Overview
A four-storey tower house stands right at the edge of Lough Inchiquin, its reflection breaking up in the water on a still morning – the kind of set-piece the Burren doesn’t hand out often, since sizeable lakes are rare in all this limestone. Lough Inchiquin (Irish: Loch Inse Uí Chuinn) lies about 15 km north-west of Ennis, just outside Corofin. It runs roughly 1.5 km long by 1 km wide at an elevation of 19 m, and the River Fergus flows both into and out of it. The water holds a good head of brown trout along with pike, rudd, perch and tench, and the shoreline sits inside the East Burren Complex Special Area of Conservation, which protects both the lake and the oak woodland along its edge.
History and the O’Brien castle
The ruin on the northern shore is Inchiquin Castle, a tower house of the O’Briens, lords of Thomond and later Earls of Inchiquin and Marquesses of Thomond. It’s usually dated to the 15th century, though some accounts push its origins back to the late 1300s; either way it was a ruin by the early 1600s. Beyond the main tower you can still pick out the remains of a banquet hall. The castle was attacked during one of O’Donnell’s raids out of the north, and finally abandoned by Colonel John O’Brien late in the 17th century. It stays in private hands and the interior is off-limits, so treat it as a thing to look at rather than climb – the exterior walls and the lakeside approach are open, and that’s where the view is anyway.
Walking and wildlife
The southern-shore path is the one to walk: largely level, well-drained, and an easy loop for families, though the ground shifts between compacted earth and loose stone so wear something sturdy. If you only do one thing here, time that walk for early or late light, when the sun rakes across the tower and lays a long reflection across the water. Dawn and dusk are also the best for wildlife: kingfishers along the reed beds, a grey heron standing motionless in the shallows, swans out on the open water. White-tailed eagles circle the lake now and then, and otters have been recorded along the quieter banks. There are picnic tables by the car park, and the path ties into the wider Burren Way if you want to keep going into the limestone country.
Fishing and water activities
Brown trout are the main draw, best around Knox’s Bridge, where depth and cover give the fish somewhere to hold. Fly-fishing is the usual method, though spinning works too, and the lake also gives up pike, rudd, perch and tench. You’ll need a valid Irish freshwater fishing licence, bought online or at a local tackle shop; Burren Angling Guide runs guided days on Inchiquin and the other Burren lakes.
There’s no commercial boat hire on the water, but the sheltered basin suits your own kayak, paddleboard or small rowing boat, and North Clare Sea Kayaking runs guided trips. People swim here in summer, though there are no lifeguards or changing facilities.
Practical information
- Entry and fees: The lake, the shore paths and the castle exterior are free.
- Parking and facilities: A small free car park sits near the lakeside entrance; it fills quickly on weekends and through the summer, and overnight parking isn’t allowed. There are no toilets or refreshments on site, so sort that in Corofin first – the village also has a hostel, B&Bs, a campsite and the Clare Heritage Centre.
- Getting there: From Ennis it’s about 15 km north-west to Corofin; the lake is signposted locally just beyond the village.
- Permits: Anglers must carry a current Irish fishing licence and should check seasonal regulations before heading out.
- Accessibility: The southern path is largely level and fine for most walkers, but the ground turns uneven and gravelly near the castle, where pushchairs and mobility scooters will struggle.
Exploring the wider area
Further north, Corcomroe Abbey is a 13th-century Cistercian ruin tucked into the northern Burren, and the Burren Way passes within easy reach, linking the lake to limestone pavements, stone forts and coastal viewpoints. For a full day, pair the lakeside walk with the Burren flora trails or a stop in Corofin for lunch and a couple of craft shops.
Bring a waterproof and check the forecast; the exposed shore turns from calm to brisk fast. And if you’re here to fish, come early in the week – weekends fill the car park and the best spots along with it.