Lough ConnAbout Lough Conn
Lough Conn is a large freshwater lake in County Mayo in the west of Ireland, notable for recreational fishing and open-water birdlife. It is one of the principal lakes in the region and forms part of a wider wetland and lowland landscape.
Angling for brown trout and coarse species is a common activity, and the lake is used for boating and local leisure pursuits. Several small islands and inlets create sheltered bays and varied shoreline habitat.
The lake has long been used by local communities for fishing and navigation and features in local drainage and land-use histories. Management focuses on fisheries, water quality and conservation of wetland habitats.
Lough Conn lies in north County Mayo, northwest Ireland, within easy reach of towns such as Ballina and Crossmolina and around an hour by road from larger regional centres. The surrounding landscape is lowland and bog with agricultural use around the shorelines.
- Fishing: Well known as a brown-trout fishery and for coarse angling; boat and shore fishing are common uses of the lake.
Best Time to Visit Lough Conn
Visit Lough Conn from late spring through summer (May-September) for the most pleasant weather and outdoor access.
Weather & Climate near Lough Conn
Lough Conn's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1112 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 118 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 78 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 3° | 91 mm | overcast | 88% | 5.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 5° | 63 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 72 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.8h |
| June | Good | 9° - 16° | 13° | 66 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.9h |
| July | Good | 11° - 18° | 15° | 66 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.4h |
| August | Good | 11° - 18° | 15° | 85 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 10° - 16° | 13° | 101 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 121 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 10° | 5° | 128 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 123 mm | overcast | 92% | 5.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
How to Get to Lough Conn
Lough Conn is in County Mayo, Ireland, just west of the town of Ballina. The easiest way is to drive to Ballina (the town is served by regional bus routes) and then follow local county roads north or west from Ballina to lakeside access points and car parks; many popular shore spots are a short drive from the town.
If using public transport, arrive at Ballina by bus and then take a short taxi or local bus to the lakeshore villages; walking distances from lakeside car parks or village bus stops to the shore are typically only a few minutes.
Tips for Visiting Lough Conn
- Plan early-morning visits for the best light for photography and to catch waterfowl activity; birdwatching is often at its best at dawn along the quieter eastern and northern shores.
- Avoid weekend crowds by choosing weekdays or the shoulder season outside peak angling competitions - anglers and local outings concentrate at weekends, especially in summer.
- Be mindful of private shorelines; use designated public access points and car parks around Crossmolina and townland signposted entrances to reach the lake legally and avoid trespass.