Located just above Rossinver in North Leitrim, Lough Melvin covers an area 12km long by 3km wide and stretches from Rossinver to Garrison in Co. Fermanagh across to Kinlough in the West, writes Martin Branagan.
Famous for its flora and fauna the lake is renowned among anglers all over the world because of the three unique species of trout that inhabit its waters. Crystal clear Lough Melvin is one of Ireland’s famous angling loughs offering the chance of spring salmon that swim up the famous Drowse river from February to May.
Gillaroo, sonaghan and ferox trout are available throughout the season. Lough Melvin is also home to an endemic species, the Melvin charr. Licences are available and there is no limit to the numbers issued.
The Lake can be reached by travelling through Kinlough via Sligo from the western coastal side or from the South by travelling via Manorhamilton. Either route provides some of the most spectacular scenery the region has to offer, culminating with the spectacular Lough Melvin itself. Truly a trip worth making!
A trip around the Eastern side of Lough Melvin will lead you to Garrison in Fermanagh with several places to stop along the route to take in the beauty of the area or indeed cast a line into the water.
The eastern side of the lake leads to Kinlough and while picturesque there are few places to stop but leads to the Courthouse restaurant and B &B, one of Leitrim’s stand out eateries. A short distance up the road will take you to the village of Tullaghan, the heart of Leitrim’s coastline. Short but beautiful it is “a must” to see.
Water based activities are available on the lake at The Lough Melvin Holiday Centre where sailing, kayaking and windsurfing are just some of the courses available to enjoy.
Other activities located within a short distance from Lough Melvin include the famous organic centre in Rossinver, where courses in organic growing and foraging are run on a regular a basis. Or just pop in for a coffee in the café.
All in all, whatever direction you approach Lough Melvin from be sure to take the other route on your return to experience some of the most memorable sights to found anywhere in the world.
Martin Branagan is a co-founder of LeitrimExperience.ie and is passionate about promoting Leitrim as a tourist destination. Under the LoveLeitrim banner, Martin is touring the county in search of its hidden gems.
A Dubliner by birth and Leitrim resident by choice, Martin can be contacted on +353 (0)86 173 8417 for all advertising queries.
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