Lough Ennell
Lake Large lowland lake in County Westmeath
Large lowland lake near Mullingar in County Westmeath, a favored spot for angling and boating. Visitors cycle or drive the shoreline and use local facilities for day trips.
Lough Ennell is a large freshwater lake in County Westmeath in the Irish midlands and is one of the principal lakes in the county. It is used for boating, angling and lakeside recreation and has long been a focal point for local leisure activities.
The lake is noted locally for sailing and recreational fishing and is fringed by low-lying shoreline and some wooded areas. It attracts day visitors from nearby towns as well as anglers and small-boat sailors.
Formed in a glacial landscape typical of the Irish midlands, the lake has been used for fishing and local recreation for many decades and is an established part of the county’s natural amenities. Over time the shoreline has supported small settlements, country houses and recreational facilities.
Geographically Lough Ennell is located in central County Westmeath, roughly a few kilometres south of the town of Mullingar in the Irish midlands.
- Proximity to Mullingar: Lough Ennell lies a short distance south of the county town Mullingar and is one of the larger lakes in County Westmeath, making it a local centre for water-based recreation.
How to Get to Lough Ennell #
From Mullingar town centre, Lough Ennell is a 10-15 minute drive south via the R393 and local roads (approximately 6-7 km). The closest rail link is Mullingar rail station (Irish Rail); from there hire a taxi or local bus. Driving from Dublin takes about 1 hour 15 minutes on the M4 and N52.
Tips for Visiting Lough Ennell #
- Walk the north shore from Belvedere House for the best framed views of the lake and the placid reflections at dawn.
- If fishing is the aim, carry a current Inland Fisheries Ireland permit - brown trout and pike are the draws here.
- Avoid driving on the narrow roads around the lake at peak summer weekends; park in Mullingar and take the short drive north via the R393.
Best Time to Visit Lough Ennell #
Best visited spring through autumn for walking, fishing and calm water scenes; winter can be raw and windy but emptier.
Weather & Climate near Lough Ennell #
Lough Ennell'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 19°C. Moderate rainfall (958 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 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 (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
