Overview
Lough Arrow (Irish: Loch Saileach) is a mesotrophic freshwater lake covering roughly 8 km in length and 2.5 km at its widest point. It lies predominantly in south County Sligo, with a small fringe spilling over into County Roscommon, about 15 km southeast of Sligo town and 12 km northwest of Boyle. The lake is framed by the Bricklieve Mountains to the west and the Curlew range to the south, creating a dramatic backdrop of rolling hills and craggy peaks.
Four islands punctuate the water’s surface – Annaghgowla, Inishmore, Inishbeg and Muck – each offering quiet spots for picnics or bird‑watching. The lake’s mean depth is around 7 m, plunging to a maximum of 15 m, and it is fed by a network of springs and streams that give the water a clear, cool quality prized by anglers.
Designated a Special Area of Conservation, Lough Arrow supports a rich aquatic ecosystem. Brown trout dominate the fishery, but perch, roach, pike, rudd, bream and the critically endangered European eel also thrive. In winter, the lake becomes a haven for ducks such as mallard, teal and goldeneye, while great crested grebes, cormorants and mute swans grace the shoreline.
History & Cultural Landscape
The lake’s surroundings are steeped in prehistoric and medieval heritage. Overlooking the western shore, the Bricklieve Mountains host the Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery, one of Ireland’s most extensive passage‑tomb complexes dating to c. 3000 BC. A short 15‑minute drive from the lake brings visitors to these stone chambers, where each tomb is marked alphabetically and offers sweeping views back over Lough Arrow.
On the eastern side lies the Moytirra East Court Tomb, a collection of standing stones linked to the mythic Second Battle of Moytura. Just north of the lake, the Heapstown Cairn rises 10 m high, another monument from the Neolithic era.
A little further north, about 2 km from Arrowrock Lodge, the Labby Rock portal tomb – Ireland’s second‑largest dolmen with a 70‑ton capstone – stands as a testament to the engineering skill of Neolithic peoples. Local folklore ties the site to the legendary lovers Diarmuid and Gráinne and to the mythic King Nuada of the Tuatha Dé Danann.
The lake’s medieval narrative includes Ballindoon Abbey, a Dominican priory founded in 1507 on the north‑east shore. Though now a ruin, the abbey’s stone walls echo the turbulent religious history of the region.
What to See & Do
Angling
Lough Arrow is celebrated as one of Europe’s premier brown trout fisheries. The trout season runs from 1 April to 30 September, attracting both local and international anglers. Boat hire is available a short walk from the Lough Arrow Touring Park, allowing anglers to reach deeper waters and the island spots where the fish often feed.
Wildlife Watching
Bird‑watchers will find winter months especially rewarding. The lake’s reed beds and shallow margins host a variety of waterfowl, while the surrounding woodlands provide habitat for songbirds and raptors. Recent sightings recorded on BirdGuides include double‑crested cormorant, king eider and Iberian chiffchaff, underscoring the lake’s importance as a migratory stop‑over.
Historical Exploration
A day trip to the Carrowkeel Megalithic Cemetery offers a blend of archaeology and panoramic scenery. The Heapstown Cairn and Moytirra Court Tomb are easily reachable by car and provide opportunities for short walks and photo‑ops. For the more adventurous, the Labby Rock portal tomb can be accessed via a marked historical trail from Cromlech Lodge car park – a 10‑minute walk that culminates in a striking dolmen set against the lake’s backdrop.
Outdoor Activities
The lake’s calm waters are ideal for kayaking, paddle‑boarding, and gentle rowing. Nearby Lough Key Forest Park (a 15‑minute drive) expands the adventure menu with zip‑wires, segways and extensive nature trails. Cyclists will appreciate that Lough Arrow Touring Park is a cycle‑friendly site, with safe routes skirting the shoreline and a popular 2 km lakeside loop.
Accommodation & Relaxation
The award‑winning Lough Arrow Touring Park (adult‑only, 4‑star) sits on the lake’s southern shore. Pitches accommodate motorhomes, caravans, campervans and tents, and the site welcomes dogs on a lead, providing a dedicated dog‑walk area. Guests enjoy breathtaking lake views, a peaceful rural setting, and easy access to boat hire for a day on the water.
Fishing Details & Tactics
The lake’s limestone‑fed waters produce a series of prolific insect hatches that shape the fly‑fishing calendar. Early‑season (mid‑April) Duckfly hatches dominate the evenings; anglers favour wet‑fly patterns such as Claret Bumble and Fiery Brown. By early May the Mayfly (Ephemera danica) emerges across the lake, prompting dry‑fly tactics with patterns like Yellow Wulff and Fan‑Wing Mayfly. Late July and August bring the celebrated Green Peter hatch, best taken on the surface with bright green patterns. Detailed maps of hatch zones – Brickeen Bay, Laundry Bay, Ballindoon Bay and the back of Annaghloy – are available from the touring park office.
Birdwatching Highlights
Winter draws a suite of waterfowl: mallard, teal, goldeneye and mute swan are regular residents. Recent records (2026) list double‑crested cormorant, king eider and Iberian chiffchaff as notable visitors. The lake’s reed beds also support breeding pairs of great crested grebe and occasional raptors such as the hen harrier.
Facilities & Amenities
Lough Arrow Touring Park provides free electricity (10 A), water, waste‑water discharge and chemical‑free toilet facilities. Showers are available at no extra charge. A small on‑site shop sells basic provisions and an Irish breakfast is served daily. The park’s staff can arrange boat hire, supply local maps and advise on the best fishing spots.
Access & Parking
The lake is reached via the N4 from Sligo town (approximately 15 km). Signage for the Bricklieve Mountains and Carrowkeel is clear. The touring park offers ample free parking for campers and day‑visitors; additional roadside lay‑bys are available for short stops. Public transport options are limited, so most visitors arrive by car.
Nearby Attractions
- Carrowkeel – passage‑tomb complex with panoramic views back over the lough.
- Bricklieve Mountains – excellent walking routes and hill‑top vistas.
- Lough Key Forest Park – family‑friendly adventure park a short drive away.
- Benbulben – the iconic mountain is visible on clear days from the lake’s western shore.
- Kilronan Castle – fine dining and luxury spa a few kilometres north of the lake (website: www.kilronancastle.ie).
Practical Information
Seasonal opening (Touring Park)
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 12 March 2026 – 2 November 2026 | Full‑service adult‑only camping site open for self‑catering stays |
Fishing season – 1 April to 30 September (brown trout). A permit is required and can be purchased at the touring park reception.
Getting there – The lake is accessed via the N4 road from Sligo town (approximately 15 km). Signage for the Bricklieve Mountains and Carrowkeel is clear, and the park provides ample free parking for campers and day‑visitors.
Contact & booking – Reservations for the touring park can be made by phone (+353 862 194 005) or through the website. The park’s staff can arrange boat hire, provide local maps, and advise on the best fishing spots.
Nearby amenities – The towns of Boyle and Carrick on Shannon (within a 20‑minute drive) offer supermarkets, pubs and restaurants.
Accessibility – While the lake’s natural terrain is uneven, the touring park’s facilities are maintained to a high standard, with level pitches and accessible washrooms. The historic sites themselves have limited accessibility due to their ancient stone constructions.
Useful links