Overview
Lough Craghy (Irish: Loch Chrathaí), known locally as Tully Lake, is a shallow, rocky freshwater lough of about 110 acres in the Rosses fishery of north County Donegal, 3 km east of Dungloe. It drains west into the larger Dunglow Lough. The shoreline is irregular – small islands, jutting headlands and sheltered bays – and on a calm day the surface mirrors the low hills and bogland behind it. The one thing to know before you fish it: it is shallow and stony, and in a big wind it kicks up an awkward, dangerous chop, so keep an eye on the weather.
History & Background
The Rosses is a Gaeltacht where fishing, turf cutting and small farms long sustained local families, and Lough Craghy is one of well over a hundred loughs and rivers in the Rosses fishery. Its Irish name, Loch Chrathaí, is the authoritative form; the anglicised ‘Craghy’ and the local ‘Tully Lake’ both attach to the same water. Formal records are thin, but the lake has been a seasonal fishing ground for generations, its knowledge passed down among Donegal anglers rather than written down.
What to See & Do
Angling
The main draw is the summer run of sea trout, which come in from the Atlantic through the Dungloe system each year. The run builds through the summer and tends to fish best after a spell of wet weather. Brown trout are here too, in varying numbers; what you won’t find is salmon – fisheries surveys of the Dungloe system, Lough Craghy included, have turned up none. Standard Irish lough patterns do the job: a Bibio, a Sedge, a Golden Olive bumble.
Bank fishing works right around the shore, though you’ll meet uneven, boggy ground in places. To fish from a boat, both hire and permits come from Charlie Bonner’s Tackle Shop on The Bridge in Dungloe. The scattered islands and sheltered bays give you quiet corners to work the deeper water.
Walking & Wildlife Watching
An informal loop trail skirts the lake’s perimeter, offering a relaxed way to explore the headlands, low-tide islands and sheltered inlets. The varied shoreline supports a steady presence of birdlife. Waterfowl including swans and various duck species are frequently spotted, while waders and occasional raptors patrol the open water. During spring and early summer, the surrounding heath and bogland fill with heather, gorse and native wildflowers, drawing pollinators and adding seasonal colour to the landscape. The trail is best navigated in sturdy footwear, as the ground transitions between firm paths and softer, natural terrain.
Photography
Lough Craghy’s calm waters act as a natural mirror, particularly in the early morning when Atlantic mist often settles over the low hills. This creates striking reflections of the sky and surrounding crags, offering photographers a range of compositional opportunities. The islands, wade points at low tide and rocky headlands provide distinct vantage points for framing the water against the rugged backdrop. Overcast days can be just as effective as sunny ones, softening contrast and allowing the reflective surface to capture subtle shifts in light and cloud cover.
When to Visit
- Fishing: The sea-trout run is a summer affair, best after rain, with early mornings usually the most active.
- Wildlife: Late spring (May to June) brings the highest diversity of migratory waders and nesting birds.
- Photography: Dawn and dusk provide the most atmospheric lighting year-round, while autumn brings rich textures and colour to the surrounding hills and bogland.
Practical Information
- Access & Fees: Lough Craghy is open to the public year-round with no admission charge.
- Angling Permits: A valid Irish angling licence is required, along with a seasonal permit from the Rosses Anglers Association. These can be purchased at Charlie Bonner’s Tackle Shop in Dungloe.
- Facilities: There are no visitor centres, toilets or refreshment options on site. Visitors should bring their own water, snacks and weather-appropriate gear.
- Parking: A small informal layby near the main access point provides space for a few vehicles. There are no parking fees, but visitors should be mindful of local traffic and avoid blocking access routes.
- Dogs: The informal trail is generally dog-friendly, though owners should keep pets under close control to protect ground-nesting birds and respect anglers.
- Safety: The terrain includes uneven ground and boggy sections, particularly after rain. Exercise caution near the water’s edge, avoid wading in unfamiliar areas, and check weather conditions before heading out.
Nearby Attractions
- Dungloe – A colourful seaside town just west of the lake, offering pubs, craft shops, a weekly market and easy access to coastal walks.
- Assaroe – A scenic lake and abbey area in Donegal with additional walking routes and historic ruins.
- The Rosses Coast – The wider region features rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and traditional Irish music sessions in nearby Gaeltacht villages such as Falcarragh and Glencolmcille.
Time a fishing trip to the summer sea-trout run, or come on a still spring morning when the water is glass and the birdlife is at its busiest. Pick up your permit in advance at Charlie Bonner’s Tackle Shop to save time on the day, and pack a windproof layer – this is an exposed corner of north-west Donegal, and the weather rarely stays put for long.