Lough Neagh (Loch nEathach)
The largest freshwater lake in Ireland and the British Isles.
Lough Neagh supplies 40% of Northern Ireland's water. According to legend, the lake was formed when the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill scooped up a chunk of earth to toss at a Scottish rival. The chunk landed in the Irish Sea to become the Isle of Man, and the hole filled with water to become Lough Neagh.
It is renowned for its eel fishing. Five of the six counties of Northern Ireland have shores on the lough.
At a glance
- Area: 392 square km
- Legend: Created by Fionn mac Cumhaill
- Famous for: Eel fishing
Other places of this kind
- The Lakes of Killarney (Loch Léin): Three beautiful lakes ringed by mountains and ancient woodland at the heart of Killarney National Park.
- Lough Erne (Loch Éirne): A vast island-studded lake system in County Fermanagh, dotted with early Christian sites.
- Lough Gur (Loch Gair): A horseshoe lake in County Limerick surrounded by one of Ireland's richest ancient landscapes.
- Lough Ree (Loch Rí): A great lake on the River Shannon, dotted with islands and bordering three counties.
- Strangford Lough (Loch Cuan): A vast sea lough of tidal islands and rich wildlife.
- Lough Corrib (Loch Coirib): The Republic's largest lake, dividing Galway city from Connemara.
The Irish name
The Irish form of Lough Neagh is Loch nEathach. You can hear it spoken, and take apart names like it, in the Placename Explorer. The authoritative record for any Irish place-name is logainm.ie.