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Lough Gowna

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lough Gowna is a freshwater lake located on the border between County Cavan and County Longford in the Irish midlands. It is the uppermost lake in the River Erne system and is known for its extremely irregular and complex shoreline, which stretches for over 100 kilometers. The lake was formed by glacial action, resulting in many bays, inlets, and islands that provide varied habitats for aquatic flora and fauna. Historically, the surrounding area was part of the Kingdom of Breifne and features several medieval ruins and ancient burial sites on its islands. Lough Gowna is highly regarded as a premier destination for pike and coarse fishing, attracting anglers from across Europe. The local economy is closely tied to the lake's resources, and the village of Gowna serves as a hub for visitors exploring the scenic waterways. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills known as drumlins, typical of this region of Ireland.

Location: Ireland
Top sights: Dermot & Grania's Bed · Scrabby Hill Fort · Holy Family Church
Nearby: Longford (22 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	4	5	8	11	13	15	14	13	10	7	5
Rain mm	105	82	83	71	87	96	104	112	90	110	112	108

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This lake is easily reached via quiet minor roads on the wooded border of counties Cavan and Longford. The scenic village of Loch Gowna provides an absolutely handy, central base for exploration.

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Best season

The popular fishing season is most active and lucrative from spring through to late autumn. The mild summer undoubtedly provides the most pleasant and stable weather for very extended walks along the shore.

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Terrain & paths

The lake is characterized by a very highly indented shoreline with densely wooded peninsulas and grassy banks. Natural walking paths can become locally very muddy and quite slippery following heavy rain.

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What to bring

Enthusiastic anglers require their usual coarse fishing tackle as well as the valid permits. Walkers should bring waterproof footwear and absolutely a strong insect repellent during the humid, warmer months.

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Parking

Largely informal parking options are usually found right at various fishing stands, public piers, and close to the village centre. Please take great care to never block the access paths to the boat slipways.

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Safety

Be particularly careful when intensely fishing or walking near steep or damp, slippery riverbanks. Always closely supervise playing children when they are anywhere near the sometimes deceptive water's edge.

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Time needed

Passionate anglers often spend the entire long day here out of dedication, while casual visitors usually enjoy a very relaxed, one to three-hour scenic walk following along the beautifully intricate shoreline.

Geography

Coordinates

53.86500, -7.56800

Facts

The lake covers an area of approximately 1,100 hectares.
The shoreline exceeds 100 kilometers due to its many inlets.
Lough Gowna is the source of the River Erne system.
Derrycassan Wood offers walking trails along the lake shore.
Ruins of an ancient monastery are located on Church Island.
The lake is famous for its stock of large specimen pike.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Cloughoughter Castle16 km · NExplore →

Cavan19 km · NEExplore →

Longford22 km · SWExplore →

Fore Abbey25 km · SEExplore →

Slieve Anierin35 km · NWExplore →

Carrick-on-Shannon36 km · WExplore →

Ballymahon Data Hub37 km · SExplore →

Rathcroghan40 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lough Gowna (6)

Dermot & Grania's Bed 🏺 historical

An ancient archaeological site and megalithic tomb near Lough Gowna.

Scrabby Hill Fort 🏺 historical

The remains of an ancient hill fort overlooking the Lough Gowna area.

Holy Family Church ⛪ religious

A local Catholic church serving the community in the Lough Gowna region.

St. Thomas's Church ⛪ religious

A church on the shore of Lough Gowna.

Saint Colmcille's Church ⛪ religious

A religious building and place of worship dedicated to Saint Colmcille.

Fitzpatrick's Shore 🎡 recreation

A shore area on Lough Gowna with opportunities for swimming and lakeside leisure activities.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

In which counties is the lake located?

Lough Gowna straddles the border of counties Cavan and Longford.

Is the lake good for fishing?

Yes, it is a premier destination for pike and coarse fishing.

Which river originates from the lake?

Lough Gowna is the source of the River Erne.

Are there islands there?

Yes, the lake has a complex shape with many bays and wooded islands.

Are there picnic spots?

In surrounding villages like Gowna, there are access points with benches and water views.

Lough Gowna: where is it located?

Lough Gowna is located in Ireland.

Lough Gowna: what is there to see?

Highlights include Dermot & Grania's Bed, Scrabby Hill Fort, Holy Family Church.

Lough Gowna: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Lough Gowna: why is it worth visiting?

Lough Gowna is a freshwater lake located on the border between County Cavan and County Longford in the Irish midlands.

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