Lough MaskAbout Lough Mask
Lough Mask is a large freshwater lake in the west of Ireland, straddling counties Mayo and Galway, known for its fisheries and clear, limestone-influenced waters.
Lough Mask has long been integrated into local rural life, supporting fishing, small-scale transport and local agriculture; human settlement and activity around the lake date back many centuries.
The lake lies inland in the west of Ireland, spanning parts of County Mayo and County Galway, set within a rural landscape of lakeshore villages, drumlins and farmland.
- Fishing: Renowned among anglers for trout and pike, the lake supports a long-established recreational fishery with boat and shore fishing widely practised.
Best Time to Visit Lough Mask
Visit from late spring to summer for the best boating and angling conditions and the warmest weather.
Weather & Climate near Lough Mask
Lough Mask's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1128 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 8° | 3° | 122 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 82 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 9° | 4° | 91 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 6° | 61 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 71 mm | overcast | 82% | 4.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 66 mm | overcast | 82% | 3.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 68 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 12° - 18° | 15° | 91 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.6 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 101 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 11° | 124 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.2 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Poor | 6° - 11° | 6° | 127 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Acceptable | 5° - 9° | 4° | 124 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
How to Get to Lough Mask
Lough Mask is in the west of Ireland between County Mayo and County Galway. The lake is reachable by car via the N84 to Ballinrobe and then by regional roads (for example the R300/R345 corridors) to various access points; Ballinrobe and the village of Cong are common bases for visiting the lake.
Public bus services to the immediate shoreline are limited, so private car or local taxi transfers from Ballinrobe or Galway are the most practical options-Galway city is approximately a 40-60 minute drive depending on route and traffic.
Tips for Visiting Lough Mask
- If you plan to fish, secure a local angling permit in advance from nearby towns and ask local shops about current boating and angling rules; Lough Mask is renowned for trout and pike.
- Use established public slipways and local boat‑hire operators rather than informal launch points, and choose calm weather and early-morning outings for the best water conditions and visibility.