Lough Ree facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lough Ree
Location	Ireland
Coordinates	53°30′N 7°58′W / 53.500°N 7.967°W / 53.500; -7.967
Native name	Loch Rí Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help)
Primary inflows	River Shannon, River Inny
Primary outflows	River Shannon
Basin countries	Ireland
Surface area	105 km2 (41 sq mi)
Surface elevation	38 m (125 ft)
Islands	Inchcleraun, Inchbofin, Inchmore, Inchturk, Rinanny Island, Clawinch, Inchenagh
Settlements	Athlone, Roscommon, Ballyleague, Lanesborough, Newtowncashel, Ballykeeran, Glasson, Tang, Keenagh, Ballymahon

Lough Ree (Irish: Loch Rí) is a large, beautiful lake in the middle of Ireland. It is the second biggest lake on the famous River Shannon. The River Shannon is Ireland's longest river. Lough Ree acts like a natural border. It separates Longford and Westmeath on its eastern side from County Roscommon on its western side. People love coming here for fishing and boating.

The lake is also known for its eels. There is even a small business that catches eels here. The town of Athlone is at the southern end of the lake. It has a harbour where boats can go out onto the water. The small town of Lanesboro is at the northern end.

Where is Lough Ree?

Lough Ree is one of three main lakes on the River Shannon. The other two big lakes are Lough Allen to the north and Lough Derg to the south. Lough Ree is the second largest of these three. Many smaller lakes are also found along the river.

The lake is located in the very center of Ireland. The exact geographical center of Ireland is on the western shore of Lough Ree. It is in a place called Carnagh East in County Roscommon. There is also a pillar on an island in the lake. This pillar, called Hodson's Pillar, is also thought to be a central point.

History and Legends

Lough Ree has a long and interesting history. It is full of old stories and legends.

Ancient Islands

One famous island in the northern part of the lake is Inchcleraun. Its Irish name is Inis Cloithreann. This island was once home to a monastery. This monastery was built a very long time ago, in the early Christian era. You can still see the remains of several old churches there.

Irish legends say that Queen Maeve was killed on Inchcleraun. She was a legendary queen of Connacht. Another story tells of a Viking leader named Turgesius. He controlled a fort on the lake's shores. He later died by drowning in Lough Owel.

Island Life

For many years, families lived on some of the islands in Lough Ree. These islands included Inchcleraun, The Black Islands, Inchmore, Hare Island, Inchbofin, Inch Turk, and Inchenagh. These families lived there until the 1950s. Then, they were moved to homes on the mainland.

Lake Monster Sightings

Like some other lakes in Ireland, Lough Ree has its own mystery. People have claimed to see a lake monster in the water over the years. These sightings are part of the lake's local folklore.

Nature and Wildlife

Lough Ree is a very important natural area. It has been named a Special Area of Conservation. This means it is protected because of its special habitats and wildlife.

Habitats and Birds

The main habitat in Lough Ree is the lake itself. But there are also other important areas, like bogs. The lake is also a Special Protection Area for birds. This is because many migratory waterfowl visit the lake. It is especially important for a bird called the little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis). Lough Ree is also known as an Important Bird Area.

Fun Facts and Events

Lough Ree is not just for nature and history. It's also a place for amazing events.

Long-Distance Swim

In 2012, a man named Jim O'Connor did something incredible. He was the first person to swim the entire length of Lough Ree by himself. The swim was 33.91 km (21.07 mi) long. It took him 13 hours and 34 minutes to complete. This means he swam at a speed of about 2.5 kilometres per hour (1.6 mph; 0.69 m/s). Jim O'Connor did this amazing swim to raise money for a local hospice.

See also

In Spanish: Lago Ree para niños