Lough ReeAbout Lough Ree
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.
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 99 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
| February | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 81 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.6h |
| March | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 76 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.0 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 5° - 12° | 6° | 58 mm | overcast | 87% | 3.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 57 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.7h |
| June | Good | 10° - 17° | 14° | 63 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.1 m/s | 1.5 high | 16.7h |
| July | Good | 12° - 19° | 16° | 62 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.2h |
| August | Good | 12° - 19° | 15° | 81 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.6h |
| September | Good | 10° - 16° | 13° | 83 mm | overcast | 88% | 3.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 8° - 13° | 10° | 97 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 5° | 94 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| December | Poor | 4° - 9° | 3° | 97 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.3h |
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.