Overview
Lough Mask (Irish: Loch Measca) stretches across 22,000 acres of limestone‑rich water, making it the fourth‑largest lake by area in the Republic of Ireland and the sixth‑largest on the island. The lake sits north of the more famous Lough Corrib, with its eastern half shallow and dotted with islands, while the western half – known as Upper Lough Mask – plunges to depths exceeding 50 m, reaching a maximum of around 58 m. Water from Lough Carra feeds the lake, and it drains via the Cong Canal and a network of underground limestone passages into the River Cong at the village of Cong, eventually joining the Corrib River.
The surrounding landscape is a patchwork of rolling hills, limestone karsts and verdant woodlands, offering spectacular vistas that change with the light. The lake’s clear, cool waters support a thriving fishery, especially for brown trout, and its shores host the Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre, a hub for water‑sports and environmental learning. Lough Mask is also part of the Wild Atlantic Way, linking it to a broader coastal experience.
History
The lake’s history is as deep as its waters. In 1338, Sir Edmond de Burgh was drowned in Lough Mask during the Burke Civil War, a violent episode that still echoes in local lore. The 17th‑century scribe Dáibhídh Bacach Ó Duibhgeannáin lived on Red Island (Oileán Ruadh) in the lake, documenting Irish manuscripts. Later, the 1882 “Lough Mask Murders” – a grim episode of the Land War – saw a grandfather and grandson, acting as bailiffs, killed and their bodies dumped in the lake.
A further layer of heritage lies on Inishmaan island, where the remains of a Celtic church dedicated to St Cormac can be seen. The church dates from the 6th century and was enlarged in the 12th century, offering a tangible link to early Christian Ireland.
Legends add a supernatural element: Bly Island is said to be haunted by a banshee, and sightings of the wailing spirit are reported around the lake’s shore. These stories, combined with the lake’s dramatic geology, give Lough Mask a mystique that attracts both history buffs and folklore enthusiasts.
What to See & Do
Fishing
Lough Mask is internationally recognised for its brown trout fishery, producing some of Ireland’s largest catches. The lake also yields pike and perch for coarse anglers. The open season runs from 15 February to 30 September, with peak wet‑fly action from mid‑April onward. The annual World Cup Trout Fly Fishing Championship is held each year at Cushlough Bay near Ballinrobe, drawing competitors from around the globe.
Popular fishing spots include:
- Burnthouse Bay – sheltered inlet with good early‑season runs.
- Inishowen – a small island bay noted for large brown trout.
- Bay of Islands (Tra na Greine) – a series of islands offering varied currents.
- Ram’s Horn Bay – deep water favoured by ferox trout.
- Corrigeenagur – quiet stretch with steady hatch.
- Cushlough – main access point with an information centre and boat hire.
A rod licence, issued by the Western Regional Fisheries Board, is required for all anglers.
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Trout fishing | Brown trout, pike, perch; season 15 Feb – 30 Sep |
| Championship | World Cup Trout Fly Fishing Championship, Cushlough Bay |
Water Sports & Outdoor Education
The Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre sits on the lake’s Connemara shore, close to Bly Island. It offers kayaking, sailing, canoeing, orienteering and hill‑walking programmes for all ages. The centre’s environmental education courses teach visitors about local flora, fauna and the karst geology that shapes the lake’s underground passages. Accommodation ranges from self‑catering houses to camping sites, and a dining hall serves locally sourced meals. Boat‑hire facilities at Cushlough Bay make it easy to explore the many islands.
Island Exploration & Legends
Bly Island, a small island in the lake, is the focal point of the banshee legend. While there is no formal visitor infrastructure, a short boat trip from the shore allows curious travellers to glimpse the island and enjoy quiet bird‑watching. The lake’s many other islands, especially in the shallow eastern half, provide opportunities for picnics and low‑key exploration. On Inishmaan, the ruins of St Cormac’s church offer a glimpse into early Christian settlement.
Scenic Walks & Nearby Attractions
The surrounding countryside offers a network of marked trails. The Colburn Loop (9.4 km, easy) winds through a small forest, skirts a tiny island and rewards walkers with panoramic lake views. For more ambitious hikers, routes such as the Maumtrasna trek (17.4 km, difficult) climb the surrounding mountains, delivering sweeping vistas over Lough Mask and the Connemara landscape.
A short drive brings you to the historic village of Cong, where the Cong Canal meets the River Cong. Here you can visit Cong Abbey, explore the Pigeon Hole Cave (a limestone cave with folklore about a fairy trout), and enjoy the charming streets that inspired many artists.
On the western shore lies the village of Tourmakeady, a pleasant base with cafés, a harbour and stunning views of the lake’s rugged shoreline.
Lough Mask Distillery
The Lough Mask Distillery opened in 2018 in the village of Tourmakeady (Killateeaun, Co. Mayo). Housed in a modern building, the micro‑distillery produces gin, vodka and, in the near future, Irish whiskey. Visitors can join a guided tour that runs Monday to Friday, with four daily departures at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00. Tours last about one hour and cost €10 per person. They cover the history of Irish distilling, the alembic stills used on site, and include tastings of the distillery’s gin and vodka.
The distillery is open year‑round for tours, and there is ample free parking adjacent to the visitor centre. Advance booking is recommended via the distillery’s website.
Practical Information
Lough Mask is a free‑entry natural attraction; there are no admission fees or ticketed facilities. Parking is available at several points along the lake’s perimeter, including the Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre car park, the Cushlough Bay visitor centre car park, and the lay‑by at Cong village. The distillery also provides its own parking area.
For anglers, a Rod Licence is required and can be obtained from the Western Regional Fisheries Board (contact details on their website). The World Cup Trout Fly Fishing Championship usually takes place in late summer; participants should book entry through the event’s official website.
The Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre provides booking information for its programmes on its website. While the centre does not list specific opening hours, most activities run from early morning until late afternoon during the summer season. Visitors should check the centre’s schedule ahead of time, especially for group courses.
Getting There
Lough Mask lies about 30 km north‑west of Galway city and 20 km south‑east of Ballina. The most convenient route is via the N84 and R310 roads, which pass through Cong and Clonbur. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus services run to Cong and Ballinrobe, with onward taxi connections to the lake’s access points.
Coordinates
- Latitude: 53.60793
- Longitude: -9.373113