Lough Rea

Republic of Ireland, Ireland

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Lough Rea, also known as Loughrea Lake, is a natural freshwater lake in County Galway, Ireland, lying just south of the historic town of Loughrea, which takes its name from the lake. The lake is about 2.6 km long and 1.7 km wide, covering roughly 3 square kilometres, and sits at about 81 metres above sea level, with several small islands such as Ash Island and Blake’s Island standing out along its shoreline. It is fed and drained mainly by the Loughrea River and supports a variety of fish including pike, perch, rudd, and eel, making it a popular spot for anglers, and it also offers a Blue Flag‑designated swimming area at Long Point that attracts families and open‑water swimmers. The waterscape forms a key part of Loughrea’s setting, blending scenic views, recreational use, and local heritage connected both to the town’s medieval past and older Irish legends about the lake’s origins.