A stone church sits on a grassy hill overlooking a large lake with tree-covered islands and mountains.
A stone church overlooks Lough MacNean and the surrounding green hills and distant mountains. Courtesy Of International Arts Festival, Tourism Northern Ireland

Lough MacNean

📍 Border of County Fermanagh (Northern Ireland) and Counties Cavan & Leitrim (Republic of Ireland), Fermanagh

🏛️ Attraction

Last updated: 22 June 2026

Overview

Lough MacNean is a large spring-fed freshwater system divided into two distinct basins. The smaller eastern basin, Lower Lough MacNean (historically known as Lough Nilly), sits mainly in County Fermanagh, while the larger western basin, Upper Lough MacNean, stretches across Fermanagh, County Cavan and County Leitrim. Together they cover roughly 2,429 acres, framed by rolling drumlin countryside, limestone outcrops and reed-swamp bays. The lake sits at the heart of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, with the villages of Belcoo and Blacklion positioned on the narrow strip of land that separates the two waters.

The main visitor hub is the Lough MacNean Amenity Area, located just outside Blacklion on the N16 Sligo road. It provides a practical, free-entry base for exploring the lake’s walking trails, water sports and heritage features.

Getting There & Facilities

The amenity area is designed for day visitors and families. Parking is free and easily accessible from the N16. On-site facilities include:

  • Clean toilets and changing rooms
  • A modern floating jetty and pier for angling boats and small watercraft
  • A children’s playground and an outdoor adult gym (open during daylight hours)
  • Picnic tables and shaded seating areas
  • Interpretation panels detailing local geology, island history and crannog construction

There are no fixed opening hours or entry fees. The site is maintained by the Geopark partnership and remains accessible throughout the year.

Walking & Cycling

The lakeshore is threaded with well-marked routes suitable for casual strolls and longer fitness walks:

  • Lough MacNean Walk – A 3.6 km (2.2 mi) loop that follows the shoreline, crosses the Belcoo River and offers clear views of the foot-bridged islands.
  • B52 “Lap of the Lake” cycle route – Approximately 5 km round-trip, this quiet road follows the water’s edge, crosses the border into Leitrim and returns via gentle country lanes. It’s a popular choice for e-bike riders.
  • Cavan Way connection – Stage 2 of the Cavan Way finishes near Blacklion, delivering a 12.5 km moderate trail from the Shannon Pot through limestone karst terrain.

On clear days, the northern slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain dominate the horizon. The mountain park trail starts just a few kilometres east of Blacklion for those wanting higher-altitude peatland walks.

Angling & Water Sports

Lough MacNean is a recognised coarse-fishing venue. The waters hold healthy populations of pike, perch, bream, roach, hybrids and brown trout. Spring brings a reliable mayfly hatch that triggers active trout feeding, while autumn and winter favour pike and perch.

Important licensing & regulations:

  • Anyone over 12 fishing in Northern Ireland waters requires a valid NI coarse rod licence.
  • Pike weighing 4 kg or more must be returned alive and unharmed. Anglers may retain only one pike under 4 kg per day.
  • Check current seasonal bag limits and permit requirements on the DAERA/NiDirect website before heading out.

The amenity area’s jetty and adjacent launch points support small-craft sailing, kayaking and canoeing. The lake’s sheltered bays make it a calm environment for beginners, though water levels can shift seasonally due to the lake’s spring-fed nature.

Islands & The Sculpture Trail

Upper Lough MacNean hosts a cluster of islands including Bilberry, Garrow, Inishkeen, Kilrooskagh, Patrick’s, Port, Rosscorkey, Trawnish and Tuam. Lower Lough MacNean contains Cushrush and Inishee. Four islands – Cushrush, Inishteig, Kilrooskagh and Rosscorkey – are connected to the mainland by footbridges, allowing easy access without a boat.

Cushrush Island holds particular archaeological significance. Excavations have uncovered microlithic flint tools dating to the Mesolithic period, proving the lake has drawn human activity for thousands of years. Both basins also contain the submerged remains of crannogs, artificial timber islands used as fortified dwellings in early medieval times.

Winding around the water is the Lough MacNean Sculpture Trail, a cross-border commission featuring 11 contemporary works. Notable pieces include:

  • Homage to the Lough – A bronze form on a low plinth in the Cottage Meadow, visible from the main car park.
  • Ladies Rest – A stone seat positioned beside a reed-fringed inlet on the Upper lake.
  • Point of Contact – A wooden installation on the Glenfarne Forest path, marking historic border-crossing routes.
  • Peace & Reconciliation – A community-crafted sculpture near the floating jetty, installed in 2000 by artists from Leitrim, Belfast and Dublin.

Each work is accompanied by a plaque explaining its connection to local heritage and cross-border friendship.

History & Heritage

The Irish name Loch Mac nÉan translates to “Mac nÉan’s lake.” The landscape’s shape changed dramatically in the 1960s when a major drainage operation lowered water levels to improve sport fishing. While the project boosted angling opportunities, it devastated the historic eel fishery that had sustained local families for generations. The same decade saw a causeway built to link Cushrush Island to the mainland, reflecting its long agricultural use.

During the Troubles, the narrow B52 road that skirts the lake was occasionally closed, forcing traffic to detour through Belcoo or Belleek. Historically, the water also served as a discreet route for cattle smuggling, with boats ferrying livestock across the border under cover of darkness. Near the amenity area, visitors can still find St Patrick’s Holywell, a historic well traditionally visited for stomach and nervous complaints.

Dining & Nearby Attractions

For meals and supplies, the villages of Belcoo and Blacklion offer a selection of cafés, tea rooms and traditional pubs. Macnean House Restaurant in Blacklion, run by chef Neven Maguire, focuses on modern Irish cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.

Within a short drive, the Geopark offers several complementary stops:

  • Aghanaglack Dual-Court Tomb – A well-preserved Neolithic passage tomb just north of the lakes (Aghanaglack – Tomb and River Highlights).
  • Hanging Rock – A striking limestone cliff on the north-eastern shore, best viewed from the roadside lay-by.
  • Cuilcagh Mountain Park – Blanket bog restoration trails and summit walks starting east of Blacklion.
  • Glenfarne Forest – Additional walking loops and woodland scenery.

Practical Tips

The amenity area is fully accessible for day trips, but nearby accommodation fills quickly during summer and angling weekends. Book B&Bs in Blacklion or Belcoo in advance. Spring (April to May) offers the softest light for photography and the peak mayfly hatch for trout anglers. In autumn, water temperatures drop and pike activity increases, making it an ideal time for coarse fishing. Check the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark website for trail conditions and seasonal event listings before you travel.