Overview
Carrowmore Lake (Irish: Loch Cheathrú Mhór) stretches over 2,300 acres, running roughly four miles from north‑west to south‑east and three miles at its widest point. The water is relatively shallow – averaging six to twelve feet – and fed by the Carrowmore River before draining into the Owenmore River on its way to Blacksod Bay. Its catchment supplies the drinking water for the whole Erris area, and the lake’s clear, lightly tinged surface reflects the dramatic Knocknascollop mountains that rise along its western shore.
The lake lies in the parishes of Belmullet, Kiltane and Kilcommon Erris, sandwiched between the villages of Bangor Erris and Barnatra at the southern tip of Broadhaven Bay. Small linear settlements dot both banks, while a scattering of islands – Gortmore, Attavally, Derreens and others – break the surface, giving the lake a distinctive, almost archipelagic character.
History & Archaeology
Carrowmore is more than a fishing venue; it is a landscape steeped in ancient lore. The lake’s many islands are believed to have hosted crannogs – lake‑fortified dwellings used from the Iron Age right through to the 17th century. On the south‑west corner of the lake, the hill‑top fort of Rathmorgan marks the legendary site of the Táin Bó Flidhais cattle raid, a tale from the Iron Age epic cycle.
The poet George W. Russell, writing under the pen‑name “Æ”, celebrated the lake in verse, underscoring its place in Irish cultural memory. Today the lake is protected under European law as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds and as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC – 000476 Complex), reflecting both its ecological and historical significance.
Wildlife & Conservation
Designated as an oligotrophic/mesotrophic lake, Carrowmore supports a delicate balance of aquatic life. Its substrate of Dalradian schists and pale quartzite underlies blanket‑bog‑dominated shorelines, providing ideal spawning grounds for salmon and sea‑trout. The lake’s birdlife benefits from SPA status, attracting a range of waders and waterfowl that feed on the abundant insect life of the surrounding bogs.
Fishing – Seasons, Permits & Techniques
Carrowmore is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s premier spring salmon fisheries, with a robust run of sea‑trout arriving from late June. The fishing season runs from 1 February to 30 September for salmon, sea‑trout and brown trout. Below is a quick reference:
| Species | Season |
|---|---|
| Salmon | 1 Feb – 30 Sep |
| Sea‑trout | 1 Feb – 30 Sep |
| Brown trout | 15 Feb – 30 Sep |
From 1 April onward the lake is fly‑only; prior to that, both spinning and fly‑fishing are permitted (up to 31 March). Bank fishing is prohibited – anglers must launch from a boat. The most productive spots, as described by local guides, include Paradise Bay, the mouth of the Glencullin River, Gortmore Island on the south side, Derreens Island on the north‑west, and the north‑shore stretches where salmon make their upstream push.
Permits are issued by the Bangor Angling Club and must be obtained in advance, especially during the peak spring months. The club also provides boat hire and local advice on the best flies – traditional patterns such as Green Peters, Dabblers and Bumbles remain effective.
Permit & Contact Details
| Provider | Contact Phone | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor Angling Club | +353 97 83487 | info@bangorerrisangling.com | bangorerrisangling.com |
The club’s office is located in the West End Bar, Bangor Erris, where permits can be purchased the evening before a fishing day.
Practical Information
Carrowmore Lake is easily reached by road from Bangor Erris (approximately 3 km north‑west of the village). The R310 provides the main access, with a small slipway at the lake’s eastern shore suitable for launching small motorboats. While there is no formal visitor centre, the surrounding area offers modest parking at the slipway and basic facilities in Bangor Erris.
Because the lake supplies drinking water for the Erris region, water levels are carefully managed; a modest dam at the mouth of the Munhin River, raised in the 1980s, helped stabilise the lake’s level and inadvertently improved the fishery.
For anglers seeking accommodation, the Mount Falcon Hotel in Ballina (about an hour’s drive) is a popular base, offering easy boat‑hire arrangements through the Bangor Angling Club and a lively summer al‑fresco programme.
Getting There
- By car: From the N59, turn onto the R310 towards Bangor Erris and follow signs to the lake’s slipway.
- Public transport: The nearest bus stop is in Bangor Erris; taxis are available locally.
Seasonal Considerations
The lake can turn a deep brown colour after strong winds, and occasional algae blooms may affect visibility. Anglers report that a gentle south‑west wind provides the best conditions for surface fishing, while the shallow nature of the lake demands careful navigation around submerged rocks.