Best lakes around Camly (Ball) are primarily found within the scenic Ring of Gullion, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland. This region is characterized by rolling hills, ancient volcanic landscapes, and tranquil loughs nestled among them. The area offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, with sites like Slieve Gullion and its associated cairns. Visitors can explore diverse aquatic environments, from mountain loughs to larger, elongated lakes.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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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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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 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.
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The most popular lakes in the Camly (Ball) area, located within the scenic Ring of Gullion in Northern Ireland, include North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, which features Bronze Age stone boxes, and Camlough Lake, known for its tranquil waters stretching over 2 kilometers.
Yes, the area is rich in history. For example, the North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough features Bronze Age stone boxes. Additionally, near Glasdrumman Lough, you can find information about the Poets' Trail, which passes through the area and explains the history of O'Neill Castle.
The lakes around Camly (Ball) are nestled within the Ring of Gullion, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll encounter rolling hills, ancient volcanic landscapes, and tranquil loughs. Features include high-altitude loughs like Calliagh Beara Lough (the highest in Northern Ireland), and elongated, serene bodies of water such as Camlough Lake.
Yes, Camlough Lake is noted as family-friendly. The area around Glasdrumman Lough also offers a calm walk along the water, suitable for families, with an information panel about the Poets' Trail that combines nature with local history.
The region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including the 'Camlough Lake running loop' and 'The Poets Trails: Ballykeel running loop'. For hiking, options range from easy to difficult, such as 'Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop' and 'The Poets' Trail - Creggan Route'. You can explore more routes in the running trails guide and hiking guide for Camly (Ball).
Absolutely. Many hiking trails are available, catering to different difficulty levels. For an easy hike, consider the 'Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop'. More challenging options include 'The Poets' Trail - Creggan Route'. You can find detailed information on these and other routes in the hiking guide around Camly (Ball).
Visitors appreciate the tranquil beauty and the sense of peace that emanates from the lakes, such as Camlough Lake. The reflective waters, the surrounding rolling hills, and the blend of natural beauty with historical significance, like the Bronze Age sites near North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, are frequently highlighted.
Calliagh Beara Lough holds the distinction of being the highest lake in Northern Ireland. It is situated between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, offering unique views.
Yes, several lakes offer excellent viewpoints. North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough provides sweeping views from its summit location. Camlough Lake also offers picturesque scenes where you can let your gaze wander over the water and surrounding hills.
The Poets' Trail is a hiking route that combines nature with the history of the region. An information panel about the trail, explaining the history of O'Neill Castle, can be found next to Glasdrumman Lough. You can explore routes like 'The Poets Trails: Ballykeel running loop' in the running guide or 'The Poets' Trail - Creggan Route' in the hiking guide.
Camlough Lake stretches for just over two kilometers in a north-west to south-east direction. It is a narrow, elongated lough known for its often calm and tranquil waters, providing a peaceful break in the lines of hills surrounding Slieve Gullion.
Yes, for those looking for easier walks, the 'Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop from Ring of Gullion AONB' is rated as easy. Another easy option is the 'Slieve Gullion Summit loop from Ring of Gullion AONB'. More easy hikes can be found in the easy hikes guide for Camly (Ball).


Still not found your perfect lake around Camly (Ball)? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.