Lough Corrib

Search flights

The largest lake (or lough) in the Republic of Ireland, Lough Corrib is a beauty spot that embodies much of what is so striking about the Irish landscape.

Lough Corrib is thought to be named after Oirbsen, the sea deity of Ireland’s pre-Christian mythology. It’s not quite as big as a sea, but at 35 miles in length and 8 miles across at its widest point, the lough is certainly deserving of its name.

As well as being extremely scenic, Lough Corrib is also one of the best game fisheries in the world, famous for its salmon and trout. The waters vary greatly in depth and there are numerous underwater hazards, so if you fancy a spot of fishing, it’s advisable to enlist a local guide to help you navigate the lough waters. The optimal times for fishing are in May, when the mayflies hatch and drive the fish (and anglers) into a frenzy, and in June when the salmon start running.

A commonly repeated fact about Lough Corrib is that it has 365 islands – one for every day of the year. A recent cartographical survey, however, puts the figure at well over a thousand. It is thought that St. Patrick was banished by local druids to the largest of these islands, Inchagoill, when he came to spread Christianity in the area. Inchagoill is home to many ancient remains, including two churches and an obelisk with a 5th century inscription, marking a burial site.

Scenic cruises of the lake are available from Ashford Castle to Inchagoill and Oughterand. A cruise also runs from Galway City to Lough Corrib, via the River Corrib.

Reviews of Lough Corrib

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
" "5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
5
" "4 - Good 62.5%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 12.5%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Amanda
22 Sep 2019

A trip with Lough Corrib cruises is highly recommended

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Menlo Park Hotel
Menlo Park Hotel
4 out of 5
Terryland, Headford Road, Galway, Galway
Menlo Park Hotel
Mountain View Guesthouse
Mountain View Guesthouse
4 out of 5
Aughnanure, Oughterard, Co. Galway
Mountain View Guesthouse
“A Comfy Cottage Right Out Of Beatrix Potter's World” Pet Friendly
“A Comfy Cottage Right Out Of Beatrix Potter's World” Pet Friendly
oughterard
“A Comfy Cottage Right Out Of Beatrix Potter's World” Pet Friendly
Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle
5 out of 5
Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo
Ashford Castle
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
4 out of 5
The Quay, Cong, Mayo
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Ryan's Hotel
Ryan's Hotel
2 out of 5
Main Street, Cong, County Mayo
Ryan's Hotel
Eyre Square Hotel
Eyre Square Hotel
3 out of 5
Forster Street, Eyre Square, Galway
Eyre Square Hotel
Leonardo Hotel Galway - Formerly Jurys Inn
Leonardo Hotel Galway - Formerly Jurys Inn
4 out of 5
Quay Street, Galway, Galway
Leonardo Hotel Galway - Formerly Jurys Inn
Vacation in paradise typical country house
Vacation in paradise typical country house
Clonbur
Vacation in paradise typical country house
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.