Birds, Fish, Mammals & Plant Species
Lough Ree is one of Ireland’s richest freshwater ecosystems, supporting an exceptional diversity of wildlife that thrives across its open waters, wetlands, woodlands and over thirty islands. Its unique mix of habitats makes it an important stronghold for birds, fish, mammals, and plant species, many of which are protected under national and European conservation designations.
Lough Ree Birdlife
The lake is renowned for its birdlife. It is a key site for species such as whooper swans, goldeneye, tufted ducks and wigeon, which migrate from northern Europe to feed and shelter in its calm waters. Lough Ree also provides vital breeding grounds for great crested grebes, mute swans, little grebes, herons, and cormorants. The surrounding reed-beds and wetlands offer ideal nesting areas for sedge warblers, reed buntings, and various waders. The islands, many of which remain largely undisturbed, act as safe refuges for ground-nesting birds.
Fish Species
Beneath the surface, the lake supports an impressive range of fish species, including pike, perch, bream, roach, and eel, making it a popular destination for anglers. The lake’s shallow bays, deeper channels, and vegetated margins provide ideal spawning and feeding conditions for these species. The presence of healthy fish populations also helps sustain many of the lake’s bird and mammal species.
Mammals of Lough Ree
Lough Ree is equally important for mammals. Otters are frequently seen hunting along the shoreline, using the quiet inlets and reedbeds for cover. Bats forage over the water on summer evenings, attracted by the abundance of insects. The surrounding woodlands and fields support foxes, hares, hedgehogs, and badgers, all of which form part of the wider ecological network connected to the lake.
Biodiversity
The combination of pristine waters, islands, and varied shoreline makes Lough Ree a vital ecological landscape. Its biodiversity is a key part of its identity, offering both residents and visitors an opportunity to experience wildlife that is increasingly rare in many other parts of the country.
The Lake’s History
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.”
