Top 5 Lakes around Goragh
Best lakes around Goragh are primarily located within County Armagh, Northern Ireland, offering a diverse natural landscape. This region is characterized by its rolling hills, including the Slieve Gullion area, and tranquil waters. Visitors can explore a variety of lake environments, from mountain loughs to more accessible ponds, providing opportunities for waterside strolls and scenic views. The area's lakes are often nestled amidst historical sites and natural monuments.
Best lakes around Goragh
- The most popular lakes is North Cairn of…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough
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Camlough Lake
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Calliagh Beara Lough
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Bessbrook Pond
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I expect to find around Goragh?
The lakes around Goragh, primarily located within County Armagh, Northern Ireland, offer a diverse natural landscape. You'll find mountain loughs, such as North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough and Calliagh Beara Lough, nestled in the hills, as well as more accessible, tranquil waters like Camlough Lake and Bessbrook Pond, which are ideal for waterside strolls.
Are there family-friendly lakes for visitors with children?
Yes, several lakes around Goragh are suitable for families. Camlough Lake is known for its peaceful setting, perfect for cycling or enjoying the scenery. Bessbrook Pond, located in the heart of Bessbrook village, offers easy waterside paths for a relaxed stroll with the family.
What outdoor activities can I do near the lakes around Goragh?
The area around Goragh's lakes provides opportunities for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, with routes like the 'Bessbrook War Memorial — loop around the Bessbrook Pond' being an easy option. Cycling is also popular, with routes such as 'Newry Canal Path – Newry Canal Towpath loop from Bessbrook' for road cyclists or 'Newry to 'The Old Oak' Kilbroney Park loop' for touring bicycles. For more details on routes, you can explore the hiking, road cycling, and general cycling guides for Goragh.
Are there any historical sites or notable landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, the lakes are often nestled amidst historical sites. For instance, North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough features a mountain lough right next to a Bronze Age cairn, offering a blend of natural beauty and ancient history. Calliagh Beara Lough is situated between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, adding to the historical context of the landscape.
What are the difficulty levels for walking around these lakes?
Walking difficulties vary. Paths around lakes like Bessbrook Pond are generally easy and suitable for leisurely strolls. However, exploring mountain loughs such as North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough or Calliagh Beara Lough involves intermediate terrain, often with rocky paths and elevation changes, rewarding visitors with sweeping views.
Can I cycle around the lakes near Goragh?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Camlough Lake, for example, has narrow roads along its shore that are suitable for cycling, offering a peaceful experience with scenic views. There are also dedicated cycling routes in the wider Goragh area, including options for both road and touring bicycles.
What kind of views can I expect from the lakes?
The lakes around Goragh offer diverse and picturesque views. From the mountain loughs like North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough, you can expect sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Other lakes, such as Camlough Lake, provide tranquil waters reflecting the rolling hills, creating a serene atmosphere.
Are there any lakes that are particularly high up?
Yes, Calliagh Beara Lough, located between the northern and southern burial cairns of Slieve Gullion, holds the distinction of being the highest lake in Northern Ireland. Its elevated position offers a unique perspective of the region.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Goragh?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty, from the tranquil waters of Camlough Lake to the mystical atmosphere and sweeping views from mountain loughs like North Cairn of Slieve Gullion and Calliagh Beara's Lough. The blend of natural landscapes with historical elements, such as Bronze Age cairns, also adds to the unique appeal.
Is there public transport available to reach the lakes?
While specific public transport routes directly to every lake might be limited, the region of County Armagh has bus services connecting towns. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes that pass near the main towns or villages close to the lakes you plan to visit, such as Bessbrook for Bessbrook Pond.
Are the lakes suitable for dog walking?
Many of the lakes and their surrounding trails are suitable for dog walking, especially those with accessible paths like Bessbrook Pond. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or protected wildlife, and to follow local signage regarding pet regulations.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Goragh?
The best time to visit generally depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer offer milder weather, ideal for cycling, walking, and enjoying the greenery. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter can offer a stark, tranquil beauty, though some higher trails might be more challenging due to weather conditions.
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Still not found your perfect lake around Goragh? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
