Picnic ~ Walk ~ Swim~ Diving Board.

Mullingar is blessed to be surrounded by so many beautiful freshwater lakes, suitable for swimming all year round. Lough Owel offers several spots around the lake where you can relax in the tranquillity of the peaceful surrounds, enjoy the most majestic sunset in the country, or take a refreshing dip at any time of the year.

The infamous “Diving Boards” located on the N4 to Longford route, is one of the lakes most popular spots.

Freshwater Swimming

Frequented by freshwater enthusiasts all year round the lakes is an old style swimming spot with a concrete jetty leading out to a diving board. You can access the water via old iron ladder, or for those who are a little braver, dive straight onto the water via the diving board. There is ample tiered concrete seating at the edge of the lake for family and friend who prefer to watch! You might even be lucky to have some Tea/Coffee and Ice-cream after your swim at Lough Owel during the summer months from The Coffee Man.

Lough Owel is a mesotrophic lough in the Midlands of Ireland, situated north of Mullingar. Water from Lough Owel feeds the Royal Canal, a canal crossing Ireland from Dublin to the River Shannon. Access to the lake can be gained from a lovely carpark entrance and pier to the south of the N4 Mullingar to Longford route.

Lough Owel, one of the largest lakes in Westmeath, is situated on the boundaries of the Parishes of Mullingar, Portnashangan, Leny and Portloman and lies in the Baronies of Corkaree and Moyashel and Magheradernon. The spelling of ‘Lough Owel’ has appeared in many forms and O’Donovan authenticates that Loch Uair, Loch Ooill, Lough Owel, Lough Howell or Lough Foyle all refer to that lake that lies two miles to the north of Mullingar. According to the ancient Dinnsenchus legend, Lough Owel/Loch-Uair originated from one of two Firbolg brothers who resided beside it.

Birdtwatching

Lough Owel is known for its birdlife and a variety of birds have been spotted arounds the shored. There are some beautiful tranquil spots such where the avid follower can set themselves up for the day. Hiring a boat and taking to the open water is another great way of catching a glimpse of some of the popolar species. There is good public access at Tullaghan on the southern shore of the lake. Access is signposted from the Old Longford Road the N4. Nearest town Mullingar (2.5 miles), Nearest Village – Multyfarnham (4 miles). There is public access to the lake at Mullally’s on the southern end of the lake just off the main old Mullingar – Longford Road. This comprises of a car park and green park area. According to Birdwatch Ireland Marsh and fen areas are present in the south-western and northern corners of the lake, and the surrounding farmland is used by geese Anser. Fishing, especially for trout, is popular at this site.

Fishing

Mullingar is every fisherman’s dream- surrounded by the widest array of a beautiful open lakes and sparkling rivers that offer some tremendous fishing amidst spectacular scenery.

is also well known amongst anglers for catching Brown Trout.