Overview
Emy Lough sits just outside Emyvale in the north of County Monaghan, a short turn off the N2 between Dublin and Derry. The 136-acre (55-hectare) lake is framed by tree-lined banks and the region’s drumlin hills, and it combines a lakeside walk with a locally managed fishery. Monaghan Tourism lists the location and the walk. There is no admission charge to walk the lakeside.
The 4 km Lakeside Walk
The most popular feature for non-swimmers and non-anglers is the 4 km looped walk around the lake. Monaghan Tourism lists the loop, and the route alternates between quiet minor roads and a lakeshore path, so follow the local signs and take care on the road sections. At a relaxed pace allow somewhere around an hour to an hour and a half. The lake views across the water and the surrounding farmland make it a regular choice for families, joggers and dog walkers. Check the surface and parking arrangements before you go if you need a specific type of access, as conditions are not guaranteed.
Can you swim in Emy Lough?
Not officially. Monaghan County Council monitors Emy Lough as an undesignated bathing water, which is different from a designated bathing area with a formal season and lifeguard cover. On the south-west shore a short wooden walkway leads down to dark, soft sand that slopes gradually into the water (see swimming in Ireland’s lakes for how Irish lake swimming differs from the sea). Even so, check current results and any advice on site before entering the water, and follow any posted restrictions.
As with any inland lake, water quality and clarity can change after rain, and algae can appear at times. If a sign or notice says not to swim, take it at its word. Children should be supervised closely at the water’s edge.
Fishing: Trout & Pike
Monaghan Tourism’s angling information describes the lake’s fishery. Emy Lough has been managed as a trout fishery by the Emy and District Angling Club, and the lake is also known for pike. The water sees seasonal hatches of mayfly, olives, sedges and gnats, which suit both dry-fly and wet-fly techniques.
Fishing is by permit, with separate trout and pike seasons. Permit prices, season dates, and whether you can fish from the bank or only from a boat can change, so confirm current permits, seasons and boat or bank access with the local club before travelling. Contact the club in advance to confirm availability rather than turning up on the day.
History & Conservation
The lake’s name and early development are tied to Emy Mill, a flax-processing mill that relied on the water’s flow to power its machinery throughout the 19th and early-20th centuries. While the mill itself is long gone, the name remains, and the lake has transitioned from an industrial water source to a community amenity.
The lough is reported to feed local drinking water supplies, which is why rules on boats and fishing here are taken seriously and why you should follow any posted restrictions. Local stewardship is active: the Donagh Development Association and regular users of the lake have organised fundraising walks and events to cover maintenance costs and upkeep.
Practical Information
- Admission: Free entry. Check parking arrangements locally before you travel.
- Getting There: From Dublin, travel north on the N2. As you approach Emyvale, watch for a right-turn sign for Emy Lough. After roughly two kilometres, a left-turn sign marks the lake entrance.
- Public Transport: TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan services stop in Emyvale, about 5 km away. Check the current timetable, and expect to need a local taxi for the short journey from there to the lake.
- Notices: Check the information board on site, if there is one, for fishing rules and safety notices.
Nearby Attractions
- Castleblayney – A lakeside town with a marina, golf course and a selection of cafés; roughly 25–30 minutes by car.
- Dartrey Forest – A Coillte-managed woodland offering longer walking trails, a historic mausoleum and open-glade picnic spots.
- Glaslough – A quiet village known for its boutique shops and proximity to the Castle Leslie estate.
- Ballybay – A riverside town on the Dromore River, featuring a historic market house and several riverside walks.
Emy Lough works best as a half-day stop or a convenient break on a longer road trip. Check the weather forecast before planning a walk or a fishing trip, as the lake’s exposed shoreline can get breezy, and confirm any fishing arrangements with the club well in advance.