Overview
Lough Derravaragh lies north of Mullingar, tucked between the villages of Castlepollard, Crookedwood and Multyfarnham in County Westmeath. Fed and drained by the River Inny, the lake forms part of the Lough Derravaragh Natural Heritage Area, a mosaic of wetland, grassland, woodland and a small raised bog. Its waters are noted for being “hard” – alkaline and rich in minerals – which supports a healthy population of brown trout, pike, bream, roach and perch. The lake’s broad, shallow expanse makes it a favourite spot for canoeing, sailing and, of course, the legendary swans that once were the Children of Lír.
History & Legend
The landscape around Lough Derravaragh is steeped in ancient history. Ringforts dot the eastern hills of Ranaghan, while Viking chieftain Turgesius is said to have held strongholds nearby, linking the lake to early medieval power struggles. On the south‑eastern shore rises Knockeyon, a 215‑metre hill crowned with the ruins of Saint Cauragh’s chapel and an adjacent holy well. According to local lore, Saint Cauragh, expelled from the Kells monastery, sought refuge on Knockeyon, survived a miraculous spring of water and erected the chapel that still stands in ruin today.
The lake’s most famous myth is the Children of Lír. The tale tells how four royal children were transformed into swans by a jealous step‑mother and spent three hundred years gliding over Lough Derravaragh before moving on to the Straits of Moyle and later the Atlantic. The story has made the lake a pilgrimage of imagination for generations of visitors.
On the Kiltoom side, artificial islands known as crannógs once supported communities protected by stone mounds. A Stone Age dug‑out canoe recovered in the 1970s attests to the lake’s long‑standing human presence.
What to See & Do
Boating and Angling
A small commercial operation on the lake’s north‑western shore, just off the N4 and four kilometres from Multyfarnham, offers fiberglass boats equipped with outboard engines, lifejackets and fuel. These boats are ideal for a leisurely cruise, a day of trout fishing, or a pike‑focused outing. The service specialises in wild brown trout, with many anglers reporting impressive catches.
Water Sports
Beyond boat hire, the lake’s calm surface is perfect for canoeing and paddle‑boarding. Its shallow depth and hard water create reliable conditions for both beginners and seasoned paddlers.
Wildlife Watching
Lough Derravaragh is a Special Protection Area under the EU Bird Directive. It supports Greenland white‑fronted geese, whooper swans and golden plovers, all of which are monitored for conservation. Otters and the Irish hare have also been recorded in the surrounding wetlands, while the lake’s mineral‑rich margins host rare stoneworts and a variety of fen plants such as black bog rush and long‑stalked yellow‑sedge.
Walking and Heritage Trails
A hike up Knockeyon rewards visitors with panoramic views over the lake and the surrounding countryside. Half‑way up, the ruins of Saint Cauragh’s chapel and its well offer a tangible link to early Christian devotion. The hill’s name, “the hill of Saint Eyon”, reflects its long spiritual significance.
The crannóg islands and the stone mounds on the Kiltoom side provide a glimpse into prehistoric settlement patterns. While the islands themselves are not open to the public, the surrounding shoreline offers ample space for picnics and quiet contemplation.
Practical Information
Lough Derravaragh is easily accessed via the N4, with a well‑signposted turn‑off for the boat‑hire site near Multyfarnham. Parking at the hire point is free and operates on a first‑come, first‑served basis. No admission fee is required to enjoy the lake, its walking routes or its wildlife – the area is open year‑round.
For those interested in fishing, a standard Irish angling licence is required; licences can be purchased online or at local tackle shops in Mullingar. The boat‑hire operator provides all safety equipment, including lifejackets, and offers fuel on a pay‑as‑you‑go basis.
The lake’s natural heritage status means that visitors are encouraged to stay on marked paths, especially around the bog and reed‑bed areas, to protect sensitive habitats. While the terrain is generally gentle, some sections of the Knockeyon trail involve steep ascents.
Further details, including boat‑hire rates and contact information, are available on the Discover Ireland page for Lough Derravaragh Boat Hire: Visit Lough Derravaragh Boat Hire.
Whether you are drawn by mythic swans, the thrill of a trout catch, or the quiet beauty of a Westmeath lake, Lough Derravaragh offers a richly layered experience that blends natural wonder with centuries‑old stories.