Overview
Bilberry Lake lies in the heart of the rural village of Islandeady, County Mayo, just off the N5 road that links Castlebar and Westport. The lake is a modest body of water surrounded by a patchwork of pasture, mixed woodland and low hills that roll gently towards the iconic silhouette of Croagh Patrick. Its tranquil surface reflects the ever‑changing Irish sky, making it a favourite spot for quiet contemplation, family picnics and casual photography.
History
The name Islandeady (Irish: Oileán Éadaígh) is linked to a 13th‑century saint, Eiden (or Aidan), who is said to have lived on the small peninsula that now embraces Bilberry Lake. According to local tradition, Saint Eiden founded a church on the lake’s shore, a structure that survived the turbulent penal era only as a ruin. The church was restored in the 1990s, allowing visitors today to glimpse the stone walls that once echoed medieval prayers. The lake also features in a legend that Saint Patrick preached on its banks in 440 AD on his way to the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick, a story that ties the water’s calm to the island’s deep Christian heritage.
In the latter half of the 20th century Bilberry Lake became a popular stocked trout fishery. The Bilberry Angling Club, made up mainly of local anglers, arranged annual stocking with Inland Fisheries Ireland and organised the McConville Cup – a three‑day competition held each July that attracted anglers from across the island. When the hatchery that supplied brown trout closed, the lake ceased to be stocked and the competition moved to Lough Mask. Today the lake supports a self‑sustaining population of pike, perch and a few native brown trout, making it a good spot for coarse‑fish angling.
What to See & Do
- St Eiden’s Church ruins – The stone remnants sit directly on the lake’s edge. The 1990s restoration has stabilised the walls, but the interior remains roof‑less, offering a dramatic backdrop for photos. The site is especially atmospheric at sunrise when mist hovers over the water.
- Old Islandeady Cemetery – A short walk from the lake, the cemetery sits on a hill that provides panoramic views of Croagh Patrick and the surrounding countryside. The gravestones, some dating back centuries, tell the story of the local community.
- Lake‑side walks – A narrow, unpaved track circles much of the lake, allowing visitors to wander among alder and birch trees. The path is suitable for strollers and for families with young children who enjoy spotting ducks, swans and occasional otter tracks.
- Bird‑watching and wildlife – The lake and its surrounding marshes support protected species, including wading birds and occasional kingfishers. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to observe wildlife.
- Picnic spots – Several grassy clearings near the water’s edge provide natural tables for a packed lunch. The setting is ideal for a relaxed family outing or a quiet moment with a book.
Fishing
Bilberry Lake is now a self‑sustaining coarse‑fishery. Pike are the most common target; they tend to hold close to the reed‑lined shallows and around the small bays that dot the shoreline. Popular spots mentioned by local anglers include:
- Hayes’s Bay – A shallow inlet where small pike often congregate.
- The “Pins” – A line of marker rods indicating a shallow reef; pike often hunt along its edge.
- German Shore to the graveyard – A stretch of shoreline where pike are frequently seen.
- Pumphouse area – Near the outlet that leads to Lough Lannagh; good for trolling with spoons or plugs.
The lake also holds perch and a modest number of native brown trout, though the latter are now scarce. Anglers typically use artificial lures such as silver spoons, soft plastics or flies; a quiet approach near the vegetation yields the best results. Boat hire and local ghillies can be arranged through the nearby Windermere House B&B (see Visitor Info). The best fishing periods are late spring to early autumn, with early‑morning and late‑evening casts often producing the most action.
Practical Information
Bilberry Lake is freely accessible to the public; there is no admission charge. Parking is available in a small lay‑by adjacent to the lake and at the entrance to the old cemetery, both of which are un‑staffed and operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis. The site is open year‑round, and because the lake is part of a natural landscape rather than a managed park, there are no formal opening hours. Visitors should note that the walking track is unpaved and can become muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is advisable.
The lake is easily reached from the N5: follow the signs for Islandeady, then turn onto the narrow country road that leads directly to the lake’s parking area. For those staying in nearby towns, Castlebar and Westport are each about a ten‑minute drive away, making Bilberry Lake a convenient half‑day excursion.
Visitor Info
- Boat hire & fishing assistance – Windermere House B&B, located a mile away on the N5, offers boat hire, packed lunches and the option to hire a local ghillie for a guided fishing session.
- Photography – Misty mornings and the autumn colour change provide spectacular photo opportunities, especially from the lakeside walk that offers clear views of Croagh Patrick.
- Wildlife – Keep an eye out for kingfishers, wading birds and occasional otters along the reeds.
- Seasonal note – The lake’s water level can rise after heavy rain; the path may be slippery. Summer brings abundant aquatic weed, which anglers traditionally cut back to keep the water fishable.
For further reading on the history of Islandeady and its surroundings, see the detailed description on the Mayo Ireland website. A personal account of a family visit, complete with photographs of the lake and the cemetery, is available in a blog post on Home of Sherlocks.
Overall, Bilberry Lake offers a blend of natural beauty, quiet reflection and a touch of early Irish history, all within easy reach of Mayo’s larger towns. Whether you are tracing the footsteps of saints, snapping pictures of the lake’s mirror‑like surface, or casting a line for pike, the lake provides a gentle reminder of the West of Ireland’s timeless charm.