Trip to Derryounce Lakes

It's been a while since I've done a new trip post.  Don't know if it's just me, but the winter has seemed so long and dreary and it's hard to get motivated when there is so little light but I broke out of my hibernation spell this weekend and went to Derryounce in Portarlington. As always with the Irish weather, you are taking a risk and rain gear is a must but we had lovely bright sunshiny spells amidst the showers and I've been meaning to visit here for some time so I was really glad we went.

The area was originally an industrial bog but work there ceased in the 1980's and it is now a beautiful amenity. It is just half an hour from Kilcullen and there are two access points that we could see when coming in a car, the nearest sign brings you to the first entrance and you can park on the road opposite. This is the one to choose if you want to get a good walk in - it's about 5k altogether, walking to the lakes and back. If you want to just go straight to the lakes you can drive on a bit further and go to the other entrance, which is closer to the lakes.
There were lots of walkers about - it's pretty much just a straight path so not loads to see but there is a bird feeding station along the path and we met Ray Commins from Derryounce Wildlife just there and he gave us some tips. His page has some beautiful bird pictures, well worth a look!


Red Bird Box Derryounce

En route you can just enjoy the fresh air and there are some lovely trees and you can spot the remnants of train tracks and signs of its previous life as a working bog.

Old Train Tracks Derryounce

Red Tree Bark Derryounce Lakes

As you go further, you cross train tracks to recommence on the path and for me, the most lovely thing was the incredible sense of peace. As you go further along, there are two paths leading to the lakes. Unfortunately, they are doing work at the moment to improve the site which means that you can't access the whole area but it will be amazing when it is all done and you can still walk as far as the lake and look out at the incredible vista. It started lashing rain of course so I had to switch to phone for fear of damaging my camera!
This is one of the paths, there is a wonderful silence as you walk down it, all to be heard is the rustling trees and the water.

Avenue of Trees Derryounce Portarlington

The view of the lake is truly gorgeous, even on an overcast day, there are wonderful contrasts of light and shadow.


View of Derryounce Lakes

Derryounce Lake View Portarlington

Derryounce Lakes and Trails

Springtime Derryounce Portarlington

I'm sure you will agree, it's pretty stunning!
I'm definitely planning to go back and maybe time it with a trip to the French Quarter Café (not open on a Sunday) which is one of my favourite places to eat.

You might also like to read about Lough Boora - Trip to Lough Boora
And also - Emo Court and the Rock of Dunamase


Next Post Previous Post
5 Comments
  • Anita Faulkner - Brazen Mummy Writes
    Anita Faulkner - Brazen Mummy Writes 18 February 2019 at 19:00

    It looks gorgeous! We're planning on visiting Ireland for the first time this year, so I'll bear this in mind. Perfect. X

  • Kaz Dee
    Kaz Dee 19 February 2019 at 19:54

    I have never been to Ireland - seeing as it is just across the water from me in West Wales, I really must! This looks a lovely place to visit. Kaz

  • Melanie
    Melanie 19 February 2019 at 20:35

    Looks like you had a super fab trip. The scenery looks amazing and all very fresh and lovely x

  • Sabina Green
    Sabina Green 20 February 2019 at 10:14

    Your photos are really lovely. It looks like a beautiful place for a stroll around.

  • Michelle Murray
    Michelle Murray 20 February 2019 at 15:52

    Beautiful photographs of a beautiful place. Haven't been to Ireland in a long time

Add Comment
comment url