Dunlewey Lough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dunlewy LoughLoch Dhún Lúiche |
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View from lake north shore
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 Location in island of Ireland
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| Location | Dunlewey, County Donegal |
| Coordinates | 55°01′22″N 8°07′56″W / 55.0227°N 8.1321°W |
| Primary outflows | Clady River |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Surface area | 14,000 acres (5,700 ha) |
| Islands | Oilean Gráinne |
Dunlewy Lough (also known as Irish: Loch Dhún Lúiche in Irish) is a beautiful lake in County Donegal, Ireland. It sits right at the foot of Errigal, which is a famous mountain. The small village of Dunlewey is also right beside the lake. Dunlewy Lough is very close to another, larger lake called Lough Nacung Upper, with only a small strip of land separating them.
Dunlewy Lough: A Lake with History and Legends
Dunlewy Lough is not just a pretty place; it also has interesting history and fun stories!
Ancient Homes: What is a Crannóg?
If you look closely at Dunlewy Lough, you can still see the remains of a crannóg. A crannóg was like a mini-fortress built on an artificial island in a lake. People lived in these special lake homes many hundreds of years ago.
The name Dún Lúiche (the Irish name for Dunlewy) might come from this crannóg. It means "Lugh's fort." Lugh was an important god in ancient Irish stories. Today, there's even a modern wooden statue of Lugh on the lakeshore.
Explore and Discover: The Lakeside Centre
Right on the shore of Dunlewy Lough, you'll find a place called the Lakeside Centre, or Ionad Cois Locha in Irish. This is a great spot for visitors!
You can take fun boat trips on the lake from here. The people at the centre also love to share exciting folk tales. One popular story is about a friendly witch who supposedly lived in a big house across the lake in the forest. It's a fun way to learn about local legends!
