Top 5 Lakes around Maghernahely
Best lakes around Maghernahely are found within the broader County Armagh and Newry, Mourne and Down district in Northern Ireland. Maghernahely, a townland near Bessbrook, serves as a starting point for exploring the region's natural features. The area is characterized by rolling hills and diverse water bodies, ranging from tranquil loughs to large reservoirs. These lakes offer opportunities for various outdoor activities and provide scenic landscapes.
Best lakes around Maghernahely
- The most popular lakes is North Cairn of Slieve Gullion…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Camlough Lake
Highlight (Segment) • Natural
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Calliagh Beara Lough
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Bessbrook Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
2
0
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.
1
0
This lough, located between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, is the highest in Northern Ireland.
0
0
This peaceful pond located in the heart of the village of Bessbrook is an ideal place for a waterside stroll along its paths.
0
0
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.
3
0
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.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes to visit near Maghernahely?
The komoot community highly rates North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, which combines a Bronze Age cairn with a quiet mountain lake. Another favorite is Camlough Lake, known for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic setting between the hills of Slieve Gullion and the Ring of Gullion.
Are there any family-friendly lakes or walks around Maghernahely?
Yes, Camlough Lake is listed as family-friendly, offering tranquil waters and scenic views perfect for a relaxing outing. Additionally, Bessbrook Pond, located in the heart of Bessbrook village, provides peaceful waterside strolls suitable for families.
What unique natural features can I find at the lakes in this region?
The region boasts diverse natural features. For instance, Calliagh Beara Lough is notable as the highest lough in Northern Ireland, nestled between ancient burial cairns on Slieve Gullion. The broader area also includes the vast Lough Neagh, Ireland's largest lake, with its expansive shoreline and secluded islands.
Are there opportunities for hiking near the lakes around Maghernahely?
Absolutely. The area offers various hiking opportunities. For example, you can explore routes like the 'Camlough Mountain & Lake loop' or 'Camlough Mountain from Camlough', which provide scenic views of the lake and surrounding hills. You can find more hiking trails in the Hiking around Maghernahely guide.
Can I go cycling around any of the lakes?
Yes, Camlough Lake is particularly suitable for cycling along its shores, offering scenic views and a tranquil atmosphere. The broader region, including areas around Lough Neagh, also provides numerous cycling opportunities. Discover more routes in the Cycling around Maghernahely guide.
What historical sites are associated with the lakes in the Maghernahely area?
The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough features a Bronze Age cairn, where two ancient stone boxes were discovered. This site offers a glimpse into the distant history of the region. Lough Neagh also contains secluded islands steeped in history.
Are there any easy walks around the lakes for a relaxed outing?
Yes, for an easy and relaxed walk, consider the 'Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond' which is an easy 4.3 km route. Bessbrook Pond itself is ideal for a peaceful waterside stroll. More easy routes can be found in the Hiking around Maghernahely guide.
What kind of wildlife can be observed around the lakes?
Lough Neagh, as Ireland's largest lake, is known for its rich biodiversity, including a significant fishing industry and the epic migration of eels. The secluded islands within Lough Neagh are also home to diverse flora and fauna. Other lakes like Camlough Lake provide rich waters, supporting various aquatic life.
Are there any large urban parks with lakes nearby?
Yes, Lurgan Park Lake is located within Lurgan Park, which is Northern Ireland's largest urban park. This large man-made lake is surrounded by 5km of pathways through mature woodland, offering extensive opportunities for walking and enjoying nature in a well-maintained green space.
What activities are available at Lough Neagh?
Lough Neagh offers a wide range of activities due to its vast size. Visitors can enjoy boating trips, various water sports such as paddleboarding, wind-surfing, kayaking, and sailing. The lake also provides opportunities to explore its natural beauty and historical sites. For more information on water sports, you can visit Visit Mid Ulster.
Where can I find quiet walks amidst forestry and lakes?
The Carnagh Forest Lakes are ideal for those seeking a quiet walk amidst forestry. These lakes offer walking trails around their circumference and are also noted for angling and inland fisheries. You can find more details about Carnagh Forest Lakes on the DAERA NI website.
What do visitors appreciate most about the lakes around Maghernahely?
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty of the lakes, such as Camlough Lake, which offers peaceful settings for cycling and relaxation. The unique combination of natural beauty and historical significance, like the Bronze Age cairn near North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, also adds to their appeal.
Most popular attractions around Maghernahely
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Maghernahely? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
