Top 4 Lakes around Mullaghmore
Best lakes around Mullaghmore, located on a peninsula in County Sligo, Ireland, is renowned for its coastline and beaches. While traditional lakes are not directly within Mullaghmore village, the broader County Sligo region features notable lakes. This area offers diverse aquatic experiences, from coastal features to inland waters. The natural landscape provides opportunities for various outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Mullaghmore
- The most popular lakes is Sandy beach at Lough Shanna, a lake that features a sandy beach high…
Last updated: June 15, 2026
Sandy beach at Lough Shanna
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Red Bog Pond
Highlight • Natural
Even with the new gravel path this area can get quite boggy so best to wear the boots.
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
Rostrevor Forest
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
View of Carlingford Lough from Mourne AONB
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Tip by
View of Carlingford Lough from Rostrevor Road
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Mullaghmore.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The well-signposted paths lead you through dense forests and offer impressive views of Carlingford Lough and the Mourne Mountains. The mountain bike routes in particular are varied and require both fitness and technique. However, some sections can be slippery in wet weather, so caution is advised. A highlight is the Cloughmore Stone, a huge boulder that was transported here during the last ice age. The approach there is steep, but the view makes up for the effort.
0
0
There is something magical about the landscape - on the left the towering hills reaching up into the sky, on the right the calm water shimmering in the light. The road winds along the coast, picturesque and with a touch of wildness that is so rarely found. The air smells fresh and slightly salty, and the constant wind from the water gives the route a refreshing note.
1
0
Beautiful Forest features scenic trails with amazing views of Carlingford Lough, especially from The Cloghmore Stone, a 40 tonne granite boulder which was deposited here at the end of the last ice age. The Oak wood is a Special Area of Conservation believed to be over 250 years old. It is a remnant of the old oak woodlands that clothed the lower slopes of the Mournes several centuries ago. Most of these oak woods were cleared during the 18th and 19th centuries for use in boat building.
2
0
Nice and peaceful place with a bench that's perfect for resting weary legs and watching the wildlife around the lake. Even with the new gravel path this area can get quite boggy so best to wear the boots.
0
0
It's both a surprise and a delight to find a sandy beach high up in the mountains. This small shore, formed by the beautiful Lough Shanna, makes a perfect spot for a relaxing sit-down and picnic before heading up Slieve Doan.
1
0
Amazing views of Rostrevor national park and the coast from here. The trails are as good as the views too, with loads of interesting up and downhill sections. A great place to ride off-road!
0
0
Beautiful road leading in or out of Warrenpoint. Good road surface and great views on all sides.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the unique natural features to explore around Mullaghmore?
While Mullaghmore is known for its stunning coastline and beaches, the broader County Sligo region offers diverse natural features. You can find a unique sandy beach high up in the mountains at Lough Shanna, or enjoy the peaceful Red Bog Pond, perfect for wildlife observation. The coastal area itself features the beautiful Mullaghmore Beach and the dramatic Mullaghmore Head.
Are there traditional lakes directly within Mullaghmore village?
No, Mullaghmore village itself is primarily renowned for its stunning coastline, beaches, and world-class surfing. While there aren't traditional inland lakes directly within the village, there are notable coastal water features like Bishop's Pool and significant lakes in the broader County Sligo region that are popular with visitors.
What are some notable lakes in the wider Sligo region accessible from Mullaghmore?
Beyond Mullaghmore's coastal attractions, the wider County Sligo region offers several picturesque lakes. These include Glencar Lake, known for its scenery and waterfall; Lough Gill, the largest lake in Sligo and a popular salmon fishery; and Lough Arrow, celebrated for its brown trout fishing. Other options are Lough Talt, Lough Easkey, and Lough Bo, which offer walking trails and natural beauty.
What kind of views can I expect from the lakes and viewpoints near Mullaghmore?
The area offers spectacular views. From View of Carlingford Lough from Mourne AONB, you can see Rostrevor National Park and the coast. Rostrevor Forest also provides amazing views of Carlingford Lough, especially from The Cloghmore Stone. The coastal walking route around Mullaghmore Head offers views of Donegal Bay, the Slieve League Cliffs, and Benbulben mountain.
Are there family-friendly activities or accessible walks around the lakes?
Yes, some areas are suitable for families. For instance, Rostrevor Forest is listed as family-friendly and offers scenic trails. The View of Carlingford Lough from Rostrevor Road is also noted as family-friendly, offering great views from a good road surface. Bishop's Pool on Mullaghmore Head is a shallow, sheltered natural swimming pool, offering a safe and accessible spot for swimming.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
The region around Mullaghmore offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find excellent cycling routes, including challenging touring bicycle options like 'Route 7 - The Rostrevor Route' or 'The Old Oak Tree – The Calvary of Omeath loop from Rostrevor'. For more information on cycling, visit the Cycling around Mullaghmore guide.
Are there mountain biking opportunities near the lakes?
Absolutely. The area boasts several mountain biking trails. You can explore routes such as 'Rostrevor trails park loop – Rostrevor Oakwood National Nature Reserve' or the more challenging 'Pierce's Castle climb loop from Rostrevor'. For detailed MTB routes, check out the MTB Trails around Mullaghmore guide.
What kind of running or hiking trails are available?
There are numerous running and hiking trails, often with varying difficulty. You can find challenging routes like 'Kilbroney Park – Fairy Glen loop from Crotlieve Mountain' or 'Pierce's Castle – Descent into Rostrevor Forest loop from Altaggart Mountain'. For a comprehensive list of running trails, refer to the Running Trails around Mullaghmore guide.
Are there any wild swimming spots in the Mullaghmore area lakes?
While the guide highlights coastal swimming at Mullaghmore Beach and the sheltered Bishop's Pool, Glencar Lake in the wider Sligo region is also known as a spot for swimming, though visitors should be mindful of the rocky lakebed.
What should I know about the terrain for walking around these lakes?
The terrain can vary significantly. For example, the area around Red Bog Pond can be quite boggy, even with new gravel paths, so appropriate footwear is recommended. Trails around View of Carlingford Lough from Mourne AONB offer interesting up and downhill sections. Some mountain bike sections in Rostrevor Forest can be slippery in wet weather.
Can I spot wildlife around the lakes near Mullaghmore?
Yes, wildlife observation is possible. Red Bog Pond is described as a peaceful place perfect for watching wildlife. Rostrevor Forest is also a good spot for wildlife, being a Special Area of Conservation with ancient oak woodlands.
Are there dog-friendly trails near Mullaghmore lakes?
Yes, Rostrevor Forest is noted as being dog-friendly, offering scenic trails for you and your canine companion to enjoy.
Most popular attractions around Mullaghmore
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Mullaghmore? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
