Best lakes around Drumilly are situated within a landscape characterized by rolling hills and natural features. The region, part of County Armagh, offers a variety of lake environments, from tranquil waters nestled between hills to mountain loughs at higher elevations. These lakes provide focal points for exploring the Drumilly area terrain and its natural monuments. The area's geography makes it suitable for various outdoor activities centered around its water bodies.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
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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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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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The lakes around Drumilly are set within a landscape of rolling hills and natural features. You'll find tranquil waters nestled between hills, mountain loughs at higher elevations, and areas with historical significance. For example, North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough features a quiet mountain lake and a Bronze Age cairn, while Camlough Lake offers peaceful waters stretching over two kilometers.
Yes, several lakes in the Drumilly area are suitable for families. Camlough Lake is noted as family-friendly, offering a peaceful environment. Additionally, Bessbrook Pond provides an ideal setting for waterside strolls along its paths, perfect for families. You can find easy walks in the area, such as the Bessbrook War Memorial loop around Bessbrook Pond.
Yes, there are various hiking trails available. You can explore easy hikes like the Slieve Gullion Summit loop from Ring of Gullion AONB or the Slieve Gullion Summit – Calliagh Beara Lough loop. These routes offer opportunities to experience the natural beauty surrounding the lakes.
Absolutely. The Drumilly area offers several running trails, including those around the lakes. A popular option is the Camlough Lake running loop, which is a moderate 10 km route. There's also an easy Bessbrook village running loop around Bessbrook Pond.
While specific cycling routes directly around every lake aren't detailed, the region offers cycling opportunities. The roads around Camlough Lake are generally not very busy, allowing for relaxed cycling. For more extensive cycling, you can explore guides like Cycling around Drumilly, which includes routes such as the Newry Canal Path.
Yes, the area combines natural beauty with historical significance. The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough is a notable historical site. It features a Bronze Age cairn, where two ancient stone boxes were found during excavations, adding a layer of mysticism to the landscape.
The highest lake in Northern Ireland is Calliagh Beara Lough. It is situated between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, offering a unique high-altitude natural monument.
Visitors appreciate the tranquil and peaceful environments offered by the lakes. Many enjoy the sweeping views, the sense of ancient magic, and the opportunity for quiet reflection. The variety of lake environments, from mountain loughs to serene waters, provides diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
The terrain around Drumilly's lakes is characterized by rolling hills. You'll find a mix of landscapes, from gentle slopes surrounding tranquil waters to more rugged paths leading to mountain loughs at higher elevations, particularly around Slieve Gullion and the Ring of Gullion.
While specific cafes and pubs directly on the lake shores are not detailed, the Drumilly area, being part of County Armagh, offers local amenities in nearby villages. It's advisable to check local listings for options in towns like Bessbrook or Camlough for refreshments after your visit to the lakes.
Yes, the Drumilly area and surrounding County Armagh offer various accommodation options, from guesthouses to B&Bs and hotels in nearby towns. For specific availability, it's recommended to search for accommodation in the wider Ring of Gullion area or towns like Newry, which are within reasonable driving distance.
While many outdoor areas in the Drumilly region are dog-friendly, it's always best to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife, and to clean up after them. Specific rules can vary by location, so look for signage at trailheads or consult local visitor information for any particular restrictions around the lakes.


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