Lough Anure and Loughanure Village

Overview

Lough Anure (Irish: Loch an Iúir, meaning “Lake of the Yew”) sits in the rugged Rosses district of north-west County Donegal. Covering roughly 360 acres, the shallow lake is speckled with four small islands, one of which still supports a wild yew tree that gave the water its name. The lake drains north through the River Crolly (also known as the Gweedore River) before meeting the Atlantic at Crolly village. On the eastern shore lies Loughanure, a Gaeltacht settlement of around 400 residents. The village spreads between low hills and bogland, offering a quiet, authentic snapshot of rural Irish life where Irish is still spoken on the streets and in local businesses.

History & Heritage

The village’s character was shaped for nearly a century by an unexpected industry. Around 1850, local women noticed a white powder in the area and recognised its potential, sparking a lime-making trade that would define Loughanure. Stone kilns, typically 12 feet in diameter and 12 feet high, were constructed throughout the village. Workers packed layers of turf and limestone into each kiln, then ignited the mixture using a simple black-powder fuse made from sulphur, salt-peter, and charcoal. The burn lasted around ten hours, producing quick-lime that was bagged, loaded onto donkey-drawn wagons, and sold within a 20-mile radius. The product supported local agriculture, building projects, and even acted as frost protection for crops.

The trade began to decline in the late 1930s after a promised wartime grant failed to arrive, and by the 1950s the kilns had gone cold. Their weathered stone shapes still stand across the landscape today. The local Irish-language college regularly organises guided heritage walks that trace these old sites, explaining the chemistry of the burn, the labour involved, and how the industry sustained the community for generations.

What to See & Do

• Lakeside Walks – A gentle, well-marked circuit follows the shoreline, offering clear views of the islands, the distant Atlantic, and the surrounding hills. The path is easy to navigate and works well for families or visitors with young children. It is also a reliable spot for birdwatching, particularly during spring and autumn migration.
• Island Exploration – The island holding the original yew tree is a quiet focal point. Visitors often use it as a resting spot or a place to sit and watch the water. Access depends on weather and tide conditions, so check locally before attempting to cross.
• Angling – The lake is known for brown trout, typically weighing between half a pound and one pound. Sea trout begin arriving in mid-July, and occasional salmon runs add variety to the catch. The lake also provides habitat for the critically endangered European eel, making it a site of ecological interest as well as sport.
• Water Sports – Summer conditions keep the surface calm, making it suitable for kayaking and paddle-boarding. Hire options are available locally for those without their own equipment.
• Heritage Walks – Guided routes through the village focus on the lime-kiln ruins and the social history of the area. Walks are often conducted in Irish, with English explanations provided, offering a practical way to hear the local language in context.

Fishing Seasons

Getting There

• By Car – The N56 runs directly through Loughanure, connecting the area to Dungloe (about 7 km away) and the wider Gweedore region. Free roadside parking is available at the main lay-by opposite the village shop. During peak summer weekends, a small parking fee may apply, so it is worth checking with local traders if visiting in July or August.
• Public Transport – Bus Éireann route 440 operates between Dungloe and Gweedore, stopping on the N56 near the village centre. Sunday services are limited, so travellers relying on the bus should verify the current timetable before planning their day.
• Cycling – Lough Anure forms part of the Donegal Cycle Network. A popular 10 km loop runs from Dungloe to Loughanure and back, mostly on quiet roads with gentle gradients.
• Boat Hire – Small rowing boats and kayaks can be arranged through Charlie Bonner’s Tackle Shop in Dungloe. Advance booking is recommended in summer, as availability is limited.

Practical Information

• Permits – Anglers must hold a valid fishing permit. These can be purchased from:

  Vendor	Location	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 – Loughanure has a small local shop, a traditional pub, and nearby accommodation including An Chuirt Hotel in Dungloe. Public toilets are located near the main car park.
• Restrictions – Harvesting shrimp or prawns is strictly prohibited to protect local aquatic populations.
• Seasonality – The lake and walking paths are accessible year-round. Water-sport activities and heritage walks are most reliable from May through September, when daylight hours and weather conditions are at their best.

Nearby Attractions

• Bunbeg Harbour – A short drive north leads to Bunbeg, a working harbour village with a sheltered beach, fresh seafood options, and regular boat trips to the surrounding islands.
• Dungloe – Dungloe serves as the main service town for the area, offering supermarkets, cafés, and the historic St Patrick’s Church. The weekly Friday market is a useful stop for supplies or local produce.
• Ballymastocker Bay – About 15 km west, Ballymastocker Bay holds Blue Flag status and is widely recognised for its wide sandy shore and calm waters, making it a straightforward addition to a day out around the Rosses.
• Assaroe – Further inland, the Assaroe area features dramatic falls on the River Erne and a historic abbey, providing a different landscape contrast to the coastal and lakeside scenery.

Collect your fishing permit in Dungloe before heading to the lake, and allow extra time in summer when the lay-by fills quickly. The heritage walks usually depart from the village centre, so confirming the meeting point with the local language college in advance will save you a search.