Lough Owel

Ireland, Ireland

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Lough Owel (Irish: Loch Uail) is one of the largest lakes in County Westmeath, Ireland, located about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) north of Mullingar near the N4 road between Dublin and Sligo. It is a large, deep, spring-fed limestone lake with crystal-clear water, a maximum depth of 21 meters (69 feet), and no river flowing into it, which helps keep the water clean. The lake covers about 4 square miles and is roughly 40% surrounded by woodlands. Water from Lough Owel feeds the Royal Canal, which connects Dublin to the River Shannon, and also flows out via two streams called the Golden Hand (beginning of the River Brosna) and the Silver Hand. Lough Owel has four main islands, the largest being Church Island, which contains ruins of St. Loman’s Oratory where the hermit St. Loman once lived. The lake is internationally protected as a Ramsar site since 1996 and is also a Special Area of Conservation, rich in rare plants, birdlife including overwintering white-fronted geese from Greenland, and fish such as brown trout, rainbow trout, perch, pike, and a few char. It is popular for swimming, picnicking, and fishing, with a visitor area that includes a parking lot, viewing platform, picnic tables, a safe swimming area, a diving board, and boat hire available. According to ancient legend, the lake originated from one of two Firbolg brothers who lived beside it.