Overview
The small pine-covered island in Derryclare Lough is one of the most photographed scenes in Connemara, and on a still morning, with the Twelve Bens doubled in the water, it earns it. The 677m peak of Derryclare rises above the lough at the southern edge of the range, with a fragment of old oak wood on its eastern flank. The Irish name, Binn Doire Chláir, means the peak of the oak-wood of the plain.
If you only have an hour, the view across the lough from the R344 is the thing. If you’ve come to walk, the neighbouring ridges hold some of Connemara’s finest hillwalking, but those are full, serious mountain days, not strolls.
The nature reserve and oak wood
The NPWS lists Derryclare Nature Reserve as a 19-hectare state-owned site with an entrance from the R344. Use the signed entrance and stay on established routes, which also protects the ground flora and lichens. If stopping for a photo, use a safe designated pull-in.
The canopy is mostly mature sessile oak, with rowan, downy birch and ash beneath. The reserve forms part of the larger Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex Special Area of Conservation, and it’s a notable site for lichens and fungi. Walking through the dappled light here is a complete contrast to the bare quartzite above.
In 2005, nineteen red squirrels were moved here from Portumna Forest Park as part of efforts to protect the species in Ireland, and they’re now established in the wood. Red deer keep to the higher slopes, and otters turn up along the lough banks at dawn and dusk.
Walking and hiking
The surrounding mountain ridges are separate, exposed hillwalks. All routes need sturdy boots and respect for fast-changing weather.
- The reserve and lough: stay on established routes in the oak wood and near the shore, good for the island view and for wildlife, with no real climbing.
- The horseshoes: for experienced hillwalkers, the Glencoaghan Horseshoe is rated one of the best hill-walks in Ireland, linking Derryclare with neighbouring peaks like Bencorr. The shorter Bencorr horseshoe is a tough day in its own right. Navigation skills are essential. The paths fade out in mist, and the ground gives no second chances. Choose a route that respects access signs and check the forecast before you set out.
Rock climbing
The eastern corrie, Log an Choire Mhóir, holds long multi-pitch routes of around 200m, graded from Difficult to Very Difficult. It’s traditional climbing on exposed quartzite that turns slick and dangerous in rain, so check conditions and forecasts before you commit.
Wildlife
Beyond the red squirrels, red deer and otters, the lough draws waterfowl, and you may see buzzards and sparrowhawks working the air above the corrie. The mix of oak wood, open water and mountain grassland keeps it varied through the year.
Angling
Lough Inagh Lodge manages the fishery and describes fly fishing from the banks and fishing piers at Derryclare. There are no boats available on Derryclare Lough. Derryclare is a fly-only water, fished for salmon, sea trout and wild brown trout. It’s a working fishery rather than a casual spot, so ask the fishery about permission and check Inland Fisheries Ireland’s current licence and fishery rules before setting out.
Getting there and practical information
- Access: the lough is reached via the R344 through the Inagh Valley, off the N59 between Recess and Kylemore. Use the signed reserve entrance and check current access before you travel. Do not rely on finding a space at the roadside.
- Weather and safety: Connemara weather turns fast, and even in summer it’s rarely warm on the tops. Pack waterproofs, map and compass, and a charged phone, and tell someone your route and expected return.
- Rules: the reserve is free to visit; fishing is managed separately and needs permission and the appropriate licence.
Nearby
Recess village is just across the way, and Benbaun, the highest of the Twelve Bens, lies to the north for anyone with the legs for more. The drive in along the R344 is one of the better stretches of road in the west, so don’t rush it.