Lough Gur , viewed 6734 times

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Lough Gur (Irish: Loch Gair) is a lake in County Limerick, Ireland near the town of Bruff. The lake forms a horseshoe shape at the base of Knockadoon Hill and some rugged elevated countryside. It is one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites. Humans have lived near Lough Gur since about 3,000BC and there are numerous megalithic remains there.

  • Lough Gur
  • Lough Gur Ireland Ballyhoura County Limerick
  • Lough Gur Ireland Ballyhoura County Limerick
  • Lough Gur Ireland Ballyhoura County Limerick
  • Lough Gur Ireland Ballyhoura County Limerick
  • Lough Gur Ireland Ballyhoura County Limerick

Grange stone circle (the largest stone circle in Ireland) and a dolmen are located near the lake. The remains of at least three crannogs are present, and remains of Stone Age houses have been unearthed (the house outlines are known as “The Spectacles”). A number of ring forts are also found in the area, with one hill fort overlooking the lake.

A visitors’ centre is open beside Lough Gur, along with a car park and picnic area. The location is pleasant, particularly in the summer months. A gradual shore-line is present at the visitor area, with a shallow section of lake reaching up to the maintained lawn. As a result, the area is often used for water sports. Motorised craft are banned on the lake.

There is a castle, or tower house (closed to visitors) near the entrance to the carpark. Named Bourchier’s Castle after Sir George Bourchier, the son of the second Earl of Bath, it lies at the neck of the peninsula around which the lake washes. There is some other architecture dating from more recent times, with the ruins of an early Christian church by the road leading down to the lake.

At the far end of the lake are the ruins of a Norman castle, Black Castle, which is reached by a hill-side walk along the east side of the lake. This is one of the keeps used during the Desmond Rebellions, and is probably the place where the Earl of Desmond secured his authority in 1573 after casting off his English apparel and donning Irish garments on his return to Munster from London.

Experiences View all

  • Carraig Aille Hill, Lough Gur, Ireland, Limerick

    Carraig Aille Hill

    This hill is located to the east of the lake and Knockadoon. Two stone ring-forts (cashels), along with associated hut sites, were discovered here... more…

  • Knockainey St Johns Church, Concert Music, historical site

    Knockainey Church

    St Johns church in Knockainey is one of Ireland most historical rural church. The church bell tower dates from circa 1600, and the 19th century chu... more…

  • New Church Teampall Nua Llough Gur Ireland Limerick Ballyhoura

    Lough Gur New Church

    New Church replaced an older chapel which was used by the Earls of Desmond. The present structure dates from 1679 – a simple rectangular building.... more…

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  • Tim - 04 Mar

    Just spotted a very rare visitor to Ireland the Pied Billed Greebe from North America in Lough Gur. That along with fantastic sunshine has made my trip to Lough Gur.

  • Our Rooms The Old Bank

    The Old Bank B&B - 22 Feb

    Dont miss the guided tour from the lake front at 11am on sundays after a night of rest and relaxation in our luxury jacuzzi ensuite rooms from €35pps for B&B. See our website for more details