Overview
Lough Corrib (Irish: Loch Oirbsen) is the largest lake wholly within the Republic of Ireland, covering 176 km² and stretching roughly 35 miles from Galway City north‑west towards Maum in County Galway . The lake straddles County Galway and a small slice of County Mayo, feeding the River Corrib which flows through Galway into the Atlantic. Its waters host a remarkable diversity of wildlife – otters, mink, stoats, bats, a wealth of birdlife and, beneath the surface, thriving populations of salmon, brown trout and pike. Designated a Ramsar wetland in 1996 and a Special Area of Conservation, the lake is a haven for nature lovers and a living museum of Irish maritime archaeology.
History & Background
The lake’s human story stretches back millennia. Bronze‑Age dugout canoes and a 10th‑century Viking vessel have been recovered from its depths, and the 12th‑century Friar’s Cut – Ireland’s first canal – once linked the lake to the sea at Galway, enabling medieval trade. Modern surveys have uncovered dozens of historic wrecks, including the 40‑ft “Annaghkeen Boat” and a Victorian pleasure yacht; all are protected, and a licence from the National Monuments Service is required to dive them.
Lough Corrib also bears the imprint of legend. The island of Inchagoill is said to have sheltered Saint Patrick and his nephew Lugnad, whose grave is shaped like a rudder. Hen’s Castle (Castlekirk) on a tiny island tells the tale of pirate queen Grace O’Malley, who seized the stronghold in the 16th century. While the castle is not open to the public, it can be viewed on a boat cruise.
In 2007 the lake suffered a Cryptosporidium outbreak that contaminated Galway’s water supply, prompting major upgrades to treatment facilities. Today, invasive species such as Lagarosiphon major and zebra mussels pose ongoing ecological challenges.
What to See & Do
Island cruising & heritage tours
- Inchagoill Island Safari (2 hrs) – visit Lugnad’s stone, two ancient churches (5th‑ and 12th‑century), a graveyard and the remains of a small village. Operated by Corrib Safari and Corrib Cruises.
- History Cruise from Ashford Castle (1 hr) – commentary on the lake’s castles, monastic sites and filming locations of The Quiet Man.
- Island Cruise from Cong or Oughterard (2 hrs) – stops at Inchagoill and offers views of Hen’s Castle, the Maumturk range and Connemara’s wild coastline.
Water sports
- Kayaking – Lough Corrib Adventures runs guided 2‑hour tours for €55 per person, taking paddlers to secluded bays and islands. Kayakmor also offers half‑day and multi‑day trips, plus a sunset kayak experience.
- Sailing – Lough Corrib Adventures provides a 3.5‑hour sailing adventure for €250 (2‑6 people). Luxury Charter Lough Corrib offers private motor‑yacht charters from Lisloughrey Pier.
- RIB speed tours – Corrib Safari’s 8.4 m RIB reaches up to 25 knots, allowing rapid access to remote islands and dramatic mountain vistas.
Angling
The lake is famed for salmon and brown trout. The salmon season opens 1 Feb, the trout season runs 15 Feb‑30 Sep. Angling centres around Oughterard, Cong and Headford provide boat hire, guides and tackle. Ireland West Angling and Tom Doc Sullivan both offer guided fly‑fishing trips, emphasizing catch‑and‑release and sustainable practices.
Land‑based activities
- Cycling – the 52 km Castlequarter‑to‑Annaghdown loop follows the lake’s southern shore, offering gentle climbs and panoramic views.
- Walking & heritage – the Menlough Portal Tomb near Menlo, the restored Annaghdown Castle, and the Curraghmore Sheep Dip (a 19th‑century stone dip) add cultural depth to lakeside walks.
- Equestrian – Moycullen Riding Centre provides pony treks with vistas over the lake and beach rides on Rusheen Bay.
Practical Information
Boat cruise timetables & prices
| Operator | Route | Duration | Adult price | Child price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrib Cruises – History (Ashford) | Ashford Castle → lake | 1 hr | €25 | €10 |
| Corrib Cruises – Island (Cong) | Cong → Inchagoill | 2 hrs | €30 | €10 |
| Corrib Cruises – Oughterard return | Oughterard → Inchagoill → Cong | 6 hrs | €28 | €14 |
| Corrib Safari – Inchagoill Safari | Cong → Inchagoill | ~2 hrs | Not listed (contact) | – |
| Corrib Safari – Maam Valley Safari | Cong → Maam Valley | ~4 hrs | Not listed (contact) | – |
All cruises run daily from April to October, with reduced winter schedules available on request. Advance booking is recommended, especially for the longer island itineraries.
Contact for Corrib Cruises: 087 994 6380 / 087 283 0799, email info@corribcruises.com.
Kayaking & sailing bookings
- Lough Corrib Adventures – book online at https://www.loughcorribadventures.com/book-online or call the Cornamona Pier office. Prices: €55 per person for a 2‑hour guided kayak; €250 for a 3.5‑hour sailing trip (2‑6 people). Sauna sessions are also available at the Cornamona Pier location.
- Kayakmor – online booking via https://www.visitgalway.ie/things-to-do/activities/watersports/kayakmor/.
Angling licences & season dates
- Salmon season: 1 Feb – 30 Sep
- Trout season: 15 Feb – 30 Sep
- Licences are required and can be obtained from local angling centres in Oughterard, Cong or Headford.
Access points & parking
Key public quays and car parks include:
- Oughterard Pier (Cornamona, R345) – main gateway to the Upper Corrib.
- Cong Pier – convenient for island cruises and fishing.
- Lisloughrey Pier (near Ashford Castle) – departure point for heritage cruises.
- Derrymoyle, Hackett’s, Birchall, Collinamuck, Knockferry, Rinnaknock, Greenfields, Derries, Golden Bay – scattered along the southern and eastern shores, offering free parking and slipways.
Environmental notes
The lake is monitored for invasive waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) and zebra mussels. Visitors are asked to clean footwear and equipment before entering the water to help protect the fragile ecosystem.
Accessibility
Most major cruise vessels (e.g., the 80‑passenger Isle of Inisfree and the 50‑passenger Corrib Queen 2) feature wheelchair‑accessible decks and onboard toilets. Smaller RIBs are not wheelchair‑friendly.
Nearby accommodation highlights
- Carraigin Castle (Headford) – restored 13th‑century tower house with lake views.
- Ashford Castle – luxury hotel overlooking the lake, offering fishing, sailing and spa facilities.
- Crossriver B&B (Oughterard) – gateway to Connemara and Lough Corrib angling.
- Cong Caravan & Camping Park – family‑run site within walking distance of the lake and historic sites.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful paddle, a historic island trek, or a day of salmon fishing, Lough Corrib delivers a uniquely Irish experience framed by mountains, myth and wildlife.