Oorid Lough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oorid Lough |
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 Location in island of Ireland
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| Location | County Galway |
| Coordinates | 53°27′13″N 9°37′2″W / 53.45361°N 9.61722°W |
| Native name | Loch Úraid Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| Catchment area | 7.4 km2 (2.9 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Max. length | 1.9 km (1.2 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.8 km (0.5 mi) |
| Surface area | 0.61 km2 (0.24 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 45 m (148 ft) |
| Islands | 2 |
Oorid Lough (Irish: Loch Úraid) is a beautiful freshwater lake located in the west of Ireland. You can find it in the stunning Connemara region of County Galway. This lake is an important natural spot, known for its clear waters and the special wildlife around it.
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Exploring Oorid Lough's Location
Oorid Lough is nestled in the scenic landscape of Connemara. It's about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Oughterard, a well-known town. You can also find it about 5 kilometers (3 miles) west of Maam Cross village, right along the N59 road.
Size and Features of the Lake
Oorid Lough is a medium-sized lake. It stretches about 1.9 kilometers (1.2 miles) long and 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) wide. The total area of the lake is around 0.61 square kilometers (0.24 square miles). The lake sits at an elevation of about 45 meters (148 feet) above sea level. It even has two small islands within its waters.
Nature and Wildlife at Oorid Lough
Oorid Lough is part of a very important natural area. It belongs to the Connemara Bog Complex Special Area of Conservation. This means the area is protected because it has unique habitats and wildlife.
What is a Special Area of Conservation?
A Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is a place chosen to protect some of Europe's most endangered habitats and species. These areas are part of a network across Europe called Natura 2000. Protecting Oorid Lough as an SAC helps make sure its special plants and animals can thrive for many years.
The Connemara Bog Complex
The Connemara Bog Complex is a large area of bogland. Bogs are wetlands that are very important for storing carbon and supporting unique plants and animals. This complex includes different types of bogs, such as blanket bogs and raised bogs. These habitats are home to rare plants, insects, and birds. Oorid Lough adds to the diversity of this important natural complex.
