Top 5 Lakes around Camly (Macullagh)

The region is characterized by glacial ribbon lakes nestled between mountains like Slieve Gullion. You can explore prominent bodies of water such as Camlough Lake, which is bordered by Camlough Mountain and Slieve Gullion, offering a dramatic backdrop. The area is also part of the scenic Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Yes, Camlough Lake is a significant recreational resource, offering opportunities for fishing (with a permit), canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and open-water swimming. It has even been a training ground for triathletes and open water swimmers.

For a peaceful waterside stroll, Bessbrook Pond, located in the heart of Bessbrook village, is an ideal family-friendly spot with accessible paths. Camlough Lake is also considered family-friendly, offering scenic views and opportunities for gentle activities.

Absolutely. The lakes are situated within the Ring of Gullion, which offers numerous hiking opportunities. For example, you can find routes like the 'Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop' which takes you past the highest lake in Northern Ireland. You can explore various hiking trails in the area by visiting the Hiking around Camly (Macullagh) guide.

The highest lake in Northern Ireland is Calliagh Beara Lough. It is nestled between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion. A visit here is typically part of a hike up Slieve Gullion, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Ring of Gullion.

The Cashel Loughs (Upper and Lower), located within the Ring of Gullion, are excellent for nature observation and angling. They support a wide range of invertebrates and diverse aquatic plants. The Upper Lough has clear, unpolluted water, while the Lower Lough is surrounded by extensive reed swamp, making them ideal for birdwatching and observing wildlife in a tranquil setting.

Yes, for easy walks, Bessbrook Pond offers pleasant paths for a waterside stroll. Additionally, some sections around Camlough Lake provide relatively flat roads suitable for relaxed cycling or walking. For more options, check out the Easy hikes around Camly (Macullagh) guide.

The lakes can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions for water sports, hiking, and wildlife observation due to milder weather and longer daylight hours. Autumn provides stunning scenic views with changing foliage. Even in winter, the area offers peaceful walks, though some paths might be more challenging.

Camlough Lake is home to various bird species including mute swans, great crested grebes, moorhens, herons, and warblers, as well as fish like pike, bream, and eels. The Cashel Loughs are particularly rich in biodiversity, supporting a wide range of invertebrates, including numerous species of water beetles, spiders, and ground beetles.

Yes, the area offers several running trails. You can find routes such as the 'Camlough Lake running loop' or the 'Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop'. For detailed information on running routes, refer to the Running Trails around Camly (Macullagh) guide.

Camlough Lake is recognized as an ASSI due to its diverse and unpolluted aquatic ecosystems. These ecosystems support rare plants such as quillwort and red pondweed, highlighting its ecological importance.

Yes, near North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, you can find ancient stone boxes from the Bronze Age that were discovered during excavations. The Ring of Gullion itself boasts a rich archaeological and geological heritage, with burial cairns and other historical features.