Overview
Lough Ree (Irish: Loch Rí, “Lake of the Kings”) stretches over 18 miles across the River Shannon’s middle reaches, making it the second‑largest lake on Ireland’s longest river after Lough Derg. The lake forms a natural border between County Longford and County Westmeath to the east and County Roscommon to the west. Its tranquil waters are dotted with more than a dozen islands, each with its own story of early Christian monks, Viking raids and local legend – from the monastic ruins of Inchcleraun (Quaker Island) to the eerie folklore of the Lough Ree monster.
The lake is a hub for angling (notably pike over 9 kg), sailing, power‑boat training and wildlife watching. Designated as a Special Area of Conservation and an Important Bird Area, Lough Ree supports nationally important numbers of migratory waterfowl such as the little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis). In 2021 invasive quagga mussels were detected, prompting ongoing ecological monitoring.
History & Background
Human activity on Lough Ree dates back to the early Christian era. Around 540 AD Saint Diarmuid founded a monastery on Inchcleraun, which later grew to include six churches, a graveyard and a defensive ring‑fort. Irish legend claims Queen Maeve met her end on the island, while 9th‑century Viking chieftain Turgesius used a ring‑fort on the lake’s shore until his death by drowning in nearby Lough Owel.
The lake features repeatedly in medieval annals. The Annals of Inisfallen record plundering raids in 907, 922 and 988, while the Annals of the Four Masters note a massive fleet of 300 boats assembled by Brian Boruma on Lough Ree in 988 AD. These historic narratives underline the lake’s strategic importance on the Shannon waterway.
What to See & Do
| Activity | Highlights | Where to Book |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible Boat Trips | 90‑minute cruise around the lake’s “mythical islands”, wheelchair‑friendly (up to 3 users per boat) and capacity for 9 passengers (up to 4 wheelchair users). Departs from North Quay, Ballyleague, Roscommon. | Lough Ree Access for All |
| Viking Ship Cruise | 40‑minute replica Viking vessel leaves Athlone Castle Quay, offering outward‑facing seats, live commentary on Viking raids and birdlife. Dog‑friendly. | Viking Tours Ireland |
| Guided Angling Trips | Expert guides take you to the lake’s prime pike and eel spots; pike regularly exceed 9 kg. | Lough Ree Access for All (boat hire) |
| Powerboat Training | Accredited P2 course by Bord Iascaigh Mhara; leads to National Powerboat Certificate and ICC qualification. | Lough Ree Access for All |
| Self‑Drive Cruiser Hire | Six‑berth cruiser with cabins, galley and open‑air saloon; includes tuition for beginners. | Lough Ree Cruisers (Discover Ireland) |
| Island Exploration | Inchcleraun (monastic ruins, Queen Maeve legend), Inchmore, Hare Island, Inchenagh – all reachable by boat or kayak. | Local boat operators or hire a kayak at Hodson Bay |
| Birdwatching | Designated Special Protection Area; look for little grebe, tufted duck, wigeon and migratory waders. | Shore hides at Portlick Millennium Forest and Dún na Sí Amenity Park |
| Waterpark at Hodson Bay | Ireland’s largest inflatable waterpark (Baysports) with slides, climbing Viking helmet and kayak rentals. | Baysports Hodson Bay |
| Cycling & Walking | Royal Canal Greenway links to Lough Ree; 5 km Portlick Millennium Forest trail; Dún na Sí Amenity & Heritage Park with playground and bird hide. | Local bike hire (Buckley Cycles) |
| Sailing | Lough Ree Yacht Club – second‑oldest sailing club in the world (founded 1770) offers regular regattas and training. | Lough Ree Yacht Club |
Island Highlights
- Inchcleraun (Quaker Island) – Ruins of a 6th‑century monastery founded by St Diarmaid the Just. Six stone churches and a defensive fort remain.
- Inchmore – Lush vegetation, early monastic settlement evidence, and quiet bays for kayaking.
- Hare Island – A hidden retreat with a small beach and bird‑rich reeds.
- Inchenagh – 76‑acre island with a varied history of family habitation until the 1950s.
Practical Information
Getting There
- By Car – The lake is reachable via the N61 (Athlone‑Longford) with parking available at the North Quay dock (Ballyleague) and at the Viking Tours departure point behind Athlone Castle.
- Public Transport – Regular Bus Éireann services connect Athlone to Ballyleague; Viking Tours also runs public sailings from Athlone town centre.
- Cycling – The Old Rail Trail Greenway (42 km) links Mullingar to Athlone and provides a flat, traffic‑free route to the lake’s southern shore.
Boat‑Trip Timetables & Prices
Viking Tours – Daily Lough Ree Cruise (season Easter‑Halloween)
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €25 |
| Senior | €20 |
| Child | €15 |
| Family (2 adults + up to 5 children) | €80 |
Tickets can be purchased onboard; the cruise departs from Athlone Castle Quay and runs for about 60 minutes.
Lough Ree Access for All – Accessible Cruise
| Departure | Duration | Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| North Quay, Ballyleague | 1 h 30 min | €30 (standard), €45 (family of up to 5) |
The service runs three times daily (morning, midday, late afternoon) from late March to early November, weather‑dependent. Advance booking is recommended for larger groups.
Accessibility
- The accessible boat can accommodate up to three wheelchair users simultaneously; the larger cruise can take four wheelchair users within a nine‑person group.
- Boarding ramps and wheelchair‑friendly toilets are available at the North Quay dock.
- For any specific mobility requirements, contact Lough Ree Access for All at +353 892 625 505 before arrival.
Angling & Powerboat
- Guided Angling – Pike, perch and a commercial eel fishery are the lake’s main draws. Trips can be arranged via email or phone through Lough Ree Access for All.
- Powerboat Course – Fully accredited P2 training, leading to the National Powerboat Certificate and International Certificate of Competence (ICC). Ideal for those wishing to charter a boat on the Shannon.
Nearby Amenities
- Wineport Lodge – Luxury lakeside lodge with spa, restaurant and private jetty (https://www.discoverireland.ie/accommodation/wineport-lodge).
- Glasson Lakehouse – 4‑star hotel with lake‑view bar, golf course access and private cruise arrangements.
- Lough Ree (East) Caravan & Camping – Jetty, disabled‑accessible shower block and free Wi‑Fi for self‑catering stays.
Wildlife & Conservation
Lough Ree’s designation as a Special Area of Conservation protects its aquatic habitats and surrounding bogs. Birdwatchers can spot little grebe colonies, cormorants and wintering wigeon. The lake’s invasive quagga mussel presence is monitored by UCD researchers, underscoring the importance of responsible boating practices.
Legends & Lore
Local folklore speaks of a “Lough Ree Monster” – a six‑foot serpent reportedly sighted by three priests in 1960. The tale adds a touch of mystery to the lake’s serene surface, and occasional hull‑knocks reported by cruisers keep the legend alive.
Whether you’re gliding past ancient monastic ruins, casting a line for a trophy pike, or simply soaking up the reflected hills from a wheelchair‑friendly deck, Lough Ree offers a uniquely Irish blend of natural beauty, history and inclusive adventure.