Overview
Lough Island Reavy is a modest, man‑made lough set in the rolling farmland just outside the village of Kilcoo, in the heart of the Mourne foothills. Though small – the water body is more a reservoir than a lake – it commands a striking presence against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains. The lough is best known for its quiet atmosphere and as a well‑kept fishing haven, overseen by the local Kilcoo Angling Club. Visitors are drawn here for peaceful afternoons on the water, bird‑watching, and the chance to photograph the mirror‑like surface that reflects the surrounding hills.
History
According to its Wikipedia entry, Lough Island Reavy was created as an agricultural reservoir for the Kilcoo area. Over time the water body was adopted by the Kilcoo Angling Club, which now manages the fish stocks and maintains public access. The exact year of construction is not recorded in the public domain, but the reservoir’s purpose‑built nature is evident in its clean, well‑lined banks and the balanced mix of native and stocked fish.
Geography & Environment
Lough Island Reavy sits at the edge of the Mourne foothills, fed primarily by local drainage and rainfall. It covers a modest surface area typical of small farm reservoirs and lies at an elevation of roughly 120 m above sea level. The surrounding farmland and hedgerows create a mosaic of habitats that support both aquatic life and a variety of birds. The water is relatively shallow along its margins, which encourages the growth of submerged vegetation that provides cover for fish.
Management & Access
The Kilcoo Angling Club is responsible for stocking the lough with pike, perch and wild brown trout and for maintaining the surrounding banks and pathways. The club does not operate a dedicated website; permits are issued in person at the Kilcoo community centre or via the local information point in Kilcoo. This informal arrangement helps keep the site free to visit, with no admission charge.
What to See & Do
Fishing
Anglers will find a healthy mix of species:
| Species | Typical Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pike | Up to 30 lb | Pursuit of larger pike is popular in spring |
| Perch | 1–2 lb | Abundant throughout the year |
| Brown Trout (wild) | 1–3 lb | Small but prized for sport |
| Eels | Variable | Often caught incidentally |
A day‑ticket or season permit can be obtained from the Kilcoo Angling Club (see section above). The club also provides advice on the best fishing spots along the lough’s shallow edges.
Walking & Photography
The lough’s perimeter is a gentle, well‑trodden path ideal for leisurely walks. Early morning mist often rolls over the water, creating dramatic photographic opportunities. From the western bank you can glimpse the distant Mourne peaks, while the eastern side offers views of the surrounding farmland dotted with cattle.
Cycling
Lough Island Reavy forms a highlight on the popular Newcastle / Lough Island Reavy Route, a 24‑mile (≈40 km) circular loop that threads through the Mourne landscape. Cyclists follow a series of quiet country roads, passing the reservoir’s right‑hand edge before heading towards Castlewellan Forest Park and the coastal town of Newcastle. Detailed route information, including OS map reference J377316, is available on the OutmoreNI trail page.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
The calm waters attract a variety of waterfowl and wading birds throughout the year. Regular sightings include mallard, teal and occasional kingfisher; swans and greylag geese are also reported, especially during migration periods. The surrounding hedgerows provide habitat for songbirds such as blackbird and robin, making the site pleasant for casual birdwatching.
Seasonal Highlights
The fishing season runs from March to September, with pike activity peaking in late spring and brown trout most active in early summer. Autumn brings a colourful canopy of beech and oak, and the water level may fall after heavy rain, exposing extra shoreline for walking. Winter can be a quiet time for photographers seeking mist‑filled reflections.
Visiting Tips
- Parking: On‑site parking is available at the nearby Lough Island Reavy Cottage. Spaces are free but limited to the cottage’s allocated bays. Visitors should arrive early during peak fishing periods.
- Facilities: The lough itself has no built‑in facilities. Restroom access and a small kitchen area are provided at the cottage for guests staying overnight. Nearby villages (Kilcoo, Bryansford) have cafés; Newcastle offers a full range of eateries.
- Best time to visit: Early morning in spring or autumn provides the most tranquil atmosphere and the best light for photography. Anglers may prefer late spring for pike and early summer for trout.
- Accessibility: The perimeter path is flat and suitable for most walkers, but the terrain can become muddy after rain.
Fishing permits & contact
A fishing permit is required for all anglers. Permits (day, weekend or season) are issued by the Kilcoo Angling Club. The club does not maintain a public website, so visitors should contact the club in person at the Kilcoo community centre or call the local information point in Kilcoo for the most up‑to‑date contact details. Permit fees are modest and help fund ongoing habitat management and bank maintenance.
Practical Information
Lough Island Reavy is freely accessible to the public; there is no admission fee. The nearest town is Newcastle, about 24 miles (≈40 km) to the north, making the lough an easy day‑trip from the coastal resort. The most straightforward driving route is via the A50, turning onto the Tollymore Road and following signs for Kilcoo. On‑site parking is available at the nearby Lough Island Reavy Cottage, which also offers a private garden for picnics. Parking is free but limited to the cottage’s allocated spaces.
Getting there:
- By car: From Newcastle, take the A50 south, then the Tollymore Road, Middle Tollymore Road, and follow the signs to Kilcoo. The final stretch follows the Ballymoney Road past Kilcoo Graveyard, then onto Letalion Road and Lacken Road to reach the lough’s western edge.
- By public transport: The nearest bus stop is in Newry; a taxi or local hire car is recommended for the final 10 km to Kilcoo.
Facilities: The lough itself has no built‑in facilities, but the nearby cottage provides restroom access and a small kitchen area for visitors staying overnight. For refreshments, the villages of Kilcoo and Bryansford host modest cafés, and the larger town of Newcastle offers a full range of eateries and pubs.
Nearby Attractions
- Castlewellan Forest Park – a short drive away, offering lakeside walks, a Victorian castle and the world‑famous Peace Maze.
- Tollymore Forest Park – Northern Ireland’s first designated forest park, with dramatic river gorges and historic bridges.
- Slieve Croob – visible from the route, this hill provides panoramic views of the Mournes and the surrounding countryside.
- Lough Island Reavy Cottage – accommodation that sits on the lough’s edge, providing on‑site parking and a private garden for those who wish to stay overnight.