Lough EnnellAbout Lough Ennell
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 7° | 1° | 95 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 72 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.3 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 9° | 3° | 73 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 5° | 63 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 64 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 9° - 17° | 13° | 68 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.2 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 64 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 11° - 19° | 15° | 84 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 9° - 16° | 13° | 82 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 13° | 8° | 99 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 95 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 99 mm | overcast | 96% | 4.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
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.