by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Kerry
Lough Cuim, Glanteerasig Forest Park July 2012 Even if you never swim here a visit to this out of the way lake is well worth the effort. Located in a Coillte run forest park, Lough Cuim has a fabulous board walk running through its trees and along its shore. With seats dotted along the way this is a lovely place to visit for a walk. Like many lakes the water here is dark and fresh. Where we got in there were submerged rocks and branches. So pick your spot, swim slowly and BE CAREFUL. You will definitely enjoy a visit here and it's a good spot on a nice day for a family outing. Directions: From Tralee take the N86 toward Dingle and then the R560 toward Castlegregory. About 4 kilometres before Castlegregory watch out for a left turn signposted for the forest park. Keep going on this road until you arrive at the park entrance. When you get there you have to drive for a further 3 kilometres through the park until you arrive at the lake. View Larger Map Ordnance Survey Map Nos. 70 and 71 [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Kerry
Glanmore Lake, near Healy Pass July 2009 Glanmore is one of the nicest locations you will find. It can be seen at its best looking down from the Healy Pass, which is a spectacular mountain pass from Cork to Kerry. This is a lovely lake which the road follows round and you can walk for a good distance almost by the lake's shore We found a nice place for a swim at the Lauragh end near to a stone boathouse. The water here is cool and very fresh. The lake is surrounded by the wild and impressive Caha Mountains. There's an An Óige hostel at the far end and if you are cold after your swim there are tea rooms, which are signposted, nearby. Remember, lakes can be dangerous, so swim carefully. Directions View Larger Map Access is off the R574 Healy Pass road and you will need a good map Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 84 [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Wicklow
Lough DanDate visited: 12th July 2009A walk and a swim that’s well worth the effort.Start at the pier gates , if you come from the sally gap will give you spectacular views of lough Tay [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Westmeath
Lilliput, Jonathan Swift Park, Lough Ennel May 2013 Once you find Lilliput its well worth a visit. We looked in vain for a signpost when we came off the M6 and inevitably got lost. Eventually we got on the right road and found our way to Jonathan Swift Park. This is a swimming area designated as such by Westmeath County Council , which is rare and nice to see. To the left of the boathouse there is a stony, beach like surface which leads you into shallow water. A better way to get in is down the steps to the right of the boathouse where it is sandy underfoot and also has a bit of depth. The water was nice and fresh and remained shallow as we swam out. It was nice to have the sand beneath our feet and this seems like a good place for kids to splash and play. However, lakes are potentially dangerous so watch out for submerged rocks. No jumping or diving The park itself has plenty of space with a picnic table and a large sand pit right in front of the swimming area. Right beside the park is the Lilliput Adventure Centre which organises various adventure courses. There is ample car parking and it is accessible. Update April 2015: A 2014 report on bathing water quality conducted by the EPA found the water quality in Lough Ennel 'poor' .You might want to check out the current state of play with the County Council. View Larger Map Directions: From the M6 take exit 4 onto the N52 toward Mullingar. Watch out for a left turn onto the L122 signposted for Ballinagore. After that you will pick up the signposts for Jonathan Swift Park/Lilliput. There are a number of them so watch carefully and they will lead you to the lake. [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Westmeath
Lough Lene May 2011 Lough Lene is a very attractive and well maintained place to have a swim. Across the road from a good sized car park you pass through a gateway into a well kept area of the lake with a distinct swimming section. There is a nice grassy area to picnic along with some benches, toilets and a small indoor changing room. The swimming area has a board walk out onto the lake with ladders which brings you into your depth. Somewhat unusually for a lake, the water here is quite clear and the bottom sandy . This is a lovely place to swim and its well maintained appearance is a credit to Westmeath County Council. Directions From Dublin you take the M4 toward Mullingar . You leave this at exit 11 and get onto the R394 toward Castlepollard. After the village of Crookedwood you take a right turn for Collinstown. In Collinstown you follow the signposts for the lake which is 3 kilometres outside the town. Ordnance Survey Map No. 41 View Larger Map [...]