These 12 lakes in Ireland made me rethink boredom entirely!
An interesting piece of advice I’ve heard lately is to embrace boredom. Like, actually try to be bored without your phone. Why? I heard it pushes the brain back to its default settings, making it want to think or reflect on its great ideas.
That intrigued me. The problem is: I HATE being bored. There has to be a pretty darn good alternative if I’m not going to be ‘doomscrolling’. So one friend suggested I go out, touch grass, and see a pretty lake. I know—I scoffed at the idea at first.
But that was before I saw some pretty amazing lakes in Ireland. Turns out, there are many therapeutic (and exciting) lakeside activities here to enjoy. Here are the best spots I think are worth visiting at least once to reset your mind.
1. Glendalough Upper Lake
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Location: Lugduff, Co. Wicklow
Opening Hours: Open all year round
Visitor Centre Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 6 PM
Fees: Parking (opens around 8 am) – €5
Glendalough Upper Lake is a picturesque glacial lake with a church accessible by boat. There’s also a stunning pathway that leads to magnificent views and rich history.
You’ll find a nice blend of greenery and mountains around here too! You can either hike to the viewpoint (overlooking 2 lakes) or just chill at the base.
When you get hungry, you can grab a quick bite, coffee, or ice cream from the food trucks. Amenities like a car park and washrooms are also available.
Pro tips:
- Look for the phone stand to take a timed selfie at Glendalough Upper Lake! This is free—just remember to pay your parking ticket.
- There are many hiking tracks, but I recommend starting from the lake through Miners’ Village. There are stairs on the other side, which would make it easierv to come back down later.
2. Lough Tay
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Website: https://visitwicklow.ie/listing/lough-tay-guinness-lake/
Location: Cloghoge, Co. Wicklow
Accessibility: Accessible at all times
Fees: Free (except for some car parks)
Lough Tay is a treat for hikers! It’s a popular and scenic privately owned destination surrounded by mountains. Because of its colourful surroundings, with a dark brown lake and imported white sand, many landscape photographers love it!
The lake itself can look like a pint of Guinness beer, dark with a foamy layer on top. The sandy shore with the mountains can also create a fairytale-like vibe that many nature fans can enjoy.
Just remember that direct access to the lake shore is limited due to its private ownership. Still, it can be viewed from several vantage points along the Military Road in the Wicklow Mountains, J.B. Malone Memorial, and Ballinastoe Woods.
Friendly reminders:
- It can be super windy or snowy at Lough Tay, so make sure you don’t walk too close to the edges.
- There isn’t a lot of parking nearby, so you’ll have to scope out the roadway (or somewhere further) to find a decent spot.
3. Lough Leane
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Location: Co. Kerry
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Fees: Free entry
Lough Leane is a peaceful lake, home to the island ruins of Innisfallen Abbey and the 15th-century Ross Castle. You’ll bask in lovely water views, known to be vibrant in colour, especially during sunset.
For many, this is wonderful for picturesque walks and cycling. There are easy loops to moderate hikes around, catering to visitors of all skill levels. These go through the woodlands to the waterfalls.
Just keep an eye on wildlife like red deer and white-tailed eagles, as well as endangered freshwater fish (like blunt-snouted Irish char and Killarney shad), so you won’t miss them.
Good to know:
Planning to go fishing at Lough Leane? Be sure to secure the necessary angling permits before you go. It’s best to enquire locally for complete instructions.
4. Lough Dan
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Location: Co. Wicklow
Opening Hours:
- Ballinastoe Car Park (common access point for trails)
- 9 AM to 5:30 PM (gates are potentially locked at 6 PM on weekends)
Fees: Free entry
Lough Dan is a compact, secluded lake cradled amid mountains. Visitors can get limited access from the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
It has hiking trails and small sandy beaches too! You can swim, boat, or just enjoy the weather on the sandy beach.
For better views, you can just climb a mountain. Be aware that your hike can take an hour or less, depending on where you start.
Insider scoop:
- There are many deer herds at Lough Dan, so I suggest bringing binoculars, so you (and the little ones) can spot them without a hitch!
- While the lakeshore is a nice spot for lunch, there are no tables. Why not plan a lovely picnic for your date or family instead? Just remember not to litter and take your rubbish with you.
5. Glencar Lough
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/leitrim/glencar-lake
Location: Northwest of Ireland
Opening Hours: Accessible at all times
Fees:
- Free entry
- Free parking
With peaks and lush countryside framing it, Glencar Lough is vast with trails, waterfalls, and a large salmon population. Several activities you can try include hiking, fishing, and boating (or canoeing).
There are a lot of fish here as well. You could catch salmon, sea trout, and brown trout. Medium-sized diving ducks can also be seen around here!
You can use the picnic area and toilet facilities to make your trip more convenient. Plus, most campers can usually park here overnight without issue.
Fun idea:
Swans and ducks appear at Glencar Lough, and they can move close enough to be fed! You can give them safe foods like oats, sweetcorn, defrosted peas, and chopped lettuce. Just scatter them on the ground or shallow water.
It’s also best to avoid feeding them bread, as it lacks nutritional value and can harm them and their habitat.
6. Lough Rea
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Website: https://loughrealake.com/
Location: Co. Galway
Opening Hours: Always open
Fees: Free entry
Lough Rea has generally peaceful waters, making it ideal for summer swims. It also lets visitors go kayaking, canoeing, and dinghy (small boat) sailing throughout the year.
Kids and dogs also love walking and running around the flowers and the grass. And if the little ones get sweaty, there are adequate changing rooms, toilets, and shower facilities, making this spot very convenient for parents and pet owners.
Things to remember:
- Be sure to bring your own drinks and snacks to Lough Rea since there aren’t many food stalls around.
- The wind can be pretty chilly too, so don’t forget to layer up or wear a jacket.
7. Ross Lake
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Location: Co. Galway
Ross Castle Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5 PM (most tours start at 10 AM, with the last tour leaving at 4:55 PM)
Fees: Free entry
Ross Lake is a small freshwater lake with easy, gravel walking trails through the woods. Some even call it a ‘painter’s paradise’, since its views are known to be very inspiring for art enthusiasts.
Families also come here for a nice campfire and barbecue experience. Alternatively, you can go fishing for perch (medium-sized predator fish), roach (small- to medium-sized carp), bream (narrow fish), and pike (large fish)—if that’s your thing.
For the fur parents:
Many visitors also walk their dogs at Ross Lake, but it’s best to put them on a lead for everyone’s safety.
8. Lough Derravaragh
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Location: Co. Westmeath
Opening Hours: Angling (open from March 1 to October 12 each year)
Fees: Free entry
Lough Derravaragh is a gorgeous midlands lake—and a big one at almost 10 km long— that’s interestingly boot-shaped like Italy.
Fishing is the main activity here. You can catch a big pike or spot some ducks and swans now and then.
Otherwise, you can go canoeing and try other water activities for a more active experience. Also, you can shop and dine at the restaurants, though they only open seasonally.
For the extroverts:
There are enduring legends and lore at Lough Derravaragh. So if you’re a tourist, why not ask the locals around about them? For us, this is a cool ice breaker and a nice way to meet people in the area.
9. Dromore Lough
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Location: Co. Clare
Opening Hours: Open all year round
Fees: Free entry
Dromore Lough is the Irish lake to visit if you want some real peace and quiet from the hassles of your busy weekdays. The 16th-century Dromore Castle adds to its historic vibe, too.
You can walk through the woods here and just be in a reflective mood—it’s well-marked, making it safe with good facilities nearby.
And if you want some real mood boosters? You can check out the red squirrels, otters, pine martens, and other low-threat wildlife around.
Cheat sheet:
Plan a half-day outing to Dromore Lough to maximise your experience! Its 6-km loop provides diverse sights of the lake, forest, and castle—a well-rounded setting for your ‘me time’.
10. Lough Key
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Location: Co. Roscommon
Opening Hours: Open all year
Fees:
- Free entry
- Parking – €5
- Activities
- Family Combo Ticket – €115
- Forest and Activity Park + Boat Tour – €195
Surrounded by forest, Lough Key is a large and majestic lake in Ireland worth seeing if you’re a history buff. It’s got an island with a castle, marina, and boat rentals. The local triathlon club trains here as well.
Plus, there’s a treetop walk for a lovely family day out—but this is inaccessible by pram. You can let the kids use the nice playground, though, then go to the restaurant when it’s time for lunch or dinner.
And if you want to camp with your family? The facilities here are known to be adequate and safe for children.
For your Instagram:
Visit Lough Key in autumn to see the forest colours reflected on the lake! It’s a lovely backdrop, making it a photographer’s dream. There are many lakeside picnic spots around, too.
11. Lough Ennell
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Location: Co. Westmeath
Opening Hours: Open all year round
Fees: Free entry
Lough Ennell is a magical lake spot where you can just sit and listen to the choppy waves to meditate. There are loads of dogwalkers here, too! But if you don’t have a pet, you can opt to admire the various bird species instead.
This is also a popular spot for romantic dates. There are many picnic tables you can snag while looking at the lough, especially during sunset!
Something to try:
Want to be more physically active at Lough Ennell? You can walk, bike, or even ride a horse around here!
12. Lough Muckno
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/monaghan/lough-muckno-leisure-park
Location: Co. Monaghan
Opening Hours: Open all year round
Fees: Free entry
Lough Muckno is a popular lake destination for meeting new friends while fishing for pike. You can catch a few good ones in the 20-foot region.
Other great activities also include walking, golfing, camping, and kayaking. As for the kids, they can have a go at the playpark, too!
And if you need a little pick-me-up drink, there’s a coffee van on-site. Plus, you’ll find public toilets beside the castle when nature calls.
A few reminders:
- Some pet owners at Lough Muckno don’t have their dogs on a lead, so it’s best to be aware of them.
- Also, choose shoes you wouldn’t mind getting mud on. Some parts of the walking track can be pretty sludgy.