Lough Skean facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lough Skean |
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Location | County Roscommon, County Sligo |
Coordinates | 54°3′43″N 8°13′6″W / 54.06194°N 8.21833°W |
Catchment area | 78.31 km2 (30.2 sq mi) |
Basin countries | Ireland |
Max. length | 1.5 km (0.9 mi) |
Max. width | 0.9 km (0.6 mi) |
Surface area | 1.14 km2 (0.44 sq mi) |
Surface elevation | 48 m (157 ft) |
Lough Skean is a beautiful freshwater lake in the northwest of Ireland. A "lough" is the Irish word for a lake. Most of this lake is found in the northern part of County Roscommon. A smaller section of the lake stretches into County Sligo.
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Exploring Lough Skean's Geography
Lough Skean is a medium-sized lake. It is about 2 km (1.2 mi) long and 1 km (0.6 mi) wide. That's like walking two kilometers from one end to the other! The lake sits about 15 km (9 mi) west of a town called Drumshanbo. It is also very close to the small village of Ballyfarnon.
Location and Surroundings
The area around Lough Skean is very green. It has rolling hills and open countryside. This makes it a peaceful place to visit. The lake is an important part of the local landscape. It adds to the natural beauty of both County Roscommon and County Sligo.
Why Lakes are Important
Lakes like Lough Skean are very important for many reasons. They provide homes for lots of different plants and animals. They also help to keep the environment healthy.
Home for Wildlife
Freshwater lakes are busy places. They are home to many types of fish. Birds often visit lakes to find food. You might see ducks, swans, or even herons. The plants that grow in and around the lake are also important. They provide shelter and food for small creatures.
Water for Nature
Lakes store fresh water. This water is vital for the surrounding land. It helps plants grow and keeps the soil moist. Lakes also play a role in the water cycle. This is how water moves around our planet.