Lakes around Ballintemple, a suburb of Cork city, Ireland, are primarily found in the broader County Cork region, as there are no major natural lakes directly within the suburb itself. The area offers a mix of natural and man-made water bodies, providing diverse environments for outdoor activities. These include significant wildfowl areas, marine nature reserves, and large reservoirs used for hydroelectric power and fishing.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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The dam is easy to cross and from there you have a great view over the lake and the rolling hills that surround it. The peaceful atmosphere is only occasionally interrupted by the gentle rippling of the water. The reservoir provides fresh drinking water to the surrounding area and the trout fishery here is controlled by the Armagh Angling Club - so it's an interesting spot for anglers. Even if you're not here to fish, the scenery is simply relaxing and it's worth stopping for a few minutes and looking around. The roads around the lake are easy to drive on but there might be a few potholes in places - nothing that would stop a real cyclist. Overall a nice stop to enjoy nature and take a quick breather before moving on.
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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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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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This peaceful pond located in the heart of the village of Bessbrook is an ideal place for a waterside stroll along its paths.
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A pretty reservoir that supplies water to the surrounding area and has some Trout fishing
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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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While there are no major natural lakes directly within Ballintemple, a suburb of Cork city, the Atlantic Pond is a notable local water amenity. It's a popular spot for walkers and runners, offering a pleasant green space with water features.
The wider Cork area features several significant lakes. These include The Lough (Cork City Lough), known for its wildfowl and fishing; Lough Hyne, Ireland's only Marine Nature Reserve; and Inniscarra Lake, a large reservoir popular for coarse fishing and scenic views.
The Lough is a significant wildfowl area, providing refuge for numerous birds, including a large population of swans. An island within the Lough offers shelter and breeding grounds for both residential and migratory birds. It's also home to various fish species like carp, eel, tench, perch, and rudd.
Yes, The Lough is a popular carp fishery, with substantial catches reported annually. It also contains eel, tench, perch, and rudd, making it a good spot for anglers.
Lough Hyne is unique as Ireland's first and only Marine Nature Reserve. It's a landlocked saltwater lough with a narrow channel allowing tidal flow, supporting an extraordinary diversity of marine life, including over 100 species of sponges and 72 types of fish, some endemic to the area.
Lough Hyne is a favored location for swimming, kayaking, and diving (which may require a permit). The surrounding lanes and trails up Knockomagh (Lough Hyne Hill) are also popular for walking.
Inniscarra Lake, created for hydroelectric power, is renowned for its coarse fishing, particularly for bream, bream/rudd hybrids, rudd, perch, pike, tench, carp, and eels. It also offers breathtaking views within the picturesque Lee Valley.
Yes, visitors can enjoy an inner trail around the water's edge and an outer path at The Lough, forming a loop of roughly 1km, popular for walks and runs.
Many lakes in the wider Cork area offer family-friendly activities. For instance, The Lough (Cork City Lough) has easy walking paths suitable for families, and its wildfowl population can be engaging for children. Lough Hyne also offers opportunities for swimming and kayaking, which can be fun family activities.
The best time to visit the lakes around Cork generally depends on the activity. For walking and general enjoyment, spring and summer offer pleasant weather. For birdwatching at The Lough, autumn and winter can be excellent for migratory species. Fishing seasons vary by lake and species, so it's best to check local regulations.
The Lough (Cork City Lough) has historical significance as one of Ireland's oldest protected areas, designated a Public Wildlife Refuge in 1881. While not directly historical, Lough Hyne's status as a Marine Nature Reserve highlights its unique ecological importance and conservation history.
Yes, particularly around The Lough (Cork City Lough) which is close to Cork City Centre, you'll find various amenities including cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. For lakes further afield like Lough Hyne and Inniscarra Lake, amenities might be more spread out, but nearby towns and villages will offer services.


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