Glenicmurrin Lough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Glenicmurrin Lough |
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![]() Northern entrance of the lough.
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Location | County Galway, Ireland |
Coordinates | 53°19′06″N 9°30′01″W / 53.318398°N 9.500312°W |
Native name | Loch Ghleann Mhac Muirinn Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
Primary inflows | Loughnaskeha, Muckanagh Lough, Lough Cloonadoon |
Primary outflows | Cashla River |
Catchment area | 67.05 km2 (25.89 sq mi) |
Basin countries | Ireland |
Surface area | 1.65 km2 (0.64 sq mi) |
Shore length1 | 19 km (12 mi) |
Surface elevation | 28 m (92 ft) |
Islands | Holly Island, Rook Island, Rock Island, Fame Island |
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. |
Glenicmurrin Lough or Lough Glenicmurrin (Irish: Loch Ghleann Mhac Muirinn) is a beautiful lake located in County Galway, Ireland. It's a special place known for its clear waters and the amazing fish that live there. This lake is a popular spot for nature lovers and those who enjoy fishing.
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Discovering Glenicmurrin Lough
Glenicmurrin Lough is found in the western part of Ireland, in County Galway. It's a freshwater lake, meaning its water is not salty like the ocean. The lake sits about 28 meters (about 92 feet) above sea level. It covers an area of about 1.65 square kilometers (about 0.64 square miles). That's roughly the size of 230 football fields!
Lake Features and Surroundings
The lake has a shoreline that stretches for about 19 kilometers (12 miles). This long shoreline creates many quiet spots for wildlife. Several smaller streams flow into Glenicmurrin Lough, bringing fresh water. The main rivers flowing in are Loughnaskeha, Muckanagh Lough, and Lough Cloonadoon. The lake's water eventually flows out into the Cashla River.
Glenicmurrin Lough is also home to a few small islands. These include Holly Island, Rook Island, Rock Island, and Fame Island. These islands provide safe places for birds and other animals.
Amazing Fish Life
Glenicmurrin Lough is famous for the different kinds of fish that live in its waters. It's a great place for fishing, especially for those interested in native Irish fish species.
Trout and Salmon Species
- Sea Trout: These are a type of brown trout that spend part of their lives in the sea. They return to freshwater lakes and rivers, like Glenicmurrin Lough, to lay their eggs. They are known for their silvery scales and strong fighting spirit.
- Brown Trout: These trout live their entire lives in freshwater. They are very common in Irish lakes and rivers. Brown trout are known for their beautiful spotted patterns and can be found in various sizes.
- Atlantic Salmon (Grilse): Atlantic salmon are powerful fish that travel long distances. A "grilse" is a young Atlantic salmon that has spent only one winter at sea before returning to freshwater. They are smaller than older salmon but still very strong.
The Arctic Char
One of the most interesting fish in Glenicmurrin Lough is the Arctic char. This fish is a close relative of salmon and trout. Arctic char are usually found in very cold, deep lakes, often in northern regions. Finding them in Ireland makes Glenicmurrin Lough quite special. They are known for their beautiful colors, especially during their breeding season. The presence of Arctic char shows that the lake's water is clean and cold, which is perfect for these unique fish.