Top 4 Lakes around Sessiaghs

The Sessiaghs area is characterized by its diverse lakes, including Sessiagh Lough, Port Lough, and New Lake. Sessiagh Lough is particularly notable as a Special Area of Conservation, home to rare species like the Slender Naiad aquatic plant and Arctic Char fish. The lake also features steep, heath-covered slopes and cliffs, offering picturesque views. You can also find viewpoints like Rossmore Point Beacon, which provides serene views over Lough Erne.

The lakes around Sessiaghs, particularly Sessiagh Lough, Port Lough, and New Lake, are prime destinations for angling, especially for wild brown trout. Sessiagh Lough is known for trout averaging 1 lb, with some reaching 4-7 lbs. Port Lough has abundant brown trout around ½ lb, while New Lake, one of County Donegal's premier fisheries, offers trout typically 1-2 lbs. Both boat and bank fishing are permitted on Sessiagh and Port Loughs, with boats available for hire.

Yes, several spots around the Sessiaghs lakes are suitable for families. Castle Archdale Marina is a hub of activity where visitors can hire hydrobikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and boats. Viewpoints like Rossmore Point Beacon and View of Tom's Island offer scenic spots for a relaxed outing with beautiful lake views.

For angling, the best times vary slightly by lake. Sessiagh Lough fishes best in early and late summer. New Lake is most productive in May, June, and September. Port Lough, with its free-rising fish, offers good fishing throughout the season with traditional fly patterns.

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities in the broader Sessiaghs area. You can find easy trails like 'Old Archdale Castle via Tom's Island' or 'Castle Archdale loop'. For more options, explore the 'Hiking around Sessiaghs' guide on komoot, which details various routes and their difficulties. You can find more information at Hiking around Sessiaghs.

The Sessiaghs area offers a range of cycling routes. For touring, you might enjoy the 'Kingfisher Cycle Trail - Northern Loop' or the 'Rossmore Point Beacon – Old Castle Archdale loop'. Road cyclists can find moderate routes like 'Dromare and Omagh loop from Irvinestown'. Detailed guides for various cycling sports are available, such as Cycling around Sessiaghs and Road Cycling Routes around Sessiaghs.

Absolutely. The region offers several excellent viewpoints. Rossmore Point Beacon provides serene views over Lough Erne. Another popular spot is View of Tom's Island, offering perspectives on what was once an island before the lough was lowered. You can also find beautiful vistas from View of Lower Lough Erne and Islands.

Sessiagh Lough is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to its ecological importance. It features a habitat listed under Annex I of the EU Habitats Directive as an oligotrophic to mesotrophic lake. The lake supports rare and legally protected species, including the Slender Naiad (Najas flexilis) aquatic plant and Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus), a rare freshwater fish. It also hosts an abundant population of Brown Trout and is a breeding ground for Common Terns and Black-headed Gulls.

New Lake, one of the larger lakes in the Dunfanaghy fishery, has a unique origin story; it was formed by an Atlantic storm in 1920. Additionally, Tom's Island, visible from a popular viewpoint, was once a true island before the water level of Lough Erne was lowered.

Castle Archdale Marina is a well-equipped facility where visitors can hire various watercraft, including hydrobikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and boats. It serves as an excellent spot to stop, relax, and enjoy the water activities available.

Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil settings and the diverse natural beauty. The excellent angling opportunities, especially for wild brown trout, are a major draw. Many also enjoy the scenic viewpoints, such as Rossmore Point Beacon, which offer peaceful moments and stunning vistas over the water.

While the region's lakes offer clear waters, specific regulations for wild swimming can vary. It's always advisable to check local signage and guidelines from authorities like the Dunfanaghy Angling Association or local tourism boards regarding swimming in Sessiagh Lough, Port Lough, or New Lake to ensure safety and compliance.