Area · Co. Leitrim
Lough Allen, the topmost of three Shannon lakes in north Leitrim, offers 17.7 km of sheltered water for boating, fishing, and walking. Its shores feature Arigna Forest Park and historic mining areas, while three islands provide mooring points for visitors exploring the area.
Lough Allen sits at the very top of the Shannon system. Lough Derg and Lough Ree are far to the south. The water stretches 17.7 km long and reaches 4.8 km at its widest point. That covers about 35 square kilometres. Depth varies a lot. The average is shallow, 4–5 m, but it drops to 31 m in deeper basins.
County Leitrim holds most of the lake. The far shore belongs to County Roscommon. It lies just south of the Shannon’s source, near the Iron Mountains (Sliabh an Iarainn). Miners worked these hills for centuries. They cut down the county’s great charcoal forests to feed the forges.
Three islands dot the water: Corry Island, Drummans Island, and Inishmagrath. These spots turned the lake into a boating water. The Allen Canal and Shannon navigation were cut through the 19th century to make the waterway workable. The islands have served as moorings ever since. Drumshanbo, Drumkeeran, Dowra, and Arigna line the shores. Arigna Forest Park stands on the western shore. It is the largest forest park in Ireland.
Boating makes sense here. The lake is gentle and sheltered. Moorings exist at Drumshanbo and along the Blueway. Bank fishing is permitted from the shore. Check current licence rules before angling. The wooded banks support walks. Options range from short lakeside loops to full days on the Arigna trails. Yeats spent time around Lough Allen at the turn of the twentieth century. The quiet, half-enclosed basin offers a good spot to watch the light change.
Where to stay
A week on the water or a week of walks from one base — Lough Allen supports either.
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