Overview
Lough Mask (Irish: Loch Measca) covers approximately 22,000 acres of limestone-rich water, ranking as the fourth-largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and sixth-largest on the island. The waterbody straddles the border between County Mayo and County Galway, sitting just north of the more widely known Lough Corrib. Its geography is distinctly split: the eastern half is relatively shallow and scattered with numerous islands, while the western section, known as Upper Lough Mask, drops sharply to depths exceeding 50 metres, with a maximum depth of around 58 metres.
Water flows into the lake from Lough Carra and drains via the Cong Canal and a network of subterranean limestone channels into the River Cong at the village of Cong. From there, it continues its journey to the Corrib River. The surrounding terrain is a mix of rolling hills, limestone karst formations and dense woodlands, creating a landscape that shifts dramatically with the seasons and weather. As part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the lake serves as a natural corridor connecting inland Mayo with the rugged western coastline.
History & Local Lore
The lake’s recorded history runs deep. In 1338, Sir Edmond de Burgh met his end in the waters of Lough Mask during the violent Burke Civil War, an event that has since woven itself into regional storytelling. Centuries later, the 17th-century scribe Dáibhídh Bacach Ó Duibhgeannáin took residence on Red Island (Oileán Ruadh), where he preserved and copied important Irish manuscripts. The lake also carries the darker memory of the 1882 “Lough Mask Murders,” a grim incident during the Land War in which a grandfather and grandson, serving as bailiffs, were killed and their bodies disposed of in the lake.
Early Christian heritage remains visible on Inishmaan island, where the ruins of a church dedicated to St Cormac stand. Originally built in the 6th century and expanded in the 12th, the site offers a quiet reminder of medieval monastic life. Local folklore adds another layer to the landscape: Bly Island is traditionally associated with a banshee, and local residents have long reported hearing her mournful calls echoing across the water, particularly on still evenings.
Fishing & Water Sports
Lough Mask is internationally recognised for its brown trout fishery, consistently producing trophy-sized catches. The lake also supports healthy populations of pike and perch for coarse anglers. The official open season runs from 15 February to 30 September, with wet-fly fishing becoming particularly productive from mid-April through summer. Each year, the lake hosts the World Cup Trout Fly Fishing Championship at Cushlough Bay near Ballinrobe, attracting competitive anglers from across Europe and beyond.
Anglers favour several specific locations:
- Burnthouse Bay – A sheltered inlet that holds fish well during early spring.
- Inishowen – A small bay around an island known for larger brown trout.
- Bay of Islands (Tra na Greine) – Varied currents and island edges create productive feeding zones.
- Ram’s Horn Bay – Deeper waters that attract ferox trout.
- Corrigeenagur – A quieter stretch with reliable insect hatches.
- Cushlough – The primary access point, featuring an information centre and boat hire.
A valid rod licence from the Western Regional Fisheries Board is mandatory for all fishing.
For those preferring paddles over rods, the Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre on the Galway shore offers a comprehensive range of watersports. Kayaking, sailing, canoeing and orienteering programmes are available for individuals and groups. The centre also runs environmental education courses focused on local wildlife and karst geology, with accommodation options ranging from self-catering houses to camping pitches.
Exploring the Islands
The lake’s dozens of islands are best explored by boat. While there is no formal tourist infrastructure on most of them, a short trip from the mainland shores provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, photography and quiet picnics. Inishmaan remains the most historically significant, with its early Christian ruins accessible via a short walk from the landing point. Bly Island, famous for its banshee associations, can be viewed from a distance or approached cautiously by experienced boaters. The shallow eastern bays offer calm waters ideal for family boat trips, while the deeper western channels suit those seeking more open-water conditions.
Walking & Nearby Attractions
The shoreline and surrounding hills support a network of walking routes. The Colburn Loop (9.4 km) is an easy-paced trail that moves through mature woodland, passes close to a small lake island and provides clear sightlines across the water. For experienced hillwalkers, the Maumtrasna route (17.4 km) climbs steeply to deliver extensive views over Lough Mask, Connemara and the Mayo uplands.
A short drive south brings you to the village of Cong, where the lake’s drainage system meets the River Cong. The area is well known for Cong Abbey, a well-preserved Franciscan friary, and the nearby Pigeon Hole Cave, a limestone formation steeped in local legend. On the western side of the lake, the village of Tourmakeady serves as a practical base for visitors, offering local amenities, a working harbour and direct views across the water.
Lough Mask Distillery
Located in Tourmakeady, the Lough Mask Distillery opened in 2018 and has quickly become a popular stop for visitors exploring the region. The micro-distillery produces craft gin and vodka, with plans to expand into Irish whiskey production. Guided tours run Monday to Friday, with departures at 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00. Each session lasts approximately one hour, costs €10 per person and includes a walkthrough of the production process, an explanation of the traditional alembic stills used on site, and tastings of the current spirit range.
The distillery operates year-round, though advance booking is strongly advised due to limited daily capacity. Free parking is available directly adjacent to the visitor centre.
Practical Information
Access to Lough Mask is free, with no admission charges or gated facilities. Public parking is available at several locations, including the Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre car park, the Cushlough Bay visitor area, and designated lay-bys near Cong. The distillery maintains its own dedicated car park.
Visitors planning to fish should secure a rod licence through the Western Regional Fisheries Board before arrival. Those interested in the annual World Cup Trout Fly Fishing Championship should monitor the official event website for registration dates and entry requirements. Group bookings for the Petersburg Outdoor Education Centre should be arranged directly through their booking system, as summer schedules fill quickly.
Getting There
Lough Mask is positioned roughly 30 km north-west of Galway city and 20 km south-east of Ballina. The most direct approach is via the N84 and R310 roads, which pass through Cong and Clonbur. Public transport options in the area are limited to regional bus services stopping in Cong and Ballinrobe, with taxi connections available for onward travel to specific lakeside access points.