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Lough Derravaragh Walk

0.62 miles (1 km)

Open Streetmap This large lake is located in County Westmeath just north of Mullingar. It's a popular place for watersports and fishing with some nice walks to try too.
Near the Lough Derravaragh Camp site at the north western end of the lake you will find the Donore Woodland Walk. The lakeside woodland is a pleasant place for an easy walk with peaceful woodland trails, little bridges, a fairy garden and lots of wildlife to see.
At the south eastern end of the lake there is another car park by the lake where you can go for a stroll along the shoreline. The lough sits on the River Inny which flows from Lough Sheelin on its way to the River Shannon.
To continue your walking in the area head a few miles east to visit Fore Abbey. The ancient abbey dates back to the 13th century and includes a circular walk taking you around the historic buildings and the village of Fore.

Lough Derravaragh Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To the south there's more local historic interest at Durrow Abbey. The interesting medieval site includes several notable ancient features, a picturesque walled garden and some peaceful woodland trails. On the way you would pass near Lough Owel where there's walks, swimming and the wildlife rich Scragh Bog Nature Reserve.
Near here there's the splendid Belvedere House and Lough Ennell. The house includes lakeside trails, woodland, sculptures, a fairy garden and a Victoria Walled Garden. There's also some wonderful ruined follies including the eye catching Jealous Wall.
To the south west there's the Lough Ree Park Walking Trail, a popular place for easy strolls and lakeside picnics. The lough is located near the town of Athlone where you can enjoy a nice walk along the River Shannon, Ireland's longest River.
To the north west there's more nice waterside trails around the grounds of Lough Rynn Castle. The castle has 350 acres of parkland and gardens to explore.
To the north east there's the fascinating Loughcrew. This ancient site includes includes a number of tombs thought to date to the 4th millennium BC. There are great views from the hill top to enjoy here as well.
To the north is Lough Ramor where there's lakeside trails and a Deer Park Forest to explore.

Photos

Lough Derravaragh - geograph.org.uk - 591836

 Lough Derravaragh. Rain falls gently on the south-eastern tip of Lough Derravaragh in County Westmeath. Legend says this was the home of the Children of Lir. These were the four children of an Irish king turned into swans by that perennial villain of mythology, their stepmother (in this case called Aoife). The children were condemned to swim for 300 years on the lough

Knockeyon 07

Knockeyon Hill and Lough Derravagh. Knockeyon, the hill of Saint Eyon, is located on the south-eastern shore of the lough, rising steeply to 215 metres. Halfway up the hill are the ruins of the ancient Saint Cauragh chapel, built and dedicated to Saint Eyon. The ruins of Saint Cauragh's Well are adjacent to the chapel.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Lough Derravaragh.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)