Lough Ree & Around

Introducing Lough Ree & Around

Many of the 50-plus islands within Lough Ree were once inhabited by monks and their ecclesiastical treasures, drawing Vikings like moths to a flame. These days, its visitors are less bloodthirsty, with sailing, trout fishing and bird-watching the most popular pastimes. Migratory birds that nest here include swans, plovers and curlews.

Poet, playwright and novelist Oliver Goldsmith (1728–74), author of The Vicar of Wakefield, is closely associated with the area running alongside the eastern shore of Lough Ree. Known as Goldsmith Country, the region is beautifully captured in his writings. The Lough Ree Trail: a Signposted Tour, by Gearoid O’Brien, is available from the tourist offices in Athlone and Mullingar. Ideal for cycling, this 32km tour runs through Glasson (which Goldsmith called the ‘loveliest village of the plain’) and around the shores of Lough Ree, and into County Longford.

Situated 8km northeast of Athlone on the N55, Glasson (population 816) is well worth a stop for its good restaurants and lively pubs. Nearby, Wineport Restaurant (648 5466; www.wineport.ie ; d €150-350, mains €24-29, dinner menu €55; 5-10pm Wed-Sat, 12.30-9pm Sun), in a lakeside cedar lodge, showcases chef Feargal O’Donnell’s fêted modern Irish cuisine. Des­pite its fame, the atmosphere remains relaxed and little gourmets are made welcome. The lodge’s 10 rooms are named after wines and champagnes (with a tipple on arrival), and boat hire can be arranged.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009