The Lake of the Kings
Lough Ree, known in Irish as Loch Rí (“Lake of the Kings”), is a historic lake situated on the River Shannon and spanning the counties of Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon. Its formation dates back to the end of the last Ice Age, when glacial movement carved out its deep basin, leaving behind a landscape of sheltered bays, scattered islands, and striking limestone shoreline.
Inchcleraun
Many of the lake’s islands are steeped in early Christian heritage. Inchcleraun, also known as Quaker Island, is one of the most notable. It once housed a 6th-century monastic settlement and still contains the ruins of several churches, burial sites, and defensive structures. These remnants reflect the lake’s role as a centre of spiritual life and scholarship during medieval times. Lough Ree also appears in the historical record for Viking activity, with raids and island encampments documented in medieval annals, highlighting its strategic importance.
The Lough Ree Monster
Folklore and legend add to the lake’s character, including tales of the “Lough Ree Monster.” Reports of unusual sightings date back to the mid-20th century, when local priests claimed to see a mysterious creature in the water. Stories of mythical beings, ancient kings, and spiritual figures continue to enrich the cultural tapestry of the area.
Boating and Sailing
In later centuries, Lough Ree developed into an important hub for boating and sailing. The Lough Ree Yacht Club, founded in the 18th century, is considered one of the oldest inland yacht clubs in the world and has contributed to a strong maritime tradition on the Shannon.
LRYC Website
Beauty, Heritage, Biodiversity
Today, Lough Ree remains celebrated for its scenic beauty, heritage, and biodiversity. Designated as a Special Area of Conservation, it supports a diverse range of wildlife and habitats, making it both an important ecological site and a cherished destination for visitors and locals alike.
Lake Wildlife
What Happy Visitors Say
“We had a truly perfect day, touring Lanesborough by boat and on foot with John. He is very professional and friendly. The tour gave us the most spectacular views of area’s natural beauty, and we learned interesting historical details and local contemporary stories.”
“Great day out, we took the Electric Boat Tour, South with John and it was brilliant. He is a knowledgeable and charismatic guide, so informative and fun. There were great views of the surrounding scenery and he provided loads of history and local stories.”
“What a fantastic experience! We booked the Electric Boat Tour with John and he made the trip great! He is an excellent host, engaging and genuinely funny. The stunning scenery was perfectly complemented by his depth of knowledge regarding the local ecology and legends.”
“Highly recommended! We went on a Boat Tour with John, and everything exceeded our expectations. He possesses great energy as a guide, making the info accessible and lively. We enjoyed breathtaking sights of the coastline along with captivating historical anecdotes and unique local facts.”
“Brilliant afternoon! We chose the Woodland Walking Tour, guided by John. It was a pleasure from start to finish. John has a real passion for the area, delivering facts that are both educational and entertaining. The town’s landmarks came to life as he shared fascinating local context and folklore.”
“We combined Boat and Walking tours with John. He is personable and charismatic and bridges the information between the two tours. We got spectacular perspectives of Lanesborough from both the water and land, filled with deep historical references and charming stories.”
