Ireland is a land shaped by water. Beyond its famous cliffs and coastline lies a scattering of loughs and lakes that reflect the country at its most peaceful, from the mountain-ringed waters of Kerry and Wicklow to the vast inland seas of the midlands and the north. Some are steeped in poetry and legend, others are simply places to take a boat out, cast a line, or walk a quiet shore. Here are ten of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland, each one worth a detour on your next trip.
1. Lough Leane, County Kerry
Lough Leane is the largest of Killarney’s three lakes and the centrepiece of Killarney National Park. Ringed by ancient oak woodland and the peaks of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, its waters are dotted with wooded islands, including Innisfallen with its ruined 7th-century monastery. You can take a boat trip from Ross Castle, walk the lakeshore paths, or cycle out to the Muckross estate. It is one of the most photographed corners of Kerry, and an easy day out from the town of Killarney.
2. Lough Corrib, County Galway
Lough Corrib is the largest lake within the Republic of Ireland, stretching north from the edge of Galway city towards Connemara and County Mayo. It is famous for its wild brown trout and its scattering of islands, said to number in the hundreds. On the northern shore stands Ashford Castle, while the village of Cong sits between Corrib and neighbouring Lough Mask. Anglers, boaters and walkers all find their own reasons to linger here.
3. Lough Tay (Guinness Lake), County Wicklow
Lough Tay, better known as the Guinness Lake, sits in a steep glacial valley deep in the Wicklow Mountains. Its dark peaty water and the pale sandy beach at its northern end give the impression of a freshly poured pint, which is how it earned its nickname. The lake lies on the Luggala estate, once owned by the Guinness family, and featured heavily in the television series Vikings. The best views are from the roadside viewpoint on the drive between Roundwood and Sally Gap.
Explore Lough Tay (Guinness Lake) →
4. Glendalough Upper Lake, County Wicklow
The Upper Lake at Glendalough is the larger of the two lakes in this glacial valley in the heart of Wicklow Mountains National Park. Surrounded by steep wooded slopes and rocky crags, it sits just beyond the celebrated early-medieval monastic settlement founded by Saint Kevin. A network of marked trails, from gentle lakeside strolls to the demanding Spinc boardwalk climb, fans out from the valley. It is one of the most visited spots in the country, and an easy trip south from Dublin.
Explore Glendalough Upper Lake →
5. Lough Gill, County Sligo
Lough Gill straddles the border of counties Sligo and Leitrim, its wooded shores and small islands closely tied to the poet W. B. Yeats. The tiny Isle of Innisfree, which inspired one of his best-loved poems, lies within its waters. A scenic drive circles the lake, taking in Parke’s Castle and Dooney Rock, while boat trips run in the warmer months. The lake sits just a short distance east of Sligo town, in the landscape Yeats made famous.
6. Lower Lough Erne, County Fermanagh
Lower Lough Erne is the larger of the two lakes that make up the Erne system in County Fermanagh. Its island-studded waters are a haven for boating, cruising and angling, and the wider area is often called Ireland’s lakeland. Devenish Island holds a fine round tower and monastic ruins, while White Island is known for its carved stone figures. The town of Enniskillen sits between the upper and lower lakes and makes a natural base for exploring.
7. Lough Derg, County Tipperary & Clare
Lough Derg is the largest lake on the River Shannon, bordered by counties Tipperary, Clare and Galway. Pretty harbour villages such as Terryglass, Dromineer, Garrykennedy and Killaloe line its shores, each with moorings, pubs and slipways. The lake is a magnet for sailing, cruising and coarse angling, and the surrounding hills offer walking with wide water views. It sits at the heart of Ireland’s inland waterways, roughly halfway between Limerick and Portumna.
8. Lough Key, County Roscommon
Lough Key lies just east of Boyle in County Roscommon and forms the centrepiece of Lough Key Forest Park. The lake is scattered with wooded islands, several carrying ruins, and its shores hold a mix of woodland trails and open parkland. Visitors can climb the Moylurg viewing tower, cross the treetop canopy walk, or take a boat out among the islands. It is one of the most family-friendly lakeside spots in the midlands.
9. Doo Lough, County Mayo
Doo Lough sits in a remote and dramatic valley between the Mweelrea and Sheeffry mountains in south County Mayo. Its dark, still waters mirror the surrounding slopes, giving the valley a stark and quiet beauty. A memorial by the roadside marks the Doolough Tragedy of 1849, a sombre episode from the Great Famine. The lake lies on the scenic route between Louisburgh and Delphi, and is a favourite with photographers and walkers.
10. Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland
Lough Neagh is the largest lake in Ireland and one of the biggest in the British Isles, bordered by five of Northern Ireland’s six counties. Its broad, open waters supply much of the region’s drinking water and support a long-standing eel fishery. Around its shores you will find nature reserves, marinas and cycle routes, including sites such as Oxford Island and Kinnego Bay. Despite its size it remains a quieter destination than Ireland’s mountain loughs, ideal for birdwatching and gentle walks.
Plan your lakeside escape
From the Guinness Lake tucked into the Wicklow Mountains to the sweeping expanse of Lough Neagh, Ireland’s lakes offer a gentler side of the island that is easy to overlook. Whether you are after a boat trip, a lakeshore walk, a morning’s fishing or simply somewhere to sit and take in the view, there is a lough here for you. Pick one to build a day around, and let the water set the pace.
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