Lough O'Flynn

Overview

Lough O’Flynn (Irish: Loch Uí Fhloinn) is a freshwater lake in west County Roscommon, covering roughly 1.37 km² (about 300 acres). The lake stretches about 2 km long and 1 km wide, with an average depth of 4.5 m and a maximum of 16.5 m. At an elevation of 77 m above sea level it feeds the River Suck, which later joins the Shannon. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of limestone‑fed water, open peatland, coniferous woodland and the Carrowbehy/Caher raised bog – a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

History & Archaeology

The name derives from the Ó Floinn clan, a Gaelic family that ruled the medieval territory of Síol Maelruain. In the centre of the lake sits an artificial island, or crannóg, built between the 9th and 12th centuries as a defensive refuge. Archaeological surveys confirm the crannóg’s medieval origin and its role as a safe haven during raids. The island is a protected archaeological site and can be viewed from the shore but is not open for landing.

Physical Characteristics

Flora & Fauna

The raised bog supports a rich botanical community: sphagnum moss, cotton grass, bogbean, lesser bladderwort, bog sedge, white‑beak sedge and, on degraded sections, heather, bog asphodel and hare’s‑tail cottongrass. Birdwatchers can spot curlews, snipe, wild geese (especially during migration) and occasional waders. The lake holds brown trout, roach, perch, pike and the critically endangered European eel.

What to See & Do

Walking the Wild Goose Bog Loop

The Wild Goose Bog Loop is an easy‑grade circuit ranging from 3.4 km (short loop) to 6.4 km (full loop). Waymarked with green arrows, the trail starts at the amenity area on the lake’s southern shore near Ballinlough. Highlights include:

• Panoramic views of Lough O’Flynn and the River Suck.
• Close‑up glimpses of typical bog flora.
• Quaking pools and steep‑sided hollows ideal for bird‑watching.
• An outdoor gym at the trailhead for a quick workout.

The loop can be walked clockwise or anticlockwise; the shorter A‑B‑C route returns after about 4 km, while the full loop adds an extra kilometre of scenic bog road.

Fishing

Lough O’Flynn is renowned for brown trout (1.5 lb–4 lb). The lake also supports roach, perch, pike and the critically endangered European eel. The prime fishing season runs 1 March – 12 October. Notable hatches include Mayfly (Green Drake, Spent Gnat) in May‑June and Sedge flies from mid‑June onward. Anglers typically use artificial flies such as Sooty Olive, Golden Olive or Claret, and may fish from shore, a small boat, or the pier on the southern shore.

Regulations (Inland Fisheries Ireland) require a licence, a 10‑inch minimum size and a daily bag limit of three trout. Only one rod per angler is permitted, and all undersized fish must be released promptly.

Angling guide (PDF)

Cycling the Lough O’Flynn Loop

A low‑traffic circuit follows the same minor roads used by walkers, starting and finishing in Ballinlough. The route is suitable for road bikes and offers a different perspective on the bogland and surrounding woodlands.

Outdoor Gym & Picnic

An outdoor fitness station sits beside the car park at the amenity area, allowing visitors to stretch or do a quick workout before or after the walk. Picnic tables and a shelter are also provided.

Nearby Attractions

Lough O’Flynn sits within easy reach of several Roscommon highlights:

• Boyle Abbey – a well‑preserved Cistercian ruin just 15 km north‑west.
• Castlerea – a historic market town with museums and the Castlerea Heritage Centre.
• Boyle – gateway to the Shannon‑Boyle Waterway and the River Suck.
• The Curlew Mountains provide additional walking and cycling options.

Practical Information

• Opening hours: Open year‑round, free entry.
• Parking: Free, unstaffed car park at the amenity area on the southern shore (opposite Ballinlough railway station). Spaces are ample but can fill during peak weekends.
• Getting there: From Ballinlough village (≈1.6 km north) follow the local road to the amenity area. The site is also reachable via the R361 regional road linking Castlerea and Boyle. GPS: 53.767101, ‑8.624185.
• Facilities: Shelter, picnic tables, public toilet, outdoor gym, and a small boat pier.
• Permits & Regulations: Angling licence required (purchased online via Inland Fisheries Ireland or at local tackle shops). Only artificial flies and spinning gear are permitted; bait fishing is prohibited.
• Dog policy: Dogs welcome on a lead to protect ground‑nesting birds and delicate bog vegetation.
• Accessibility: The trail is not buggy‑accessible; the surface varies between paved sections and bog tracks.

For up‑to‑date trail maps and additional details, see the official walking portal: Sport Ireland – Lough O’Flynn Wild Goose Bog Loop