Top 6 Lakes around Carrickmacstay

The region around Carrickmacstay, particularly near Carrickmacross, offers a variety of lakes. You'll find tranquil waters ideal for angling, such as Monalty Lake and Lough Na Glack, known for diverse fish stocks. There are also scenic viewpoints like the View of Carlingford Lough from Mourne AONB, and peaceful spots like Red Bog Pond for wildlife observation.

The Carrickmacross area is renowned for coarse angling. Monalty Lake is excellent for roach, rudd, bream, and pike, and has held the Irish rudd/bream record. Lough Na Glack is a notable pike fishery. Lisanisk is particularly known for tench and large carp, while Capragh Lake offers bream to specimen size and pike up to 20lbs. Rahans Lake and Lough Fea also provide good fishing opportunities for various species.

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities near the lakes. For example, you can explore trails around Carlingford Lough, which offers varied sections. The wider area provides numerous routes, including easy hikes like the Cloughmore Trail or more moderate options such as the Clermont & Clontygora loop. You can find more details on these routes in the Hiking around Carrickmacstay guide.

Yes, there are easy walking trails available. For instance, the Cloughmore Trail is an easy hike near the lakes. Many of the angling lakes mentioned, such as Lisanisk and Capragh Lake, have developed access and fishing stands that can also provide pleasant, easy strolls along the shore. For more easy options, refer to the Easy hikes around Carrickmacstay guide.

Yes, many of the lakes in the Carrickmacross area offer convenient parking. Monalty Lake, Lough Na Glack, Lisanisk, Capragh Lake, and Rahans Lake all have readily available parking, often off-road and close to the lakeshore or fishing stands.

Absolutely. Camlough Lake is considered family-friendly, offering calm waters and a tranquil atmosphere. Rostrevor Forest, which features views of Carlingford Lough, also has family-friendly amenities and trails.

Yes, the area offers excellent mountain biking opportunities. Rostrevor Forest, with its views of Carlingford Lough, features varied and challenging mountain bike routes. You can find detailed trails, including moderate and difficult options, in the MTB Trails around Carrickmacstay guide.

Camlough Lake is popular for its often calm, tranquil waters that stretch over two kilometers. It's nestled between the rolling hills of Slieve Gullion and the Ring of Gullion, offering a peaceful setting for cycling along its shores and enjoying the scenery. It's also appreciated by the komoot community for its serene atmosphere.

Some areas around the lakes are dog-friendly. For example, Rostrevor Forest, which includes views of Carlingford Lough, is noted as dog-friendly. Always ensure dogs are kept under control and follow local regulations when visiting natural areas.

Lough Fea is a private fishery where day permits can be purchased at the lodge house. There are several swims available on the northern shoreline for anglers. However, it's important to note that boats are not permitted on this water.

Beyond the main lakes, Corcrin Lake is known for tench to specimen size, and Derry Lough also offers tench and bream of specimen size. Reilly's Lake and Clonturk Lake provide good stocks of various fish, including tench, and feature fishing stands. The Ballyhoe Lakes (Ballyhoe 1 and 2) are also recognized for specimen-sized bream, tench, and hybrids.

The lakes provide habitats for various wildlife. Red Bog Pond, for instance, is a peaceful spot specifically noted for observing wildlife around the water. The rich waters of many lakes also support diverse fish populations, which in turn attract various bird species and other animals.