Overview
At roughly 48 km², Lough Conn (Irish: Loch Con) is Ireland’s seventh-largest lake, and for most of the people who come here it means one thing: trout. It has been one of County Mayo’s serious brown-trout and salmon waters for generations, and if you do a single thing here, make it a dawn cast from one of the shallow bays. The lake is tied to its smaller southern twin, Lough Cullin, by a narrow channel that runs under the R310 at Pontoon; from Cullin the water drains south near Foxford into the River Moy, which carries it east to the Atlantic at Killala Bay. On a still morning the peat-dark surface throws back the cone of Nephin, the mountain that stands over the whole western shore.
History & Legend
The name Loch Con is deeply rooted in Gaelic mythology. The most enduring legend tells of Fionn mac Cumhaill’s hounds, Conn and Cullin, chasing a wild boar across the plain. The animal’s frantic steps reportedly poured water from its hooves, flooding the landscape and forming the two lakes where the exhausted hounds eventually drowned. A simpler tradition translates the name directly as “the lake of the hounds,” recalling a local chieftain’s dogs that perished while pursuing a wild pig.
Beyond myth, the shoreline carries tangible history. The ruins of Errew Abbey, a medieval Augustinian priory on the western shore, stand as a quiet reminder of the area’s long monastic heritage. Scattered across the surrounding fields, you can also spot megalithic tombs and ringforts, particularly near the Blanemore Forest entrance, which predate the written record by millennia.
What to See & Do
Fishing
Lough Conn is first and foremost a fishing lake, holding brown trout, spring salmon and sea trout, with spring and autumn the active windows. You need a State salmon licence to fish for salmon or sea trout, but there’s no separate lake permit – nobody charges you to put a line or a boat on Conn itself. The bridge over the channel at Pontoon is a long-standing favourite with salmon anglers. Tackle shops in Foxford and Ballina sell licences and can point you to the productive shallow bays.
Walking & Hiking
The shore is well set up for walkers of every ability, with marked trails and clear signage:
- Enniscoe House Loop – A gentle 2.9 km woodland circuit from the Enniscoe estate, which is also home to the North Mayo Heritage Centre and its genealogy service – handy if you’re tracing Mayo ancestry. The path stays close to the water’s edge, good for families and birdwatchers.
- Drumin Wood – A 4.7 km out-and-back trail skirting the shore of Lough Cullin. The route offers consistent water views and a modest 108 m ascent through mixed native woodland.
- Nephin out and back – A 4.65 mi (7.5 km) moderate hike that climbs 2,325 ft to the summit of Nephin. Trekkers are rewarded with sweeping vistas over both lakes and the surrounding Mayo countryside.
- Lough Cullin loop from Foxford – An 8.7 km circular walk that traverses the channel between the two lakes and passes historic stone bridges and quiet fishing spots.
Route maps and GPX files for these trails are available on platforms like Komoot and Outdooractive.
The Lough Conn Drive
The 102 km Lough Conn Drive loops the whole lake. Starting in Ballina on the N57, it follows the R310 south past Knockmore, climbs to a high point with a clear view across to Nephin, and carries on past sandy beaches, the villages of Foxford, Pontoon and Lahardane, and historic sites such as Abbeytown Abbey and Castle Deel. Numerous lay-bys make it easy to stop for a picnic, a short stroll or a photograph. Save it for a day with some clearance, though – in flat grey weather, with Nephin lost in cloud, there is not much to see. One local curiosity along the way: Lough Conn Airfield, a 600 m grass strip near the shore run by the Lough Conn Flying Group, where landing is free but a donation of biscuits is appreciated.
Wildlife & Nature
The lake’s freshwater ecosystem supports a healthy range of aquatic and avian life. In addition to the prized trout and salmon, the waters hold pike, perch, and roach. Birdwatchers frequently spot whooper swans gliding across the open water, while golden plovers, lapwings, and curlews forage along the muddy shoreline. The surrounding woodlands and hedgerows provide habitat for red squirrels, otters, and a variety of resident songbirds.
Can you swim in Lough Conn?
Yes, and locals do, in the sheltered bays in summer. Nothing prohibits it, but Lough Conn is not one of Ireland’s nine designated lake bathing waters, so there is no marked area, no lifeguard and no water sampling. It is a big, exposed lake with a stony bed, so pick a settled day, stay in the shallows near a known access point, and do not swim alone.
Seasonal Guide
- Spring (March–May) – Salmon begin their upstream run, making this a peak window for anglers. Wildflowers colour the meadows, and walking trails are typically dry and comfortable.
- Summer (June–August) – Warmer temperatures encourage swimming in the lake’s sheltered bays and picnicking at roadside lay-bys. Early evenings offer soft light for photographing Nephin’s reflection.
- Autumn (September–November) – Sea trout and autumn salmon remain active. Deciduous trees along the drive turn gold and russet, creating rich backdrops for hiking.
- Winter – Fishing activity slows, but the area remains quiet and atmospheric. Wintering waterfowl are more numerous, and the lack of crowds makes for peaceful walks.
Practical Information
Lough Conn is freely accessible with no admission fee. Parking is available at most trailheads, including the Enniscoe House estate, the R310 turn-off near Knockmore, and designated lay-bys along the scenic drive. Public toilets can be found at the main lay-by near Pontoon and at the Foxford visitor centre. Picnic tables and benches are scattered throughout the drive’s pull-over spots.
The main access points are the villages of Foxford, Pontoon, and Crossmolina, all easily reachable by car. Public transport to the lake is limited; driving from Ballina (approximately 15 km) or from Castlebar via the R310 is the most reliable option. Dogs are welcome on most woodland and lakeside paths, but owners should keep them on a lead where livestock are present and follow local signage.
For navigation, enter 54.043333, -9.245000 into a GPS. And if you’re fishing, sort your State salmon licence before you travel or pick one up at a tackle shop in Ballina or Foxford – wardens do check the lake during the peak runs.