Our Home Waters

The majestic Lough Gill in Co. Sligo

Lough Gill is a gorgeous body of water nestled between the Ballygawley mountains and the coastal town of Sligo.

Often overlooked for the nearby beaches and mountains that steal the tourism limelight, Lough Gill is in our opinion the unassuming jewel in Sligo’s crown.

This tranquil lake is surrounded by wild heather and gorse covered hills and is home to a diverse variety of wildlife often seen on our kayak tours – herons, cormorants, otters, deer and families of swans are seen daily as we silently glide from bay to bay and out to the lake islands.

BEEZIES ISLAND

One of our most popular places to come ashore, stretch the legs and enjoy a cup of coffee is Cottage Island, more commonly known as Beezies Island. Beezie was a lady who lived alone on the island for many years and is woven into the folklore of the area.  Countless stories about her and the unique life she led inspire us to also have a strong connection to nature, and respect and appreciation for the wilderness.

HEALTHY RIVERS

The lake is connected to Donegal Bay by the short and beautiful Garavogue river which is home to an annual run of spring and summer salmon.  They migrate upstream into the lake and then onwards up one of the feeder rivers, the river Bonet, to complete their life cycle by spawning in the same waters they were born in, far upstream near the town of Manorhamilton.

Forested shorelines are ever present around Lough Gill which make for some very scenic walks and places to explore including Hazelwood, Slishwood and Dooney Rock Forest Park.

It’s easy to see why this beautiful area was the inspiration to poets, musicians and playwrights, as there is magic in the air and nature surely speaks to those who take the time to listen.

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