Overview
Emy Lough does something most Monaghan lakes can’t: it has a proper sandy swimming beach, with a wooden walkway down to dark, gently shelving sand. It also supplies local drinking water, which is why the rules here are strict – no private boats, no outboard motors – and part of why the water stays clean enough to swim in. The 136-acre (55-hectare) lake sits just outside Emyvale in the north of the county, a short turn off the N2 between Dublin and Derry, framed by tree-lined banks and the region’s drumlin hills. Entry and parking are free.
The 4 km Lakeside Walk
The most popular feature for non-swimmers and non-anglers is the 4 km looped walk that starts directly from the main car park. The route alternates between quiet minor roads and a paved lakeshore path, taking between 1 and 1.5 hours to complete at a relaxed pace. Benches are positioned at regular intervals, offering resting spots with clear views across the water and the surrounding farmland. The trail is flat, accessible, and suitable for all fitness levels, making it a regular choice for families, joggers and dog walkers. A detailed walk map is available for download on the Monaghan Tourism website.
Swimming & Beach Play
On the south-west shore, a short wooden walkway leads down to a designated swimming zone. The beach consists of dark, soft sand that slopes gradually into the water, providing a safe and manageable entry for children. A small children’s slide and a few benches give the area a relaxed, playground-style atmosphere. As with any inland lake, water clarity can vary seasonally, and a sign at the car park notes the occasional presence of algae. It is advisable to check the water visually before swimming, and the beach is most comfortable from late May through August when air and water temperatures are at their peak.
Fishing: Trout & Pike
Emy Lough is primarily managed as a trout fishery by the Emy and District Angling Club, which stocks the lake annually. The water holds a healthy population of brown trout, with typical catches ranging from 1 lb to 2 lb and occasional trophy fish reaching 5–8 lb. The lake experiences seasonal hatches of mayfly, olives, sedges and gnats, offering solid opportunities for both dry-fly and wet-fly techniques.
Fishing is strictly by permit and operates on a seasonal split:
- Trout season: 1 March – 30 September
- Pike season: 1 October – 28 February (the lake is closed to pike fishing during the trout season)
Permits cost €35 for a single angler or €60 for two anglers per day. All fishing must be done from club-provided rowboats; private vessels and outboard engines are prohibited. Bank fishing is permitted for trout along the walkway, but bank fishing for pike is not allowed. These strict regulations exist because Emy Lough supplies drinking water to local communities, and the ban on motorised craft helps protect water quality and the reed-bed habitats that support local birdlife. Permits and boat hire are arranged directly through Paul Gormley at the contact numbers listed above.
History & Conservation
The lake’s name and early development are tied to Emy Mill, a flax-processing mill that relied on the water’s flow to power its machinery throughout the 19th and early-20th centuries. While the mill itself is long gone, the name remains, and the lake has transitioned from an industrial water source to a community conservation asset.
Because the lough feeds local drinking water supplies, environmental protection is taken seriously. The prohibition on private boats, outboard motors, and bank fishing for pike ensures that sediment disturbance and pollution risks are minimised. Local stewardship is active: the Donagh Development Association and regular users of the lake have organised fundraising walks and events to cover maintenance costs, insurance, and facility upgrades, ensuring the site remains well-kept for future visitors.
Practical Information
- Admission & Parking: Free entry. A large, unattended car park is located directly opposite the picnic and play area.
- Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, a modern children’s play zone, and an information board detailing fishing rules and safety notices.
- Opening Hours: Open year-round. Swimming facilities are most enjoyable in summer; the walking trail and picnic areas are accessible in all seasons.
- Getting There: From Dublin, travel north on the N2. As you approach Emyvale, watch for a right-turn sign for Emy Lough. After roughly two kilometres, a left-turn sign marks the lake entrance and car park.
- Public Transport: TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan services stop in Emyvale (approximately 5 km away). From there, a local taxi is needed to complete the short journey to the lake.
Nearby Attractions
- Castleblayney – A lakeside town with a marina, golf course and a selection of cafés; roughly 25–30 minutes by car.
- Dartrey Forest – A Coillte-managed woodland offering longer walking trails, a historic mausoleum and open-glade picnic spots.
- Glaslough – A quiet village known for its boutique shops and proximity to the Castle Leslie estate.
- Ballybay – A riverside town on the Dromore River, featuring a historic market house and several riverside walks.
Emy Lough functions best as a half-day stop or a convenient break on a longer road trip. Arrive early in the summer months to secure a parking spot near the beach, bring a towel for the wooden walkway, and check the weather forecast before planning a fishing trip, as the lake’s exposed shoreline can get breezy. For permit bookings or boat hire enquiries, contact the angling club directly in advance to confirm availability.