- Lough Ree (Lanesborough): Lough Ree, one of Ireland’s largest lakes, straddles Longford and Roscommon, with Lanesborough offering a key swimming spot on the Longford side. A pontoon east of the town’s bridge, installed by Lanesboro Tidy Towns, provides safe access, and the area is popular with local groups like the Lough Ree Orcas and Tri Lanesboro. Tranquil lake views with distant islands like Inchcleraun and a backdrop of flat, green countryside, creating a serene, open-water setting. Clear, dark waters (10–15°C) with good depth, ideal for all skill levels. A 450m triangular course marked by three buoys offers a safe swim zone free from boat traffic, with shallow areas along the wall for beginners. The pontoon ensures easy entry. Parking near the bridge, but no lifeguards or changing rooms. Lanesborough has cafés like The Yacht Bar for post-swim refreshments. No toilets at the swim site. Water quality is rated good (EPA, 2013–2018), but not specifically for bathing. Swim within the buoyed area to avoid boats, use a tow float for visibility, and check for algae or debris. Never swim alone. The Two Provinces Triathlon in June highlights the spot’s suitability.
- Lough Ree (Barley Harbour): Located on Lough Ree’s northeast shores, Barley Harbour features a beautiful old-style stone jetty looking out to Inchcleraun Island, 2.5km across. This quieter spot is noted for its scenic charm and is suitable for those seeking a more secluded swim. A picturesque, historic jetty surrounded by calm waters and distant island views, offering a peaceful, almost meditative swimming experience. Deep, cold waters (10–15°C) accessible via the jetty, best for confident swimmers. Shallower areas near the shore suit cautious dippers. The lake’s tranquility makes it ideal for relaxed swims. Limited amenities; parking at the jetty, but no lifeguards, toilets, or changing rooms. Nearby Lanesborough or Longford town offer cafés and pubs like The Rustic Inn. Water quality is good (EPA, 2017), but not bathing-specific. Swim with a companion, use a tow float, and avoid swimming after heavy rain due to runoff risks. Check for underwater hazards like rocks or weeds.
- Longford’s wild swimming spots are not designated bathing areas (except for monitored water quality at Lough Ree in some reports), so check EPA updates (www.beaches.ie) (www.beaches.ie) for water quality and avoid swimming after heavy rain due to runoff. Never swim alone, check for currents or boat traffic, and be aware of cold-water risks (hypothermia). Wetsuits, swim shoes, and warm post-swim clothing are recommended. Follow Water Safety Ireland guidelines.
As a landlocked county, Longford’s swimming is limited to lakes and rivers. Lough Ree dominates, with no significant mention of other lakes like Lough Gowna for swimming (it’s better known for fishing). The River Shannon and River Inny are noted for fishing, not swimming, due to currents and lack of safe access. Bring a tow float for visibility, especially in Lough Ree’s deeper waters. Lanesborough’s buoyed swim course and pontoon enhance safety.
Nearby towns like Lanesborough and Longford provide basic amenities for post-swim comfort. Longford has a thriving open-water swimming community, with groups like Lough Ree Orcas and Tri Lanesboro coordinating via WhatsApp. The Two Provinces Triathlon in Lanesborough draws swimmers annually. Check wildswim.ie or local X groups for group swims or updates. Lough Ree is an internationally important wildlife area (DAERA). Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife like birds and fish, and avoid littering.
County Longford:
Ireland’s county Longford offers a peaceful blend of history and countryside, with the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre showcasing an ancient Iron Age road. The county’s St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford town provides architectural beauty, while the River Inny offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Other attractions include the rolling farmlands and historic Ardagh village. Longford is Ireland’s fourth smallest county by size and second smallest by population (46,751). Population peaked at 115,491 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 28,250 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Longford is Ireland’s 32nd most visited and Ireland’s least visited tourist county with around 22,000 international visitors per year.
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