Lough Mahon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lough Mahon Loch Machan
19th century engraving of view of Lough Mahon from Cork's northside (looking south)
Location in island of Ireland
Location	Cork/County Cork
Coordinates	51°53′N 8°22′W / 51.883°N 8.367°W / 51.883; -8.367
Primary inflows	River Lee, Glashaboy River, Tramore River
Primary outflows	River Lee
Basin countries	Ireland
Max. length	3 km (1.9 mi)
Max. width	5 km (3.1 mi)
Surface area	12.23 km2 (4.72 sq mi)

Lough Mahon (which means Loch Machan in Irish) is a special part of Cork Harbour in Ireland. It's like a big bay or inlet where the sea comes inland. This area covers about 12 square kilometres, which is quite large!

Discover Lough Mahon: A Special Place in Cork

Lough Mahon is located in the north-western part of Cork Harbour. It's a really important natural area. Many people live around its shores.

Where is Lough Mahon?

You can find Lough Mahon near several well-known places in Cork. On its southern and western sides are Cork suburbs like Mahon, Douglas, Rochestown, Blackrock, and Ballinlough. The town of Passage West is also on its shores. To the north of the lough is Little Island, and to the east, you'll find Great Island.

Home to Amazing Wildlife

Lough Mahon is a very important place for nature. It's part of the Cork Harbour "Special Protection Area." This means it's a protected zone, especially for birds. Many different kinds of birds live here, and it's a key stop for birds that migrate (travel long distances) during certain times of the year.

Why is it a Special Protection Area?

This special protection comes from something called the EU Birds Directive. This is a set of rules from the European Union that helps protect wild birds and their homes. Because Lough Mahon is so important for many bird species, especially migrating waders (birds that feed in shallow water), it has been given this special protected status. This helps make sure these birds have a safe place to live and feed.