Lough GillLough Gill at a Glance
About Lough Gill
Lough Gill is a freshwater lake in the northwest of the Republic of Ireland, located near Sligo and lying on the border of Counties Sligo and Leitrim. It is known regionally for its wooded islands and scenic shoreline.
The lake’s wooded islets, sheltered bays and shallow shores attract anglers, boaters and walkers; one small island in the lake inspired W. B. Yeats’ poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” and is a common focus for visits. Birdlife and mixed woodland around the shore provide habitat and quiet viewing points.
Lough Gill formed in glacial and post-glacial times and has long been used for fishing and local navigation; its cultural associations with Yeats increased its profile among visitors. Recreational use has included small-boat trips, angling and lakeside walks.
The lake sits a short drive south-east of Sligo town in northwest Ireland, framed by low hills and woodland; roads from Sligo provide the nearest urban access and small harbours and piers offer boat access to the lake.
- Literary connection: Associated with W. B. Yeats’ poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree,” which has drawn literary interest to the lake.
- Access and drainage: Drained to the Sea via the Garavogue River, and located close to Sligo town for road access and boat tours.
What to See#
- Innisfree (Inishfree): A small wooded island in the lake that inspired W. B. Yeats’ poem “The Lake Isle of Innisfree” and is a focal point for boat visits and shoreline views.
Nearby Attractions to Lough Gill
Best Time to Visit Lough Gill
Late spring to early autumn is ideal for lakeside activities; watch for sudden showers even in summer.
Weather & Climate near Lough Gill
Lough Gill'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 (1356 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 147 mm | overcast | 95% | 5.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 8° | 1° | 102 mm | overcast | 94% | 5.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| March | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 120 mm | overcast | 91% | 5.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 74 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.7 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 13.9h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 78 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.8h |
| June | Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 82 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.9h |
| July | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 88 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.2 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.4h |
| August | Acceptable | 12° - 18° | 15° | 108 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 10° - 16° | 13° | 120 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 144 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 10° | 4° | 147 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 146 mm | overcast | 95% | 5.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
How to Get to Lough Gill
Lough Gill is about 8-10 km east of Sligo town; drive via the N4 and regional roads or take local bus services toward the villages on the lake’s shores. Boat tours operate from local harbours in summer.
Tips for Visiting Lough Gill
- Take the lakeside walk from Sligo town-it's about 9-10 km to reach the main viewpoints if walking.
- Stop at Parke's Castle or the little harbourside villages along the way for coffee and local seafood.