Top 5 Lakes around Maphoner
Best lakes around Maphoner are situated in County Armagh, Ireland, offering various recreational activities and natural beauty. The townland itself does not contain major lakes, but the surrounding area features several notable bodies of water. These lakes are often nestled between rolling hills, providing a tranquil environment for visitors. The region's landscape is characterized by its natural features and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Best lakes around Maphoner
- The most popular lakes is Calliagh Beara Lough, a lake that is…
Last updated: May 2, 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
Glasdrumman Lough
Highlight • Trail
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
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.
1
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
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.
1
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 outdoor activities can I do around the lakes near Maphoner?
The lakes near Maphoner offer a variety of outdoor activities. Camlough Lake is popular for open water swimming, kayaking, and water polo. For anglers, Lowry's Lake is excellent for fly-fishing, and other lakes like Stoneyford Reservoir and Seagahan Reservoir also cater to fishing. You can also find numerous hiking and cycling routes in the area. For hiking, explore trails like the Poet's Trail near Glasdrumman Lough, or challenging ascents to North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough. For cycling, there are routes around Camlough Lake and other scenic paths. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide and cycling guide for Maphoner.
Are there family-friendly lakes or trails suitable for children?
Yes, Camlough Lake is considered family-friendly, especially in summer when it has a carnival atmosphere with children paddling. The area around Glasdrumman Lough, which is part of the Poets Trail, offers a calm walk through nature and history that can be enjoyable for families.
Where can I go for open water swimming near Maphoner?
The primary spot for open water swimming is Camlough Lake. It features marker buoys forming a 750m loop for swimmers, with additional buoys creating various circuits. The lake is known for its calm, tranquil waters and even hosts the annual Camlough Water Festival.
Which lakes are best for fishing in the Maphoner area?
Lowry's Lake is a favorite among anglers, regularly stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout, and is a fly-fishing-only lake. Camlough Lake also permits fishing from boats with a permit. Other notable fisheries managed by the DAERA Public Angling Estate in County Armagh include Stoneyford Reservoir, Gentle Owens Lake, Carnagh Forest Lakes, Loughgall Lake, Craigavon City Park Lake - South, Clay Lake, and Seagahan Reservoir. For more details on fishing regulations and permits, you can visit the DAERA website.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, near North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, you can find the North Cairn, which is an ancient burial site where two Bronze Age stone boxes were discovered. Additionally, near Glasdrumman Lough, the Poets Trail passes by, and an information panel explains the history of O'Neill Castle, of which only ruins remain today.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around these lakes?
The lakes around Maphoner are nestled between rolling hills, offering tranquil environments and scenic views. Camlough Lake is situated between the Slieve Gullion and Ring of Gullion hills. Calliagh Beara Lough is notable as the highest lough in Northern Ireland, located on the ridge of Slieve Gullion. Many lakes provide calm waters that reflect the surrounding landscape.
Are there challenging hiking trails near the lakes?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the ascent to North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough involves a rocky path but rewards with sweeping views. The Slieve Gullion loop from Forkhill Road is also a moderate hiking option. You can find more challenging routes in the hiking guide for Maphoner.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Maphoner?
The summer months offer a vibrant atmosphere, especially at Camlough Lake with its water festival and opportunities for swimming and paddling. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful scenery as the foliage changes. Winter can offer tranquil, crisp walks, though some paths might be more challenging.
Are there any circular walking routes around the lakes?
Yes, there are circular routes available. For instance, the Slieve Gullion loop from Forkhill Road and the Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop are popular options for hikers. Cyclists can also enjoy the Camlough Lake loop from Camlough. More details on these can be found in the respective hiking and cycling guides.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes near Maphoner?
Visitors appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the lakes, often highlighting the peaceful atmosphere for a break or to simply enjoy the views. The opportunities for various outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, hiking, and cycling are also highly valued. The unique historical elements, such as the Bronze Age cairns near North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, add to the appeal.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, for Lowry's Lake, car parking is available. For other popular spots like Camlough Lake, while access roads might not always be well-signposted, visitors typically find suitable places to park near the shore to enjoy the scenery.
Most popular routes around Maphoner
Most popular attractions around Maphoner
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Maphoner? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
