Lough Rea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lough Rea |
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Aerial view over Loughrea town towards the lake.
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 Lough Rea
Location in Ireland
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| Location | County Galway, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°11′23″N 8°34′35″W / 53.189684°N 8.576302°W |
| Lake type | natural freshwater lough |
| Native name | Loch Riach Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| Primary outflows | Loughrea River Town Moat |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Max. length | 2.61 km (1.62 mi) |
| Max. width | 1.68 km (1.04 mi) |
| Surface area | 3.01 km2 (1.16 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 81 m (266 ft) |
| Islands | Ash Island, Shore Island, Blake's Island, Barrack Island, Middle Island, Long Island, Switch Island, Stone Island North, Stone Islands South, Island McCoo |
| Settlements | Loughrea |
Lough Rea, also known as Loughrea Lake, is a beautiful natural freshwater lake in Ireland. You can find it in County Galway, just south of the town of Loughrea. Its Irish name is Loch Riach.
About Lough Rea
Lough Rea is a good-sized lake. It stretches about 2.61 kilometers (1.6 miles) long and is about 1.68 kilometers (1 mile) wide. The lake covers an area of about 3.01 square kilometers (1.16 square miles). It sits about 81 meters (266 feet) above sea level.
The lake has several small islands. These include Ash Island, Shore Island, and Blake's Island. The Loughrea River flows out of the lake, carrying its waters onward.
Amazing Wildlife
Lough Rea is home to many different kinds of fish. It's a great spot for fishing! The lake is stocked with various species.
You can find:
- Three-spined stickleback and ninespine stickleback: These are small, interesting fish.
- Eel: Long, snake-like fish that can live in both fresh and saltwater.
- Perch: A common freshwater fish with spiny fins.
- Brown trout: A popular game fish known for its beautiful spots.
- Common rudd: A fish with reddish fins.
- Northern pike: A large, predatory fish with a long body.
These fish make Lough Rea a lively underwater world. They are an important part of the lake's ecosystem.
Legends and Stories
Like many old places in Ireland, Lough Rea has some fascinating folklore. These stories have been passed down through generations.
One legend tells of how the lake was formed. It says that long ago, powerful pre-Christian gods fought a huge battle. These gods took the form of mighty deer. Their fight was so strong that it caused a well to burst open. Water poured out, filling the land and creating the lake we see today.
Another popular story is a bit mysterious. People say that there was once a town where Lough Rea now lies. This town was somehow submerged beneath the water. Imagine a whole town hidden under the lake's surface!
These tales add to the magic and history of Lough Rea.
