Lough Allen
Lake Upper River Shannon lake known for angling and scenery
Part of the upper River Shannon system, Lough Allen spans the northwest Irish landscape; visitors come for kayaking, angling, cycling routes and quiet lakeside accommodation.
Lough Allen is a freshwater lake on the upper course of the River Shannon in northwest Ireland. It is one of the principal lakes in the Shannon basin and forms part of the river’s headwaters.
The lake is frequented for boating, fishing and shoreline walking, with a patchwork of small bays and islands that attract local outdoor recreation. Facilities and access points are modest and typically oriented to small boats and anglers.
Lough Allen is a glacially formed lake that has been part of inland transport and local economies along the Shannon since historic times. Its shoreline settlements developed around fishing and small-scale agriculture.
The lake lies within the Shannon basin in northwest Ireland, straddling parts of the surrounding counties and set among low hills and agricultural land in the region.
- Navigation and recreation: The lake forms part of the upper River Shannon system and is used for recreational boating and angling; local conditions can change quickly so check with local harbours or clubs before heading out.
How to Get to Lough Allen #
Drive via the N4 and local regional roads (R280). Towns such as Drumshanbo and Carrick-on-Shannon provide bases for exploring the lake; small marinas and boat rental services operate seasonally.
Tips for Visiting Lough Allen #
- Explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat to reach quieter bays and birding sites.
- Drive the R280 and local roads for scenic viewpoints along the lake's rim.
- Visit in winter if interested in ice fishing; local operators provide equipment and guidance.
Best Time to Visit Lough Allen #
Summer and early autumn provide the best conditions for boating and fishing; winter is quieter and can be used for ice activities if conditions permit.
Weather & Climate near Lough Allen #
Lough Allen's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1211 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (129 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
