Best lakes around Foughill Otra are found within County Armagh, Northern Ireland, a region characterized by its natural beauty and historical significance. Foughill Otra is a townland situated in an area with several notable lakes, offering diverse outdoor experiences. The landscape includes rolling hills, tranquil waters, and ancient sites, particularly around the Slieve Gullion and Ring of Gullion areas. This region provides opportunities for exploring both natural features and historical landmarks.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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There is something magical about the landscape - on the left the towering hills reaching up into the sky, on the right the calm water shimmering in the light. The road winds along the coast, picturesque and with a touch of wildness that is so rarely found. The air smells fresh and slightly salty, and the constant wind from the water gives the route a refreshing note.
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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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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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Beautiful road leading in or out of Warrenpoint. Good road surface and great views on all sides.
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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 region offers a diverse range of lakes, from tranquil fishing spots like Camlough Lake, to scenic mountain loughs such as Calliagh Beara Lough, which is the highest in Northern Ireland. You can also find bodies of water suitable for water sports and those with historical connections like Glasdrumman Lough.
Yes, North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough features a Bronze Age burial site right next to the quiet mountain lake. Additionally, near Glasdrumman Lough, you can find information about the Poets Trail and the history of O'Neill Castle ruins.
Camlough Lake is considered family-friendly, offering calm waters for various activities. The area around Glasdrumman Lough also features a family-friendly trail. For a broader experience, the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre at Oxford Island, bordering County Armagh, is a great family destination with walking trails and educational exhibits.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. For hiking, there are routes like the 'Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop' which takes you past mountain lakes. Cycling is popular around Camlough Lake. Fishing is also a common activity, particularly at Camlough Lake and Carnagh Forest Lakes. For more detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Foughill Otra and Cycling around Foughill Otra guides.
Yes, several trails offer stunning lake views. The 'Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop' provides views of Calliagh Beara Lough. You can also walk along Glasdrumman Lough, which is part of the Poets Trail. For panoramic vistas, the View of Carlingford Lough from Rostrevor Road offers a picturesque perspective of the lough.
Camlough Lake is a popular spot for fishing, stocked with pike, bream, roach, and perch, though permits are required for boats. Carnagh Forest Lakes are designated coarse fisheries, and Lowry's Lake is known for fly-fishing, regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout.
Calliagh Beara Lough is notable for being the highest lough in Northern Ireland, situated between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion. It offers a serene experience high on the mountain, often reflecting the sky in its calm waters.
Yes, cycling along the narrow roads around Camlough Lake is a popular activity, offering tranquil views and a relaxed atmosphere. The roads are generally not very busy, making it an enjoyable experience for cyclists. For more cycling options, refer to the Cycling around Foughill Otra guide.
Camlough Lake has gained popularity for water sports and swimming, with a water festival held there. Its calm, sheltered waters and easy access make it an ideal training ground for swimmers and triathletes, and a lively spot for children to paddle in summer.
Around Glasdrumman Lough, you'll find a calm body of water surrounded by green hills, reflecting the sky. The area is also part of the Poets Trail, combining natural beauty with cultural history, including information about the nearby O'Neill Castle ruins.
Visitors appreciate the combination of natural beauty and historical significance. The tranquil waters of lakes like Camlough Lake offer peaceful escapes, while sites like North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough provide panoramic views and a touch of ancient mysticism. The region's diverse offerings, from fishing to cycling, are highly valued by the komoot community.
Beyond the immediate Foughill Otra area, County Armagh features other significant lakes. Lough Neagh, the largest lake in Ireland, borders the northern part of the county and offers stunning views and walking trails at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. Carnagh Forest Lakes provide walking trails and are designated coarse fisheries. For more information on Carnagh Forest Lakes, you can visit daera-ni.gov.uk.


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