Overview
Lough Nafooey (Irish: Loch na Fuaiche, ‘lake of the fissure’) sits in a steep-sided valley on the northern edge of Connemara, on the Galway–Mayo border, and the hills around it are the eroded roots of a volcano that was active roughly 490 million years ago. It runs about 2.5 miles (4km) long and half a mile (0.8km) wide, a near-rectangular trench of water hemmed by the Maumturk Mountains to the south and the Partry Mountains to the north. Part of the north-eastern shore crosses into County Mayo, putting the village of Finny minutes away, while the Galway village of Leenane is about 11km to the south-west.
It’s fed by mountain streams and the River Fooey, off Devil’s Mother, and drains through the Finny River into the much larger Lough Mask. At the western end is a sandy shore that looks down the valley, a good place to stop and see the lake.
The western shore
Stop only where parking and access are permitted, and leave room for boat launching. Treat the shore as a place to see the lake. The funnel-shaped Red Island (An tOileán Rua) lies out near the south-eastern shore.
Geology and folklore
The volcano is long gone, but it left its evidence in the rock. Pillow lavas and breccia are exposed along the hillsides, formed when lava erupted underwater during the Ordovician period. The valley and the lake that occupy it today were shaped much later by ice. Local tradition adds its own layer: the lake is said to be home to An Capall Uisce, the Water Horse, a creature of Celtic myth that gives the still water an uneasy edge at dusk.
Walking and hiking
The mountains around the lake, in the Partry and Maumturk ranges, offer big views over Killary Harbour and out to the coast, but they are serious hill country. For hillwalking, plan a separate route with a map, and check permissions and conditions before you set out. The ground turns boggy and the rock goes slick after rain, so bring waterproof boots and a map or GPS.
Road cycling
Lough Nafooey turns up on cyclists’ maps too, with loops around the lake ranging from moderate to long, climbing days out. The roads here are narrow, services between Leenane and Finny are thin, and there’s real elevation on the bigger loops, so carry a repair kit and check the forecast before you commit. Take your time on the narrow valley roads.
Fishing and the water
The cold, clear water holds wild brown trout and pike. Inland Fisheries Ireland’s Galway angling guide lists Lough Nafooey as a State lake where a trout permit is unnecessary. Check the current season, methods and limits with Inland Fisheries Ireland, and get permission before crossing private land. Clean and dry equipment before moving between waters. The water stays cold even in July, so take care if you plan to swim, and check local conditions first.
Practical information
Parking – stop only where parking and access are permitted, and leave room for boat launching.
When to go – May to September for the long days and the best odds on the weather. Winter is stark and atmospheric, but the trails ice up and water levels rise.
Nearby – Pair the lake with Leenane at Killary Harbour or Aasleagh Falls, a short drive away, for an easy day in the region.