List of loughs of County Mayo facts for kids

County Mayo (shaded dark green)

County Mayo, located on the west coast of Ireland, is a beautiful region known for its stunning landscapes. One of its most famous features is its many loughs, which is the Irish word for lakes. These loughs are important parts of Mayo's natural environment, providing homes for wildlife and offering places for people to enjoy nature.

What is a Lough?

A lough is simply a lake. In Ireland, the word "lough" is used instead of "lake" for many bodies of fresh water. These loughs can be different sizes, from small ponds to very large lakes. They are often fed by rivers and rain, and some are very deep.

Why are there so many Loughs in Mayo?

County Mayo has many loughs because of its unique geography. Much of the landscape was shaped by glaciers during the last Ice Age. As these huge ice sheets moved, they carved out hollows and valleys in the land. When the ice melted, these hollows filled with water, creating the many loughs we see today. The rocky ground also helps to hold the water, preventing it from draining away quickly.

Famous Loughs in Mayo

Mayo is home to some of Ireland's largest and most famous loughs. Each one has its own special features and stories.

Lough Conn and Lough Cullin

These two loughs are very close to each other. They are connected by a narrow channel called the Moy River. Lough Conn is known for its excellent fishing, especially for salmon and trout. Lough Cullin is smaller but also very popular for fishing and boating.

Lough Mask and Lough Corrib

Lough Mask is one of the largest loughs in Ireland. It is famous for its clear waters and brown trout fishing. It is connected underground to Lough Corrib, which is even bigger and partly located in County Galway. Both loughs are important for wildlife and offer beautiful scenery.

Lough Carra

Lough Carra is unique because it has very clear, limestone-rich water. This makes it a special habitat for certain types of fish and plants. It is also known for its many islands.

Carrowmore Lake

This large lough is an important source of drinking water for many towns in County Mayo. It is also a beautiful place for fishing and enjoying the quiet countryside.

Doo Lough

Doo Lough is located in a very scenic valley surrounded by mountains. It is known for its dramatic beauty and is a popular spot for photographers and hikers. The name "Doo" comes from the Irish word for "black," possibly referring to its dark, deep waters.

Lough Feeagh

Lough Feeagh is part of the Burrishoole catchment area. It is home to a research station that studies fish, especially salmon and sea trout. Scientists learn a lot about the health of the lough and its fish populations here.

List of Loughs in County Mayo

Here is a list of many of the loughs found in County Mayo:

See also

• List of loughs in Ireland