Overview
This is a slipway, a lawn and a view, and that is the whole appeal. Barley Harbour sits on the north-east shore of Lough Ree, about 5 km south-west of Newtowncashel in County Longford. There is no marina here, no fuel dock, just a stone-clad slip that drops gently into the calm water of Elfleet Bay. It launches kayaks, canoes and small motorboats reliably, with temporary moorings for day-trippers working the wider lake. A well-kept grassy lawn runs down to the shoreline, which is what locals come for: somewhere to spread a blanket, watch the water and look at a lot of open Midland sky.
History and island views
The harbour itself only dates to the mid-20th century, but it faces a great deal of older history. Directly across the water lies Inchcleraun Island, better known as Quaker Island. A monastic settlement was founded there in 540 AD by St Diarmuid, who taught St Ciarán of Clonmacnoise; for generations it was a place of pilgrimage and learning, and later a burial ground for the powerful Farrell clan.
Folklore adds another layer. The island is named after Clothra, sister of Queen Maeve of Connacht. The story goes that Maeve retired here after the Táin wars and was killed by her own nephew while bathing in the lough. From the harbour edge you can pick out the stone foundations and ruins across the water, sharpest when the morning light catches the surface or the evening sun drops behind the Longford hills.
What to see and do
- Boating and launching – the stone slipway is kept up for small craft, and the gentle slope and sheltered bay make launching easy, both for carrying a kayak down by hand and for backing a trailer in. Temporary moorings let you explore the nearby coves.
- Wild swimming and fishing – Elfleet Bay is a favoured spot for a quiet dip, especially in summer, and has featured in Irish travel writing as a secluded lake swim with clear views to the far shore. Anglers work it for pike and perch off the accessible shoreline.
- Picnicking and wildlife – the lawn is made for a long lunch, and the lough draws waterfowl and wading birds worth a look.
- Bogwood Sculpture Studio – just along from the slip is the workshop of sculptors Michael and Kevin Casey. For over sixty years the father-and-son team has worked bog oak, yew and pine preserved in Irish peatlands for thousands of years. The studio is open 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday; you can watch ancient timber being turned into finished pieces and buy work with a certificate giving the wood’s age and origin.
Practical information
Getting there – from Longford town, head north-west on the N5 toward Newtowncashel. After about 12 km, take the exit for Newtowncashel and follow the R198 for roughly 6 km, with signage directing you toward Collum and then Barley Harbour. It’s about 30 minutes from Longford and around two hours 25 minutes from Dublin.
Public transport – buses run from Longford town to Newtowncashel, but there is no stop at the lakeside; from the village it’s a short taxi ride (about 10 minutes, €10–€15) to the harbour.
Cycling and walking – the R198 suits cyclists, making a 12 km ride from Longford a pleasant option. A 6 km walk from Newtowncashel follows quiet rural lanes and takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
Facilities and safety – entry is free and the site is open year-round, with basic parking near the picnic area. The harbour is unstaffed, so bring your own refreshments and take all litter home. The slipway is solid stone, but the lake is open and unsupervised, so swimmers should take care.
Contact – for enquiries about the harbour or local conditions, contact the County Longford Tourism Office on +353 (0)43 3343509 or tourism@longfordcoco.ie.
Nearby attractions
Barley Harbour fits well into a wider Midland day. A short drive south is Athlone, with its 13th-century castle, the riverside Silver Mile walk and guided boat trips across Lough Ree. For something older, the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre is roughly 10 km away, built around a remarkably preserved Iron Age wooden road. The surrounding countryside also holds the Farrell’s Quay heritage site and quiet lakeside walks linking the harbour to the wider Lough Ree circuit. Arrive in the late afternoon if you want the light shifting across the water, and check the forecast before any swimming or boating.