Lough Gill

Lough Gill is the last stop for the waters of the Garavogue River before they make their way to the sea at Sligo Bay. The lough (gaelic for lake) is the subject of several poems by William Butler (W.B.) Yeats, who spend many years in the area and immortalized the region's beauty in his poetry. Surrounded on all sides by hills and mountains, the lake is a favorite fishing ground and makes a wonderful day's excursion in a row boat, rented locally.

	Lough Gill taken from the Holy Well road, just beyond the Sligo race course. Click on image at left for full photo
	A photo I took of Lough Gill - on the right in the distance is Beezie's Island, the only island on the lake that was ever inhabited. Click on image at left for full photo
	A view of Lough Gill taken from Dooney Rock, a rock outcrop located in the Slish Woods, and subject of the famous "Fiddler of Dooney" poem by Yeats. Click on image at left for full photo
	The "Lake Isle of Innisfree" made famous by William Butler Yeats in his 1892 poem. It is actually a very small, unassuming outcrop a short way from the eastern shore of the lake. Click on image at left for full photo
	Beezie's (Gallagher) Island as seen from the road to the Holy Well at the back side of Cairns Hill. The island has a derelict house were the famous local once lived. Click on image at left for full photo
	Located on the shores of Lough Gill on the Sligo-Dromahair road is Parkes Castle which built by one of the 'Planters' early in the 17th century. The castle is rectangular in shape, and has three levels with mullioned windows and diamond-shaped chimneys. It forms part of one side of a five-sided bawn with large rounded turrets at two corners. Click on image at left for full photo
	The entrance to Parkes Castle is through a passage-way in the ground floor of the house. The castle has undergone extensive restoration, both within the castle and the buildings lead on to the courtyard, which include a smithy and a tea room. Click on image at left for full photo
	Sligo's Holy Well (Tobernalt) is located a short distance from the shores of Lough Gill and is a beautiful spot. During the eighteenth and part of the nineteenth centuries, Catholic Masses were banned by the British in Ireland, forcing locals to celebrate Mass in hidden areas like this. Click on image at left for full photo
	Another view of Lough Gill, showing its more "mysterious" side. . Click on image at left for full photo
	This Bord Failte photo is of the Green Road which crosses the top of Cairns Hill. The road is now paved with many houses located on the left as you look towards the lake. Click on image at left for full photo