Lough Ree
Lake Central Irish lake on the River Shannon
On the River Shannon, Lough Ree offers cruising, angling and visits to island monastic sites such as Inchcleraun, served by local marinas and day-boat operators.
Lough Ree is a large lake on the River Shannon in central Ireland, located on the midsection of Ireland’s principal river and notable for its many islands. The lake forms part of the Shannon navigation and is used for boating and angling.
The islands in the lake include early medieval monastic sites and ecclesiastical ruins, attracting visitors interested in history and archaeology as well as watersports. The lake is also a corridor for Shannon navigation between towns to the north and south.
Historically the islands and lake were important monastic and strategic sites during the early medieval period, with several island settlements and ecclesiastical foundations recorded in medieval sources.
Lough Ree lies in the central Shannon basin, north of Athlone, and spans parts of counties Longford, Roscommon and Westmeath.
- Boating and fishing: The lake is popular for boating and coarse fishing, and several small marinas and slipways provide launch points for recreational users.
What to See #
- Inchcleraun (Inis Cloithrinn): An island in the lake with early medieval monastic and ecclesiastical ruins that are accessible by boat and noted in local history.
How to Get to Lough Ree #
From Athlone or Longford, regional roads and local boat services provide access to shores and island landings. Athlone is the nearest major railway and bus hub with onward local transport to lakeside piers.
Tips for Visiting Lough Ree #
- Hire a small boat to visit the islands and to explore the reed-fringed margins-local boatmen operate from Athlone and other towns.
- Visit the Lanesborough or Athlone for historic pubs and shoreline walks that reveal different faces of the lake.
- Check local angling regulations if fishing-Lough Ree has designated seasons and permit requirements.
Best Time to Visit Lough Ree #
Late spring through early autumn is best for boating and wildlife; shoulder seasons are quieter for birdwatching.
Weather & Climate near Lough Ree #
Lough Ree's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (948 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 99 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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