Overview
Lough Atedaun (Irish: Loch Áiteadún) is a quiet freshwater lake set squarely in the karst landscape of the Burren. Roughly 1 km long and 0.6 km wide, it sits about 5 km north of Ennis and just east of the village of Corofin. The River Fergus feeds the lake from the neighbouring Lough Inchiquin, then drains back out, creating a slow-moving water corridor that cuts through the region’s famous limestone pavement.
Sitting at 15 m above sea level, the lake forms part of the East Burren Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and the Corofin Wetlands Special Protection Area (SPA). These designations protect a mix of eutrophic lake waters, wetland fringes, and upland grasslands. For visitors, it means a landscape left largely undisturbed, where the focus is on walking, wildlife, and the quiet rhythm of the countryside.
Walking & Trail Routes
Over 20 marked routes radiate from the lake and surrounding car parks. The trails are well-signposted and graded to suit everything from a casual family stroll to a longer countryside trek. Most paths follow gentle gradients, though some sections cross uneven limestone slabs that require sturdy footwear.
Popular loops include:
- Dysert O’Dea Castle – Tobar Ortha Holy Well loop (5.0 km, ~1h 20m): An easy walk that combines lakeside views with a visit to the 12th-century O’Dea Castle and its historic high cross.
- Orientation for hikers – Glenroe ED (3.1 km, ~45m): A short, flat route ideal for testing out new boots or walking with young children.
- Lough Inchiquin loop from Ballyportry Castle (10.5 km, ~2h 45m): A moderate trek linking two lakes with steady elevation changes and open Burren views.
- Mullaghmore & Lough Gaelan loop (7.6 km, ~2h 30m): Passes through the edge of the Burren National Park with more rugged terrain and higher elevation gain.
- Ballygriffey Wood out-and-back (5.5 km, ~1h 20m): A sheltered, easy walk through mature woodland near the lake’s southern shore.
Detailed GPX files and turn-by-turn navigation are available on Komoot. A free account is enough to download the routes and follow them offline.
Wildlife & Natural Heritage
The lake’s protected status makes it a reliable spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The shallow, nutrient-rich waters support perch, pike, rudd, stone loach, and the critically endangered European eel. Angling is permitted with a valid Irish fishing licence, but visitors must respect SAC regulations, particularly during spawning seasons.
Birdlife is the main draw. Resident and migratory waterfowl include wigeon, teal, gadwall, and curlew. Winter visits can yield rarer sightings; BirdWatch Ireland recorded a Bufflehead on the lake in February 2024. Early mornings offer the best conditions for spotting wildlife, when the water is still and birds are actively feeding.
Beyond the water, the surrounding limestone outcrops host rare alpine-type flora that has adapted to the thin, alkaline soil. The East Burren Complex SAC protects these plant communities, alongside the wetland habitats that fringe the lake.
Getting There & Practical Information
By Car: Take the R476 from Ennis toward Corofin (about 15 km). Follow local signage to the Lough Atedaun car parks. The main car park near Corofin offers the most space, with smaller lay-bys scattered near trailheads. Parking is free, but spots fill quickly on dry summer weekends.
Public Transport: Bus services run from Ennis to Kilfenora. From Kilfenora, a short taxi or rideshare covers the final leg to Corofin and the lake. There is no direct bus to the trailheads.
Cycling: The regional roads around Corofin work well for hybrid and mountain bikes. Cyclists often use the Burren Way network, which passes close to the lake and offers a mix of quiet lanes and surfaced paths.
Facilities & Safety: There is no visitor centre or café directly on the lakeshore. Toilets, shops, and food options are located in Corofin, a short drive or walk away. Harry’s Café in the village is a popular stop for coffee and light meals before or after a walk. Mobile signal can be patchy in the Burren, so download maps in advance.
Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome on most routes but must be kept on a short lead within the SAC and Corofin Wetlands SPA to protect nesting birds and grazing livestock.
Nearby Attractions
Lough Atedaun works well as a base for exploring the wider East Burren. A short drive north brings you to Aillwee Cave, where guided tours reveal underground chambers and a birds of prey centre. To the south, the ruins of Corcomroe Abbey offer a peaceful walk through 12th-century Cistercian stonework. For those planning a longer hike, the loop starting at Ballyportry Castle connects Lough Atedaun with Lough Inchiquin, while the nearby Burren National Park provides additional geological interpretation and guided walks.
Arrive before midday during peak season to secure parking near the main car park, and pack a lightweight waterproof layer. The Burren limestone drains quickly, but sudden showers are common, and having a dry pair of socks makes a significant difference on longer loops.