Overview
This is a slipway and a view, and that is the whole appeal. Barley Harbour is a cut-limestone harbour on Elfleet Bay, on the eastern shore of Lough Ree in south-west County Longford, near Newtowncashel. Longford County Council built it in 1966. Local people come for somewhere to watch the water and take in a lot of open Midland sky.
Longford’s local studies archive records the harbour name and the area’s connection with the nearby islands.
History and island views
The harbour is modern, but it faces a great deal of older history. Directly across the water lies Inchcleraun Island, also called Quaker Island. A monastic settlement was founded there in the 6th century by St Diarmuid, who taught St Ciarán of Clonmacnoise; for generations it was a place of pilgrimage and learning, and later a burial ground for the powerful Farrell clan.
Folklore adds another layer. The island is named after Clothra, sister of Queen Maeve of Connacht. The story goes that Maeve retired here after the Táin wars and was killed by her own nephew while she bathed in the lough. From the shore you can look across the water towards the island, and the view is at its best when the morning light catches the surface or the evening sun drops behind the Longford hills.
What to see and do
- Looking out over the lough – the stone slipway opens onto Elfleet Bay, with views towards Inchcleraun. Late afternoon is a good time for the light on the water.
- Boating – the slipway is a working one, so keep it clear for boats and keep neighbouring gates and entrances clear. If you are taking a boat out, check current local arrangements, the weather and Waterways Ireland’s navigation advice before launching.
- Birds and wildlife – the lough draws waterfowl and wading birds worth a look from the shore.
Practical information
Getting there – Barley Harbour is near Newtowncashel on the eastern shore of Lough Ree. Follow the signs for the harbour on the approach, and follow signs for parking rather than leaving vehicles on the road or in front of gates.
Safety – the lake is open and unsupervised. Check the weather before going near the water, and check current local arrangements before launching a boat. Parking arrangements and works at the slipway can change, so follow signs on the day.
Nearby attractions
Barley Harbour fits well into a wider Midland day. A short drive south is Athlone, with its 13th-century castle and the riverside Silver Mile walk. For something older, the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre is built around a remarkably preserved Iron Age wooden road. Check the forecast before any boating.