Lough Beltra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lough Beltra |
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Lough Beltra, with Nephin in the background
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 Lough Beltra
Location in Ireland
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| Location | County Mayo, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 53°55′30″N 9°24′48″W / 53.924932°N 9.413208°W |
| Native name | Loch Bhéal Trá Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| Primary inflows | Crumpaun River |
| Primary outflows | Newport River |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Surface area | 4.1 km2 (1.6 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 21 m (69 ft) |
| Islands | Coarse Island, Islandmore, Bush Island |
Lough Beltra (also called Beltra Lough) is a beautiful lake located in County Mayo, Ireland. A "lough" is the Irish word for a lake. This special lake is known for its stunning natural beauty and the amazing fish that live in its waters.
Lough Beltra is found in a very scenic, mountainous area of County Mayo. It sits to the west of a mountain called Croaghmoyle and northeast of the town of Newport. The name of the lake in the Irish language is Loch Bhéal Trá. This means "lake of the beach mouth," which gives us a clue about its shape or where it's located.
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Discovering Lough Beltra's Wildlife
Lough Beltra is famous among people who love to fish. It's a really important place for two types of fish: Atlantic salmon and sea trout. These fish are highly valued and attract visitors from all over.
Atlantic Salmon: A Journey of Life
Atlantic salmon are incredible fish known for their long journeys. They start their lives in freshwater rivers, like the ones flowing into Lough Beltra. After growing for a while, young salmon travel all the way to the ocean. They spend several years in the salty sea, growing big and strong.
When they are ready to reproduce, adult salmon make an amazing trip back. They swim from the ocean, up rivers, and into lakes like Lough Beltra. This journey can be very difficult, but they are driven to return to the freshwater where they were born. In the lake, they lay their eggs, starting the life cycle all over again.
Sea Trout: A Smaller, Similar Adventure
Sea trout are closely related to brown trout, but they also share a similar life story with salmon. Like salmon, sea trout are born in freshwater. They then migrate to the sea to feed and grow. They don't travel as far as Atlantic salmon, but they still undertake an impressive journey.
After spending time in the ocean, sea trout return to freshwater lakes and rivers to lay their eggs. Lough Beltra provides the perfect environment for both these types of trout. The lake's clean, cool waters and connection to rivers make it an ideal home for them.
Why Lough Beltra is Special
Lough Beltra is more than just a lake; it's an important part of Ireland's natural heritage. Its clear waters and surrounding mountains create a beautiful landscape. The lake's role as a home for salmon and sea trout makes it very important for wildlife conservation. Protecting places like Lough Beltra helps ensure these amazing fish can continue their life cycles for many years to come.
