Lough Ree
Enchanted islands and a reported lake monster
The second largest lake on the Shannon Lough Ree is in the midlands of Ireland, close to the actual geographical centre of Ireland and a place assigned a Special Area of Conservation.
Discover Lough Ree
Lingering through the mist are sprits of high kings, ghosts of fallen warriors and ancient monks with guiding eyes. The Islands in Lough Ree that have multiple monastic sites as it was a place of learning and pilgrimage for centuries. On the island of Inchcleraun (Quaker Island) see the ruins of six churches, graveyards and a fort for protection against Viking raids. In Irish legends, it was on this island that Queen Maeve was killed.
Cross the lough with care, as on May 28, 1960, the BBC reported a lough monster sighting by three priests. A lake eel with an enormous size of six foot in length and a head of about eighteen inches in diameter. There have been a few other sightings by locals and fishermen along with reports of hard knocks and thumps on the hull of many a Shannon cruiser. Coincidentally, the area has an eel fishery, usually catching smaller varieties of eel.
Barley Harbour situated on the eastern side of Lough Ree bogwood sculpture and craft workshop. Walk to the town of Newtowncashel dotted with sculptures, nearby Saints Island is home to the ruins of a 15th century Augustan monastery which is open for exploring.
The town of Athlone is situated at the southern end of the lake, and has a harbour for boats going out on the lake. The small town of Lanesboro is at the northern end of the lake.
