Best lakes around Cashel are found within County Tipperary, a region known for its historic town and surrounding natural landscapes. While Cashel itself is famous for the Rock of Cashel, the broader area offers diverse bodies of water. These lakes provide opportunities for various outdoor activities, from water sports to tranquil nature walks. The region's geography includes rolling hills and scenic vistas, making it a destination for exploring Ireland's natural beauty.
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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Along Glasdrumman Lough you walk along a calm body of water surrounded by green hills. The lake lies still and reflects the blue sky while the gentle waves break the sunlight. On one side of the road there is a sign telling you about the Poets' Trail - a hiking trail that shares not only the nature but also the history of this region with you. The information board tells you about the nearby O'Neill Castle, of which only ruins remain today. Here you can immerse yourself in the world of old Irish poems and legends that have their place along this trail. It is a place where nature and culture meet.
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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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Next to this part of the road, you can clearly observe Glasdrumman Lough. On one side of the road, there is also an information panel about the Poets Trail, which passes through here, explaining the history of O'Neill Castle.
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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 Cashel itself is known for its historic sites, the surrounding County Tipperary offers several beautiful lakes. Popular choices include North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, which combines a Bronze Age cairn with a scenic lough, and Camlough Lake, known for its tranquil waters nestled between hills.
Yes, the Blue Lagoon (Portroe) in North Tipperary is considered a hidden gem. This former slate quarry has filled with water, creating a stunning, deep blue oasis with steep cliffs and mirror-still water, popular with adventurers and free divers.
The lakes offer a variety of activities. Lough Derg is excellent for water-based sports like sailing, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Many lakes also provide opportunities for walking, hiking, and cycling. For specific routes, you can explore hiking trails or road cycling routes around Cashel.
Yes, Camlough Lake is noted as family-friendly, offering a peaceful atmosphere for cycling or quiet contemplation. Kildanogue Duck Pond and Nature Reserve also provides accessible walking paths and a peaceful sanctuary for wildlife, suitable for families.
While specific seasonal advice for Cashel lakes isn't detailed, generally, spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and water sports. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, and some lakes may offer peaceful winter walks, though weather can be more unpredictable.
Absolutely. North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough features an 18-meter diameter Bronze Age cairn right next to the lough. Glasdrumman Lough is part of the Poets Trail, which shares the history of the region, including information about the nearby O'Neill Castle.
Lough Derg is a significant fishing destination, home to various species including brown trout, pike, perch, roach, salmon, and bream. Castle Lake and Ballymulcashel Lakes also offer good fishing opportunities for pike, bream, perch, and trout.
The Lough Derg Way is a 69km walking route offering scenic landscapes around Lough Derg. For other options, you can find various hiking routes and running trails around Cashel, many of which pass by or offer views of the lakes.
You'll encounter diverse natural beauty, from the vast, clear waters of Lough Derg to the unique, deep blue tranquility of the Blue Lagoon (Portroe), a former slate quarry. Mountain lakes like Bay Lough offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Irish countryside, while Kildanogue Duck Pond provides a peaceful wetland habitat.
Bay Lough, situated on the Tipperary-Waterford border, is renowned for its breathtaking views. On a clear day, hikers to the lough can see towns like Clonmel, Cahir, and even Cashel from its elevated perspective.
While specific dog-friendly designations for each lake are not always available, many natural areas and walking trails around the lakes are suitable for dogs, provided they are kept under control. Always check local signage for any restrictions.
Calliagh Beara Lough is notable for being the highest lough in Northern Ireland, situated between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion.


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