Dungloe Lake is why serious anglers come to this corner of Donegal, and they pay almost nothing for it. The lough is one of eight in the Dungloe system and sits inside the Rosses fishery, which controls the fishing on more than 130 lakes within five miles of the town – the kind of fishing that elsewhere would cost a fortune. A day permit runs about €10, a full season €50, and a boat €15 a day, all from Charlie Bonner’s tackle shop in Dungloe.
What you’ll mostly catch is wild brown trout. Salmon and sea trout run the system too, and September is the month locals rate for them, but the lake also holds the critically endangered European eel, which should go straight back if it takes your hook. If you don’t fish, the lake is still worth a short walk rather than a special trip: the Dungloe River Walk starts at the Garden of Remembrance, follows the river down to the southern shore, and makes a flat, waymarked loop of about 45 minutes, or an hour if you add the Cope Mountain section. Dogs are welcome on a lead.
The lough itself is small – roughly 1.4km long and 0.7km wide, with five low islands named Flat, Fern, Black, Brush and Wren – and sits about a kilometre east of the town. It is fed by neighbouring Lough Craghy on its eastern side and drains west through the Dungloe River. The town’s Irish name, An Clochán Liath, ‘the grey stepping-stones’, remembers the line of stones people once used to cross that river, before the first Dungloe bridge was built in 1762.
Practical information
Parking is free at the Dungloe Pier car park and at the Garden of Remembrance trailhead, with a small lay-by on the eastern road as well. There are no toilets, café or shop at the lake, so the town – a short walk away – is where you sort food, drink and your fishing permit before heading out. Donegal weather turns fast; bring a waterproof whatever the forecast.
Nearby
Dungloe is a good base for the wider Rosses. Burtonport, ten minutes away, has the ferry to Arranmore Island, and Maghery Beach is about the same. Carrickfinn Beach and Donegal Airport are roughly fifteen minutes north, the Crolly Distillery and visitor centre (opened in 2020) is a short drive, and Mount Errigal is around 20km east if you want a proper climb.
There is nothing waiting for you at the lakeside itself, so do the practical bits in town first – then give it the morning, rod or no rod.