Lough Anure and Loughanure Village

Overview

Lough Anure (Irish: Loch an Iúir, “Lake of the Yew”) lies in north‑west County Donegal’s rugged Rosses district. Covering roughly 360 acres, the shallow lake is speckged with four tiny islands, one of which still bears a wild yew tree – the living inspiration for its name. The water drains north via the River Crolly (Gweedore River) before reaching the Atlantic at Crolly village. On its eastern shore sits the Gaeltacht settlement of Loughanure, a village of about 400 people whose streets wind between low hills, bogland and the coastline, offering a quintessential slice of rural Ireland.

History & Heritage

Around 1850, a curious white powder observed by local women sparked the birth of a lime‑making industry that dominated Loughanure for nearly a century. Stone kilns, typically 12 ft in base diameter and 12 ft high, were built across the village. Workers layered turf and limestone, ignited the mix with a simple black‑powder fuse (sulphur, salt‑peter and charcoal), and tended a ten‑hour burn to produce quick‑lime. The lime was bagged, carted on donkey‑drawn wagons and sold within a 20‑mile radius, supporting agriculture, building works and even frost protection for crops. The trade waned in the late 1930s after a wartime‑era grant failed to materialise, and by the 1950s the kilns fell silent. Their stone silhouettes still punctuate the landscape, and guided heritage walks, often organised by the local Irish‑language college, trace the old kiln sites and explain the chemistry and community effort behind the craft.

What to See & Do

• Lakeside Walks – A gentle, well‑marked circuit hugs the shoreline, granting panoramic views of the islands, distant Atlantic, and rolling hills. The route is family‑friendly and ideal for birdwatching, especially during migration periods.
• Island Exploration – One of the four islands hosts the solitary yew tree that gave the lake its name – a perfect spot for a quiet picnic or a moment of contemplation.
• Angling – Brown trout dominate the waters (½ lb–1 lb), with sea trout arriving from mid‑July and occasional salmon runs. The critically endangered European eel also inhabits the lake.
• Water Sports – In summer, the calm surface is suitable for kayaking and paddle‑boarding.
• Heritage Walks – Follow the remnants of the lime‑kilns and hear stories of the village’s industrious past, often narrated in Irish.

Fishing Seasons

Getting There

• By Car – The N56 runs through Loughanure, providing easy access from Dungloe (≈ 7 km) and Gweedore. Free roadside parking is available at the main lay‑by opposite the village shop; a small fee may apply during the peak summer months (check locally).
• Public Transport – Bus Éireann route 440 links Dungloe and Gweedore and stops on the N56 near the village. Services are limited on Sundays; check the latest timetable before travelling.
• Cycling – The lake is part of the Donegal Cycle Network; a 10 km loop from Dungloe to Loughanure is popular with road cyclists.
• Boat Hire – Small rowing boats and kayaks can be hired from Charlie Bonner’s Tackle Shop (see Practical Information).

Practical Information

• Permits – Anglers must purchase a permit. Vendors include:

  Vendor	Address	Phone
  Charlie Bonner’s Tackle Shop	The Bridge, Dungloe	(074) 952 1163
  Bunbeg House	The Harbour, Bunbeg	(074) 953 1305
  An Chuirt Hotel	Dungloe	(074) 953 1101

• Facilities – The village offers a small shop, a pub, and accommodation such as An Chuirt Hotel. Public toilets are available near the main car park.
• Restrictions – Harvesting shrimp or prawns is prohibited.
• Seasonality – The lake is open year‑round; water‑sport activities are most popular from May to September.

Nearby Attractions

• Bunbeg Harbour – A short drive north brings you to Bunbeg, where you can explore a scenic harbour, enjoy fresh seafood, and launch boat trips to the nearby islands.
• Dungloe – The bustling market town of Dungloe offers shops, cafés, and the historic St Patrick’s Church, plus a weekly Friday market.
• Ballymastocker Bay – Recognised as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, this Blue Flag beach lies about 15 km west and is ideal for a post‑lake beach walk. (Ballymastocker Bay)
• Assaroe Falls – Further inland, the dramatic Assaroe Falls on the River Erne provide a striking contrast to the tranquil lake scenery. (Assaroe)

Whether strolling the tranquil perimeter, casting a line for trout, or stepping back into the lime‑kiln era, Lough Anure and Loughanure Village provide a richly layered experience of Donegal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.