Glenade Lough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glenade Lough |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
 Location in island of Ireland
|
|
| Location | County Leitrim |
| Coordinates | 54°21′52″N 8°16′13″W / 54.36444°N 8.27028°W |
| Lake type | Glacial lake |
| Native name | Loch Ghleann Éada Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| Primary outflows | Bonet River |
| Catchment area | 15.87 km2 (6.1 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Max. length | 1.6 km (1 mi) |
| Surface area | 0.74 km2 (0.29 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 4 m (13 ft) |
| Max. depth | 11.5 m (38 ft) |
| Surface elevation | 66 m (217 ft) |
Glenade Lough, also called Glenade Lake, is a beautiful freshwater lake in the northwest of Ireland. Its Irish name, Loch Ghleann Éada, means 'lake of the glen of jealousy'. You can find it in the northern part of County Leitrim, nestled in the lovely Glenade Valley.
Contents
Where is Glenade Lough?
Glenade Lough sits in a scenic spot. It is located between the Dartry Mountains on its west side and the Arroo Mountain range to its east. The lake is about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) northwest of Manorhamilton. It is also about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of Kinlough.
The lake stretches about 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long from its northwest to its southeast end. It covers an area of about 0.74 square kilometers (0.29 square miles).
How Water Flows in Glenade Lough
Glenade Lough gets its water from several small streams. These streams flow into the lake at its northern end. The water then flows out of the lake towards the south. This outflow forms the beginning of the Bonet River.
Animals and Plants in Glenade Lough
Many different kinds of fish live in Glenade Lough. You can find fish like roach, perch, and pike here. The lake is also home to the European eel, which is a critically endangered species. This means it is very close to disappearing forever.
Another important animal in the lake is the white-clawed crayfish. This is also an endangered species. Because of these special animals, Glenade Lough and the land around it were made a Special Area of Conservation in 1997. This helps protect its unique wildlife.
Water Quality and Invasive Species
Around 2001 to 2003, the water quality in Glenade Lough was good. It was rated as mesotrophic, which means it has a medium level of nutrients.
However, the lake's environment is facing some threats. Invasive species are plants and animals that are not native to the area. They can harm the local ecosystem. In Glenade Lough, these include curly waterweed, zebra mussel, and freshwater clam. These invaders can outcompete native species and change the lake's natural balance.
The Legend of the Dobhar-chú
Glenade Lough is famous for a local legend. People say a mysterious creature called the Dobhar-chú lives in the lake. This creature is described as a very large animal, similar to an otter.
There is a gravestone in a nearby cemetery that tells a sad story. It says that a local woman was attacked and killed by a dobhar-chú in 1722. This legend makes Glenade Lough an interesting place for those who love mysteries and folklore.
