop or the Slieve Gullion Summit loop. Cycling options include scenic loops from Newry, and runners can explore routes such as the Camlough Lake running loop. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking, cycling, and running guides for the area.
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Camlough Lake is considered family-friendly, offering calm waters and scenic views. Glasdrumman Lough has a trail that runs alongside a calm body of water, and Bessbrook Pond provides peaceful waterside strolls, ideal for families.
For anglers, Camlough Lake is well-stocked with pike, bream, roach, and perch, with fishing from boats permitted (requires a permit). Clay Lake, located near Keady, is also primarily known as a popular fishing destination for pike and large perch. Clea Lake is another popular fishing spot in South Armagh.
Camlough Lake is a popular spot for open-water swimming and is a freshwater training location in Northern Ireland. However, it's important to note that blue-green algae has been confirmed in Clea Lake, and public awareness signage has been erected there, so swimming is not advised in Clea Lake.
The lakes around Lislea can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for water sports and leisurely walks, while autumn provides beautiful scenic views with changing foliage. Winter hiking is also possible, though conditions may be colder and some facilities might have reduced hours.
Many of the trails and paths around the lakes in the Lislea area are suitable for dog walking. Camlough Lake and the surrounding Ring of Gullion offer various walking opportunities where dogs are generally welcome, provided they are kept under control, especially around livestock or other visitors.
Trails around lakes like Camlough Lake and Glasdrumman Lough offer varied terrain, from gentle waterside paths to more challenging routes in the surrounding hills of Slieve Gullion. The hiking guide provides details on specific routes, including their difficulty and distance.
While Lislea itself is a small village, nearby Camlough village offers amenities. For specific cafes or facilities directly at the lakes, it's best to check local information or plan to bring your own refreshments, especially for more remote locations like North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough.
Calliagh Beara's Lough, located on top of the ridge of Slieve Gullion, is notable for being the highest lough in Northern Ireland. It's situated next to the North Cairn, an ancient Bronze Age site, adding a layer of historical mystique to its tranquil waters.


Still not found your perfect lake around Lislea? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.