by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Sligo
Lough Gill was made famous by W.B. Yeats whose 'Lake Isle of Innisfree' inhabits one of its small corners. More recently, a popular Irish- American folk group, led by a Sligo troubadour, have taken the name. Unfortunately, on a cold and windy day in May, neither poetry nor music inspired us or made the lake more appealing. We accessed the water via a slipway which runs alongside the berthing place of the lake's leisure cruiser. It was stony underfoot and we bumped our way slowly into the cold, but fresh water. As we always say when swimming in lakes, be careful, watch for underwater rocks. No jumping or diving. Despite the little obstacle course, it was a refreshing swim with the soft and wavy water blowing away the cobwebs. We emerged revitalised and ready to write a poem or three. This must be a nice spot in the summer with Parkes castle alongside and a tour around the lake also on offer. View Larger Map Directions : From Sligo take the N16 toward Enniskillen. Just outside the town branch off onto the R286 signposted for Dromohair and the lake. Follow this road until you come to the lake on your right hand side and continue on until you come to the castle with the car park beside it. Copyright © ComputerAid, 2010 ~ 00353-86-8235349 ~ ]]> ~ All rights reserved. ]]> [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Roscommon
Our knowledge of places to swim in Roscommon is very limited so we were pleased to visit the attractive surroundings of Lough Key Forest Park. This is a very well maintained facility which also has a visitors centre, forest walk, and a marina. We got in from the slipway across from the marina and it brings you about waist height into the dark fresh water. Like all lakes you need to move carefully and watch out for underwater rocks. No jumping or diving. About 200 metres to the right of the slipway there is a small sandy area with shallow water. We didn't get in here but it looks like a place where children can splash in the summer. If you walk around the back of the marina and follow the lake shore path for a few hundred metres you come to few concrete jetties and we were told that people swim here during the summer. There are steps down into the water. We didn't venture in but again be careful. All in all, Lough Key is a lovely place for a visit. Apart from the swimming there is plenty to do and it is an ideal place for families to visit. View Larger Map Directions From Dublin or Sligo follow the N4 and Lough Key is located between Carrick and Shannon and Boyle. The entrance is well signposted and you drive all the way through the forest to the car park beside the lake. Car parking is 4 euro. The lake side and environs are buggy and wheelchair accessible. [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Leitrim
Glencar Lough May 2013 The weather was awful, the water choppy and getting in for our swim was painful. Still, needs must and we stumbled into the blustery waters of Glencar. After driving for what seemed like ages only a swim would restore us. We got in down a slip way at the end of the lake as you come from Sligo. We had to manoeuvre across some sharp stones and ease our way into the dark water. Like all lakes you need to move slowly and carefully. No jumping or diving. When we got into it the water was soft and refreshing. As we emerged we were, of course, glad we had made the effort. We don't know if people swim there in the summer; needless to say, on a wet day in May we swam alone. We aren't sure if the lake is in Sligo or Leitrim, a bit of both we think. Anyway , we are giving it to Leitrim as we have far more swimming places in Sligo. Just beyond the lake is the impressive Glencar waterfall which is well worth a visit and that is definitely in Leitrim. View Larger Map Directions: From Sligo take the N15 toward Donegal. Before Drumcliff watch out for the right turn signposted for the waterfall. Follow the not very good signposting along meandering roads and, hopefully, you will come to the lake on your right. Drive toward the end of the lake and you will come to a small tarmacadam car park with the slip way beside it. [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Galway
Lettergesh Beach June 2010 We should declare our bias about Connemara. To us it's the nicest place in the whole country and it also has the nicest swimming places. And if you get the beaches in good weather then it's quite spectacular. So Lettergesh is just one of Connemara's great places to visit and swim. The water here on a fine day is crystal clear and not too deep. Like many places on the west coast the water can be a couple of degrees colder than other parts of the country. However, it's clearness and freshness make up for that. Apart from the lovely water there are great views across to the Mweelrea mountains in Mayo and behind you are the impressive mountains of Benchoona and Garraun. The beach itself is quite well sheltered and at one end you can scramble across a small promontory which leads you to another equally nice stretch of beach We're not sure but was part of 'The Quiet Man' filmed here? There is a large, gravelly car park and you would be able to carry a buggy across a small rocky stretch to the beach. There isn't wheelchair access. Directions View Larger Map From Leenane take the R 59 for Clifden. After a few kilometres take the right turn for Tully Cross. You pass two lakes and keep on this road until you pass Connemara Camping on your right. Soon after this there is a signpost for Lettergesh Angling which, in true Irish fashion, brings you to the beach Ordnance survey Map No. 37 [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Galway
Lough Fee, Connemara June 2010 Lough Fee is a lovely tranquil lake set in the heart of Connemara. The lake is surrounded by cliffs and is most impressive. The water here is soft and as with many lakes it has that peaceful lapping sound The road runs right alongside the lake and you can find access at the far end of the lake. Make sure you don't climb over the fencing which blocks off some of the access. There is no need and you shouldn't anyway. Once again be extra careful getting in and getting out. Swim near to the lakeside and watch out for submerged rocks. Directions View Larger Map; From Leenane you take the N59 to Clifden. After a few kilometres you take a turn right signposted for Tully Cross. Lough Fee will be the first lake you come to on your left hand side. Ordnance Survey Map No. 37 [...]
