Lough Mourne (Irish: Loch Moirne)[1] is a freshwater lake in the northwest of Ireland. It is located in County Donegal, near the border with County Tyrone.

Lough Mourne
With Barnesmore Gap in background
Location in Ireland
Location	County Donegal
Coordinates	54°45′1″N 7°54′2″W
Lake type	reservoir
Native name	Loch Moirne (Irish)
Primary outflows	Mourne Beg River
Catchment area	8.87 km2 (3.4 sq mi)
Basin countries	Ireland
Max. length	1.7 km (1 mi)
Max. width	0.5 km (0.3 mi)
Surface area	0.67 km2 (0.26 sq mi)
Average depth	3.9 m (13 ft)
Max. depth	11.9 m (39 ft)
Surface elevation	168 m (551 ft)
References	[1][2][3][4]

Geography and hydrology

Lough Mourne is located about 9 kilometres (6 mi) southwest of Ballybofey, near the N15 road.[2] The lake serves as a reservoir for Donegal Town.[5] The Mourne Beg River flows out of the southern end of the lough,[2] while the Burn Daurnett flows out of the north-eastern end of the lough. The Red Burn (also known as the Sruhanderg) flows into the western side of the lough.

Natural history

Fish species in Lough Mourne include roach, pike, brown trout and the critically endangered European eel.[3] The southwestern shore of Lough Mourne forms part of the Croaghonagh Bog Special Area of Conservation. The site provides supports for a range of wildlife species including important bird species.[5]

See also

• List of loughs in Ireland

References