Overview
Lough Lannagh sits on the western edge of Castlebar, and its waterside paths are the town’s everyday walk. Older locals still call it Church Lake: the graveyard on the shore marks the site of an early Christian church, and the low peninsula of Boyd’s Island was a crannóg, a lake-dwelling, until drainage lowered the water and left it high and dry. It is not wild scenery. The lake is fed by the Castlebar River system, drawing its water down from Islandeady Lough and passing on through the town, and its shores are mown parkland. What it offers is a short, easy outing beside a busy Mayo town.
Stay on the paths and keep children clear of the water’s edge.
The lakeside loop and the greenway
The waterside paths and the low bridge across the water make a short lakeside outing. The bridge puts the lake on both sides of you and gives a reason to pause halfway round.
The Castlebar Greenway map shows Lough Lannagh as a start point for the route towards Turlough and the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life at Turlough Park. Check the route before leaving and allow time for the return if you are walking or cycling.
Swimming and facilities
A leisure complex stands near the lake. For an indoor swim, check the Lough Lannagh Leisure Complex pool timetable separately. Check the greenway map for the car park and for any other facilities before you go.
Nearby
Ballintubber Abbey, founded in 1216 and in use ever since, is a short drive south. The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life at Turlough Park, at the far end of the greenway, tells the story of everyday rural Irish life. Westport, with its Georgian streets and its own greenway to Achill, is about 20 minutes west.