A view across Lough Eske

© Colin Majury/Shutterstock

Lough Eske

County Donegal


Almost surrounded by the Blue Stack Mountains, tranquil Lough Eske ('Lake of the Fish') is a scenic spot perfect for walking, cycling or fishing. It's a popular angling centre – the season runs from May to September – and there's a purpose-built angling centre on the shore where you can buy permits and hire boats.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby County Donegal attractions

1. Donegal Castle

4.17 MILES

Guarding a picturesque bend of the River Eske, well-preserved 15th-century Donegal Castle is an imperious monument to Irish and English might. The castle…

2. Diamond Obelisk

4.22 MILES

In the early 17th century, four Franciscan friars, fearing that the arrival of the English meant the end of Celtic culture, chronicled the whole of known…

3. Salthill Gardens

8.24 MILES

Behind century-old stone walls, the lovely contemporary garden design of Salthill Gardens bursts with perennials, roses, lilies and clematis. It's 2km…

4. St Connell's Museum & Heritage Centre

11.75 MILES

Next to the courthouse, this informative little museum has a wealth of exhibits on local history over several floors and doubles as an info centre and…

5. Rossnowlagh Beach

12.26 MILES

This stunner of a Blue Flag beach is the main draw in town, with the Atlantic surf rolling onto its broad expanse of sand. You can drive your car straight…

6. Franciscan Friary

12.43 MILES

Hidden in a forest at the southern end of the beach, this modern friary was built in the early 1950s and is set in beautiful, tranquil gardens that are…

7. Caldragh Graveyard

14.98 MILES

Spooky, moss-grown Caldragh Graveyard contains the intriguing Dreenan Figure. It's often called a Janus figure, but it's actually two separate figures…

8. Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre

15.36 MILES

The imposing Georgian-style building beside Belleek's main bridge houses the world-famous Belleek Pottery, founded in 1857. It has been producing fine…

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