GO FISH IRELAND WITH IRISH ANGLING SAFARIS

As you travel out from Mullingar, on the Castlepollard road, and pass through Crookedwood Village (after approx. 4.5 miles/ 7 Kms), look left and you will get your first view of Lough Derravaragh stretching for six miles (10 kms). Between the hill of Knockeyon (808 ft/ 250 metres approx.) on the right and the more gentle slopes of Knockbody on the left, this is one of the prettiest lake views in all of Ireland. As you travel on, if you keep looking to the left, tantalising glimpses of the lake will fire your enthusiasm for what is to come.

Lough Derravaragh, which means "Lake Of The Oak Wood Grove", is some 2800 acres (1100 hectares approx.) in surface area, and fed by the waters of the River Inny as it enters the Lough on the north east shore.

At Crookedwood, the lake is heavily forested with Oak, Ash, Alder, Chestnut, Beech and Sycamore trees, just a small reminder of what was once a majestic Oak forest in times past.

Today the lake and lakeside margin is a national heritage area which links the lake eco-system with open grassland and woodland habitats.

An area of great natural beauty, the lake attracts both Irish and overseas anglers as large shoals of perch, roach and bream abound. Also every season, Brown Trout up to 10 lbs are taken mainly trolling lures. The Fly Fisher can enjoy excellent sport on the dry fly in the evening time.

However Derravaragh is particularly well known as an exceptional trophy pike lake. In recent times pike up to 38 lbs have been caught and returned to the water.