Lough Beagh
Lake Glacial lake amid rugged mountains in Donegal
A mountain lake in County Donegal within the Glenveagh area, popular with anglers and walkers using nearby trails through upland scenery.
Lough Beagh is a lake in County Donegal in northwest Ireland, situated in a steep-sided glacial valley. It forms part of the upland landscape of the Derryveagh Mountains.
The lake is noted for its remote, mountainous setting and is used for hillwalking, nature watching, and angling by visitors and locals. The shoreline is generally rugged with rock and heathland.
Lough Beagh is a glacial lake formed during the last Ice Age and sits in a classic U-shaped valley carved by ice. The lake and surrounding land feature in the estate and conservation history of the Glenveagh area.
The lake lies in the interior of County Donegal, within Glenveagh National Park and the Derryveagh Mountains, in northwestern Ireland.
- Within Glenveagh National Park: Located inside Glenveagh National Park, offering direct access to park trails and mountain scenery.
How to Get to Lough Beagh #
Access is by narrow local roads from nearby towns such as Letterkenny; drive routes use regional roads off the N56. Parking is limited and trails can be boggy - sturdy footwear and local maps are recommended.
Tips for Visiting Lough Beagh #
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching - the area hosts choughs and raptors.
- Park at the designated car parks on the N56 and walk the marked trails to preserve fragile bogland.
- Visit midweek outside the angling season to avoid local fishermen groups.
Best Time to Visit Lough Beagh #
Best time: late spring to early autumn for trail access and clearer weather.
Weather & Climate near Lough Beagh #
Lough Beagh's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1779 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (196 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (198 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (188 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (187 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
