Top 6 Lakes in Westmeath

Several lakes in Westmeath are ideal for families. Lough Lene is a great choice, offering a swimming pier, toilets, and changing facilities, making it perfect for water activities. Lough Ennell, particularly at the Lilliput Amenity Area, is popular for wild swimming and has picnic areas. Lough Owel also provides designated bathing areas and tranquil surroundings for a family day out.

Westmeath's lakes offer a wide range of water sports. Lough Lene is excellent for swimming, sailing, and windsurfing due to its clear waters. Lough Ree is a hub for boating and various water sports, with many villages along its shores catering to these activities. Lough Ennell is popular for wild swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and even SUP Yoga. Lough Derravaragh is great for canoeing, and Lough Owel is a favored spot for sailing, with the Mullingar Sailing Club located there, and also offers designated bathing areas.

Yes, Westmeath is renowned for its fishing. Lough Lene is considered one of Ireland's most productive fishing lakes, particularly for large pike and wild brown trout. Lough Ree is a popular spot for brown trout and pike. Lough Ennell holds the record for Ireland's largest lake brown trout and is also good for pike. Lough Derravaragh is known for its exceptionally good pike stocks and healthy brown trout population. Lough Owel is heavily stocked with trout, making it a prime destination for anglers.

Westmeath's lakes are rich in natural beauty and wildlife. Many are designated Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) or Special Protection Areas (SPAs). Lough Lene, for example, is a Special Area of Conservation known for its diverse species and crystal-clear waters. Lough Ennell is a Ramsar Site, important for its biodiversity, and Lough Derravaragh is a Special Protection Area for birds, offering opportunities to spot species like Tufted Duck and Mute Swan. Lough Ree is a vast conservation area with varied shorelines and numerous islands, ideal for birdwatching.

Yes, the lakes are steeped in history and folklore. Lough Lene has significant historical value, with prehistoric burial sites, ancient ruins, and connections to Viking figures like Turgesius. Lough Ree, known as the 'Lake of Kings,' features numerous islands with remains of ancient churches and monastic settlements, and Viking Tours are available from Athlone. Lough Derravaragh is famously associated with the legend of the Children of Lir.

You can find several walking and hiking routes near Westmeath's lakes. For example, you can enjoy the 'Mullingar to Lough Owel return' route, which is a moderate hike, or the 'Mullingar to Lough Ennell return via Grand Canal Way'. For easier options, consider the 'Shannon Banks Nature Trail' or the 'Burgess Park loop via Costume Bridge'. You can find more details and routes in the Hiking in Westmeath guide.

Yes, cycling is a popular activity around Westmeath's lakes. The Royal Canal Greenway has a spur that allows safe cycling to Lough Owel from Mullingar. You can also explore routes like the 'Mullingar – Mullingar loop from Kinnegad' or the 'Croboy Mote loop from Kinnegad'. For more cycling options, check out the MTB Trails in Westmeath guide, which includes routes suitable for mountain biking.

Visitors frequently praise the peace and tranquility of Westmeath's lakes. Many enjoy the stunning views and the opportunity to relax in beautiful natural surroundings. The clear waters of lakes like Lough Lene and Lough Owel are often highlighted, as are the opportunities for picnics and spotting wildlife, such as the swans on Lough Ennell.

Lough Lene is renowned for its exceptionally clear, 'gin-clear' waters. It holds the distinction of being one of the first inland freshwater lakes in Ireland to achieve a European Blue Flag for its pollution-free environment, and its clarity allows for visibility of over 20 feet on a bright day.

For convenient facilities, Lough Lene at 'the Cut' offers dressing rooms and picnic areas, along with a swimming pier and toilets. Lough Ennell also has picnic areas, particularly at the Lilliput Amenity Area, which is a designated bathing water.

Yes, Lough Owel is a significant lake that serves as the reservoir for Mullingar's water supply. This contributes to its excellent water quality and clear, spring-fed nature.

Lough Ennell is a designated Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds and a Ramsar Site, making it very important for birdlife. Lough Derravaragh is also a Special Protection Area for birds, where you can spot various species. Lough Ree, as a vast conservation area, also offers good opportunities for birdwatching.