Best lakes around Carrickananny are found within the wider County Armagh, Northern Ireland, as the townland itself does not feature prominent lakes. This region is characterized by rolling hills and diverse aquatic environments, offering various natural features for exploration. County Armagh hosts several significant lakes, including the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, Lough Neagh, and other popular fishing destinations. The landscape provides opportunities for outdoor activities centered around these water bodies.
Last updated: July 27, 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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While Carrickananny itself does not feature prominent lakes, County Armagh is home to several significant bodies of water. These include Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, and other popular fishing destinations like Camlough Lake, Lowry's Lake, and Clay Lake. You can also find North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, known for its Bronze Age findings and being the highest lake in Northern Ireland, and Camlough Lake, a disused reservoir popular for fishing.
No, searches for specific lakes directly within the townland of Carrickananny did not yield any results. The notable lakes are found within the wider County Armagh area.
The lakes in County Armagh offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy fishing, boating (with permits on some lakes), and nature trails. There are also numerous routes for running, cycling, and hiking. For example, you can find running loops around Camlough Lake and Bessbrook Pond, and various cycling and hiking trails in the surrounding areas. You can explore more options on the running trails guide, cycling guide, and easy hikes guide for Carrickananny.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in many lakes in County Armagh. Camlough Lake is well-stocked with pike, bream, roach, and perch. Lowry's Lake is regularly stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout, and Clay Lake is known for its pike. Seagahan Reservoir is designated for fly fishing only. Permits may be required for some locations, such as Camlough Lake, where you need a permit from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. For more information on fisheries in County Armagh, you can visit the DAERA website.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly experiences. Camlough Lake is listed as family-friendly, and Bessbrook Pond provides a peaceful setting for waterside strolls, ideal for families. Kinnego Marina on Lough Neagh also offers facilities for camping, caravanning, and nature trails, which are great for family outings.
Near the lakes, you can explore significant historical and natural landmarks. The North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough is a notable site, featuring Bronze Age findings and the highest lake in Northern Ireland. The cairn itself is an ancient burial site, offering a glimpse into the region's distant past.
While specific regulations for wild swimming vary and are not explicitly detailed for all lakes, it's generally advisable to check with local authorities or landowners before attempting wild swimming. Some lakes are primarily designated for fishing or water supply, and swimming might be restricted for safety or environmental reasons.
The highest lake in Northern Ireland is Calliagh Beara Lough, located between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion. It's part of the scenic Slieve Gullion area, offering stunning views.
Yes, there are several cycling routes available. For instance, you can find routes like the 'Newry to 'The Old Oak' Kilbroney Park loop' and various other loops starting from Newry that pass through the wider area, offering scenic views of the landscape and potentially some lake vistas. You can find detailed cycling routes in the cycling guide for Carrickananny.
The best time to visit the lakes near Carrickananny generally depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer (April to September) offer milder weather, longer daylight hours, and are ideal for hiking, cycling, and enjoying waterside activities. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while winter can be picturesque but colder, with shorter days. Always check the local weather forecast before your visit.
For those seeking accessible paths, Bessbrook Pond in the village of Bessbrook offers paths suitable for waterside strolls, which are generally considered easy and accessible. While specific details on full accessibility for all lakes are not available, areas designed for leisurely walks often provide more even surfaces.
For fishing permits, especially for lakes like Camlough Lake, you would typically need to contact the local district council, such as Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. For general information on public angling estates and permits in County Armagh, the DAERA website is a good resource. Boating permits would also generally be managed by local authorities or specific marina operators for larger lakes like Lough Neagh.


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