Overview
Lough MacNean – often called the MacNean Lakes – is a large spring‑fed freshwater system split into two basins. The western Upper Lough MacNean stretches across County Fermanagh, County Cavan and County Leitrim, while the smaller eastern Lower Lough MacNean lies wholly in County Fermanagh. Together they cover roughly 2,429 acres, of which about 1,131 acres are on the Northern Irish side near the villages of Belcoo and Blacklion. The lake sits at the heart of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, surrounded by rolling drumlin countryside, limestone cliffs and reed‑swamp bays.
History & Heritage
The Irish name Loch Mhic Náin has been recorded for centuries. Archaeological finds on Cushrush Island – microlithic flint tools and other stone artefacts – show human activity back to the Mesolithic era. Both basins contain the remains of crannogs, artificial islands that served as fortified dwellings in early medieval times. In the 1960s a major drainage operation reshaped the shoreline, improving water levels for sport fishing but devastating the historic eel fishery. The same decade saw a causeway built to link Cushrush Island to the mainland, reflecting its long‑standing agricultural use.
During the Troubles the narrow B52 road that skirts the lake was occasionally blocked, forcing traffic to detour via Belcoo or Belleek. Historically the lake was a discreet route for cattle smuggling – boats would ferry cattle across the water, a practice described in local memoirs. Near the amenity area visitors can also find St Patrick’s Holywell, a historic well reputed to cure stomach and nervous complaints.
What to See & Do
- Angling – The lake is a coarse‑fishing haven offering pike, perch, bream, roach, hybrids, brown trout, eels and occasional salmon. Mayfly hatches in spring trigger especially active trout fishing. A rod licence issued by Northern Ireland Fisheries is required for all public waters.
- Boating & Water Sports – Launch sites around the amenity area support kayaking, canoeing, swimming and small‑craft sailing.
- Island Exploration – Upper Lough MacNean hosts islands such as Bilberry, Garrow (Buck), Inishkeen, Inishteig, Kilrooskagh, Patrick’s, Port, Rosscorkey, Trawnish and Tuam. Lower Lough MacNean includes Cushrush and Inishee. Several islands (Cushrush, Inishteig, Kilrooskagh, Rosscorkey) are linked to shore by footbridges, allowing easy strolls.
- Walking & Cycling – The Cavan Way Stage 2 passes close to the lower lake, offering a moderate 12‑km route that finishes in Blacklion. A dedicated 3.6 km Lough MacNean Walk (2.2 mi) follows the shoreline, provides panoramic views of the islands and crosses the Belcoo River that links the two villages. From the walk you can join the Cuilcagh Mountain Walk or the Stairway to Heaven trail for higher‑altitude scenery. The B52 “Lap of the Lake” cycle route (≈3 mi each way) follows the lakeshore, crosses the border into Leitrim and returns via quiet country lanes – a favourite for e‑bike enthusiasts. The route is well‑sign‑posted and offers occasional glimpses of historic cattle‑smuggling routes.
- Sculpture Trail – A cross‑border art route of 11 commissioned pieces winds around the upper and lower basins. Highlights include Homage to the Lough in the Cottage Meadow, Ladies Rest and Point of Contact in Glenfarne Forest, and a community‑crafted Peace & Reconciliation sculpture near the floating jetty (installed 2000). Each work is accompanied by a plaque explaining its theme of cross‑border friendship and local heritage.
- Family Recreation – The amenity area features a playground, picnic tables, a floating jetty, an adult gym, and interpretation panels that explain the lake’s geology and cultural history.
- Birdwatching & Nature – Reed‑swamp bays, wooded coves and limestone cliffs attract waterfowl, wet‑land birds and occasional raptors. The prominent Hanging Rock on the north‑eastern shore offers a striking limestone viewpoint, popular with photographers.
Walking & Cycling Routes
| Route | Length | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lough MacNean Walk | 3.6 km (2.2 mi) | Lakeside panoramas, foot‑bridged islands, Belcoo River crossing |
| B52 “Lap of the Lake” cycle | ~5 km round‑trip (≈3 mi each way) | Quiet lanes, border crossing, views of Cuilcagh in the distance |
| Cavan Way (Stage 2) | 12 km | Links Blacklion to the lower lake, passes the sculpture trail |
| Nearby long‑distance walks | – | Cuilcagh Mountain Walk, Stairway to Heaven, Cladagh Glen (see Geopark map) |
Lough MacNean Sculpture Trail
The trail stretches across both basins and the surrounding forest. Each sculpture is accompanied by a short plaque explaining its theme of cross‑border friendship and local heritage. Notable works:
- Homage to the Lough – a bronze form on a low plinth in the Cottage Meadow, viewable from the main car park.
- Ladies Rest – a stone seat tucked beside a reed‑fringed inlet on the Upper lake.
- Point of Contact – a wooden installation on the Glenfarne Forest path, marking the historic cattle‑smuggling route.
- Peace & Reconciliation – a community‑crafted piece near the floating jetty, created in 2000 by artists from Leitrim, Belfast and Dublin.
Fishing & Licences
Coarse fishing is the main draw, but the lake also supports brown trout and occasional salmon runs. Anglers should obtain a Northern Ireland rod licence (available online or at local tackle shops). Seasonal bag limits apply; check the latest regulations on the NI Fisheries website before you go.
Dining & Local Services
- Macnean House Restaurant (Blacklion) – run by celebrity chef Neven Maguire, offering modern Irish cuisine using locally sourced produce.
- Village cafés – both Belcoo and Blacklion have a handful of cafés and pubs serving hearty meals and light snacks; popular stops include the local tea rooms on the main street.
- Tourist Information Office – located in the Market House, Blacklion. Phone: +353 71 985 3941.
Nearby Points of Interest
- Aghanaglack Dual‑Court Tomb – an ancient megalithic site just north of the lakes, accessible via a short side road (link: Aghanaglack – Tomb and River Highlights).
- Hanging Rock – a limestone cliff on the north‑eastern shore, best viewed from the lay‑by opposite the lower lake.
- Cuilcagh Mountain – visible on clear days; the mountain trail starts a few kilometres east of Blacklion.
- Glenfarne Forest – offers additional walking loops and the “Point of Contact” sculpture.
- St Patrick’s Holywell – historic well near Belcoo, reputed for its healing properties.
Facilities
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking | Main car park off the N16 Enniskillen‑Sligo road, free of charge |
| Toilets & Changing | Located near the picnic area |
| Playground | Safe, family‑friendly equipment |
| Adult Gym | Open during daylight hours |
| Pier / Launch points | For angling boats and small watercraft |
| Interpretation panels | Information on islands, crannogs and geology |
Practical Information
Lough MacNean Amenity Area is accessed via the N16 road that links Enniskillen to Sligo. The site is open year‑round and has free parking. Nearby villages – Belcoo (County Fermanagh) and Blacklion (County Cavan) – offer cafés, B&Bs and other visitor services. The narrow strip of land between the two basins makes the site a convenient base for exploring both the Northern Irish and Republic of Ireland sides of the Geopark.
Key details
- Location: Border of County Fermanagh (NI) and Counties Cavan & Leitrim (ROI)
- Access: N16 Enniskillen‑Sligo road, free parking
- Activities: Angling (licence required), boating, island walks, hiking, sculpture trail, birdwatching
- Facilities: Playground, picnic area, adult gym, pier, interpretation panels
- Nearby services: Cafés and accommodation in Belcoo and Blacklion; Macnean House Restaurant in Blacklion
- Seasonal tip: Spring (April–May) offers the best light for photography and the Mayfly hatch for trout anglers.