Carrickaport lough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carrickaport Lough |
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 Location in island of Ireland
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| Location | County Leitrim |
| Coordinates | 54°1′48″N 7°58′58″W / 54.03000°N 7.98278°W |
| Lake type | Freshwater |
| Native name | Carraig an Phoirt Loch Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Surface area | 0.46 km2 (0.18 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 63 m (207 ft) |
| Islands | 1 |
Carrickaport Lough is a beautiful freshwater lake. You can find it in Kiltubrid parish, which is in the south of County Leitrim, northwest Ireland. The village of Drumcong and another lake called Lough Scur are very close by. Carrickaport Lough is well-known for its great fishing, especially for bream and pike.
However, the lake's natural environment is facing some challenges. Invasive species like curly waterweed, zebra mussel, and freshwater clam are a threat. These non-native plants and animals can harm the lake's delicate balance.
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What's in a Name?
The name of the lake, Carrickaport Lough, comes from a nearby area called "Carrickaport." In the Irish language, this name (Carraig an Phoirt) means "the rock of the port." Here, "port" likely refers to a bog, or maybe a fort or river bank.
Exploring Carrickaport Lough's Location
Carrickaport Lough is located to the west of Drumcong village and Lough Scur. It's nestled in County Leitrim, Ireland. The lake has a unique shape, a bit like an hourglass.
The lake covers an area of about 0.46 km2 (0.18 sq mi). It can be as deep as 7 m (23 ft) in some spots. Carrickaport Lough sits about 1 foot (0.3 m) higher than Lough Scur. A small stream, about 500 metres (1,640.4 ft) long, connects the two lakes. This stream flows right through Drumcong village.
High lands surround Carrickaport Lough. It is bordered by several local areas called townlands. These include Drumbullog, Corderry (Morton), Carrickaport, Mullaghycullen, Drumcong, and Roscarban. The lake's bottom is mostly made of cobble (70%), with some rock (15%), gravel (10%), and sand (5%).
Wildlife and Nature in the Lake
Fish You Might Find
Carrickaport Lough is home to several types of fish. You can find "Roach-Bream hybrids," Perch, and Bream (some weighing 3-4 pounds). There are also Roach and Pike.
The pike in this lake are special. They are the "native Irish strain," which is called liús in Irish. This means they are different from other types of European pike. The lake has pike that can weigh up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Around 2001-2003, the water quality was considered good. It was rated as mesotrophic, meaning it had a moderate amount of nutrients.
Challenges to the Lake's Health
In 2007, a survey showed that Carrickaport Lough was facing some problems. There was a lot of filamentous algae growing. Pollution was also reported, along with a serious invasion of zebra mussels.
The edges of Carrickaport Lough are lined with reeds. About one-fifth of the plants at the bottom of the lake are common club-rush. You can also find Potamogeton pondweed and an alien plant species called Elodea canadensis.
The Mystery of the Missing Crayfish
Carrickaport Lough has rocky, shallow shores. This type of habitat is usually perfect for White-clawed crayfish. These crayfish were once reported to live here. However, when the lake was last surveyed in 2007, no crayfish were found.
Sadly, crayfish are never found where zebra mussels are present. Also, Irish crayfish populations are threatened by crayfish species brought in from other countries.
A Rare Moss Discovery
In August 2000, a special discovery was made near the lake. A rare type of moss, called "Weissia rostellata," was found. This moss is considered very rare in Ireland. It was growing in a damp, muddy ditch next to the lake. It was either in direct sunlight or partly shaded by grasses and rushes.
Other Small Creatures
The lake is also home to other interesting creatures. The Lister's river snail (Viviparus fasciatus) is very common. You can also find hog louse here.
People and the Lake
The main human settlement near Carrickaport Lough is the village of Drumcong.
