Upper Lake, Killarney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upper Lake |
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 Upper Lake
Location in Ireland
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| Location | Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 51°58′49″N 9°35′32″W / 51.98038°N 9.592089°W |
| Native name | An Loch Uachtarach Error {{native name checker}}: parameter value is malformed (help) |
| Primary inflows | Gearhameen River |
| Primary outflows | Muckross Lake |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Surface area | 1.7 km2 (0.66 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 23 m (75 ft) |
| Islands | McCarthy's Island, Eagle Island, Ronayne's Island, Juniper Island, Robinson's Island, Arbutus Island |
Upper Lake (which is An Loch Uachtarach in Irish) is a beautiful lake located in Killarney National Park. This park is found in County Kerry, Ireland. It is one of the three famous Lakes of Killarney, along with Muckross Lake and Lough Leane. The lake is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular spot for visitors exploring the park.
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Exploring Upper Lake
Upper Lake is a special part of the amazing landscape in Killarney National Park. It's nestled among mountains and forests, making it a very scenic place. The lake covers an area of about 1.7 square kilometers (which is about 0.65 square miles). It sits at an elevation of 23 meters (about 75 feet) above sea level.
The Lakes of Killarney
Upper Lake is the highest of the three main Lakes of Killarney. These lakes are all connected by rivers. The Gearhameen River flows into Upper Lake, bringing water from the surrounding hills. Water then flows out of Upper Lake and into Muckross Lake. From Muckross Lake, the water eventually reaches Lough Leane, the largest of the three lakes. This system of lakes and rivers creates a rich environment for many plants and animals.
Islands of Upper Lake
Upper Lake is dotted with several small islands. These islands add to the lake's unique charm. Some of the islands you can find here include:
- McCarthy's Island
- Eagle Island
- Ronayne's Island
- Juniper Island
- Robinson's Island
- Arbutus Island
These islands are often covered with trees and provide safe places for wildlife.
Nature and Wildlife
The area around Upper Lake is home to a wide variety of wildlife. You might spot red deer, which are common in Killarney National Park. The lake itself is home to different types of fish, like salmon and trout. Many birds also live here, including eagles, which gave Eagle Island its name. The forests around the lake are filled with native trees such as oak, yew, and the rare Killarney strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo). This tree is special because it grows berries that look like strawberries.
Visiting Upper Lake
Upper Lake is a great place for outdoor activities. Many people enjoy boating or kayaking on its calm waters. There are also walking trails around the lake and through the surrounding parkland. These trails offer amazing views of the lake and the mountains. It's a perfect spot to enjoy nature and learn about Ireland's beautiful landscapes.
