Lough Owel

Lake Spring-fed lake in County Westmeath, Ireland

Shallow spring‑fed lake near Mullingar prized for trout fishing, birdwatching-especially wintering swans-and quiet boat launches; the shoreline supports country walks and angling.

Main image

Lough Owel is a freshwater lake in County Westmeath in the Irish midlands, lying north of the town of Mullingar. It is a spring-fed lake known regionally for its clear water and natural setting.

The lake is used for angling, walking and birdwatching, with shore paths and viewpoints that attract local visitors. Its water quality and habitats support fish stocks and a range of wildfowl species.

The lake has long been part of local settlement and land-use patterns, with historical features on its shores and use as a water resource for nearby communities.

Lough Owel lies immediately north of Mullingar in County Westmeath and is accessible from regional roads around the town.

  • Wildlife and fishing: The lake is valued for clear, spring-fed water and supports trout fisheries and wintering waterfowl, making it a local focal point for anglers and birdwatchers.
Lough Owel
Lough Owel, near Mullingar, County Westmeath, Ireland
53.5667, -7.4000
Open daylight hours
Free (public lake); angling permits may be required

How to Get to Lough Owel #

Lough Owel lies north of Mullingar in County Westmeath. It is accessible by regional roads from Mullingar; local parking and access points are available around the lake shore.

Tips for Visiting Lough Owel #

  • Lough Owel's clarity makes it a favourite for fly-fishing - contact local angling clubs for permits and seasonal rules.
  • Walk the lake shore paths early to catch the best light and calmer water.
  • The lake is spring-fed and icy in early morning; swimmers should be cautious of temperature and depth.

Best Time to Visit Lough Owel #

Spring through early autumn offers the most pleasant conditions for outdoor activities around the lake.

Spring-Summer (Apr-Aug)
Apr-Aug · 8-22°C (46-72°F)
Best time for walking, birdwatching and angling.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
Sep-Oct · 6-16°C (43-61°F)
Quieter and good for low-sun photography.

Weather & Climate near Lough Owel #

Climate

Lough Owel'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 (997 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.9h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
13.8h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
15.7h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
17°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
16.7h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
16.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
11° 19°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
14.6h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
16°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
13°
92%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.4h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.3h daylight

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