Lough Ennell is one of Ireland's most storied midland trout waters — a broad, windswept lake south of Mullingar that has drawn anglers for generations with its wild brown trout, prolific hatches, and the unmistakable character of classic Irish lake fishing. This is the water that produced Ireland's largest ever lake brown trout at 26lb 2oz, a record that still resonates in the angling world and speaks to the lake's extraordinary potential.
Stretching roughly seven kilometres in length and three kilometres wide, Ennell covers approximately 3,540 acres of predominantly shallow water. Nearly two-thirds of the lake is less than eight metres deep, and almost half sits under three metres. This shallow, fertile limestone basin produces vast quantities of invertebrate life, supporting a healthy trout population with an average weight approaching two pounds. Fish of three pounds are taken frequently, and specimens exceeding six pounds appear each season.
The lake's angling calendar is more complex than many visitors expect. While the mayfly period in late May and early June provides the headline sport, Ennell's most distinctive feature is its exceptional late-season fishing. A prolific second hatch of lake olives begins in early August and continues into September, producing some of the finest dry fly fishing of the entire year. This extended season sets Ennell apart from many Irish trout lakes where activity peaks earlier.
Lough Ennell has hosted the National Fly Fishing Championships, testament to the quality of sport it provides. The Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association works actively to protect water quality and spawning habitat, ensuring the fishery's long-term sustainability. The lake is also a designated Special Area of Conservation, reflecting its ecological significance beyond angling.
For practical purposes, Ennell is among the most accessible quality trout fisheries in Ireland. Its proximity to Mullingar, barely four miles south on the N52, and its location within an hour of Dublin make it ideal for weekend trips. Boat hire is available from Lilliput on the southwest shore — a place with literary connections to Jonathan Swift, who is said to have drawn inspiration for Gulliver's Travels from the tiny figures he observed from his boat on the lake.
A boat is strongly recommended for serious trout fishing, though shore access is available at several points including Buttlersbridge, Whitesbridge Bay, Ladestown, and Lilliput. The River Brosna enters and exits the lake, connecting Ennell to the wider Shannon catchment.
Access & bases
Lough Ennell lies 4 miles south of Mullingar off the N52 Mullingar–Kilbeggan road. Public piers and jetties at Buttlersbridge, Whitesbridge Bay, Ladestown, and Lilliput. Boat hire available from Lilliput Boat Hire on the southwest shore. Good road access from Dublin (approximately 1 hour via the M4/N4). Mullingar provides all services including tackle shops, accommodation, and dining.
The August Olive Hatch
While most Irish trout lakes see their season peak in May, Ennell's most consistent high-quality fishing occurs from the second week of August through mid-September. A massive hatch of lake olives triggers intense surface feeding, and trout respond avidly to nymphs fished slowly on a floating line. This extended season is Ennell's great secret and a significant draw for serious anglers.
Record-Breaking Potential
The Irish record lake brown trout of 26lb 2oz was taken from Lough Ennell. While fish of that calibre are exceptionally rare, the lake's rich limestone ecology and extensive shallow feeding grounds continue to produce trout well above the national average. The combination of high pH water, abundant invertebrate life, and shallow contours creates ideal growing conditions.
Shallow Fertile Basin
With two-thirds of the lake under eight metres and half under three metres, Ennell is predominantly shallow water. This extensive littoral zone produces enormous quantities of fish food and means trout can be found feeding across wide areas rather than being confined to specific features. Wind lanes and shoreline contours become the key to locating fish.
Literary Heritage
Lilliput on the southwest shore takes its name from the hamlet where Jonathan Swift stayed. Local tradition holds that Swift observed tiny figures from his boat on the lake, inspiring the land of Lilliput in Gulliver's Travels. This connection adds cultural depth to what is already one of Ireland's most characterful fishing waters.
March – April
Early season opens with duck fly and buzzer hatches. Trout can be taken subsurface on small nymphs and olive wets. Windward shores fish best as water temperatures slowly rise. Trolling with small lures also produces fish during this period.
May – Early June
The mayfly hatch draws anglers to Ennell for classic Irish dry fly and dapping sport. Fish feed avidly on mayfly duns in wind lanes where naturals accumulate. This is the traditional peak period, though timing varies annually depending on water temperature.
June – July
Post-mayfly fishing transitions to spent gnat patterns and early sedge hatches. Evening sessions become increasingly productive as sedge activity builds. Calm bays offer excellent dry fly opportunities as light fades.
August – September
Ennell's most distinctive period. A prolific second hatch of lake olives begins in early August and produces outstanding sport. The Black Pennell becomes essential on the point fly. Green Peter, Invicta, and Daddy Longlegs all produce. Many experienced local anglers consider this the finest fishing of the season.
Carrick Bay
A well-known mark on the eastern shore, particularly productive during hatches. The bay concentrates insect life and provides sheltered water in westerly winds.
Rinn Point to Northwall
A classic drift line along the northern section of the lake. The transition from shallow to deeper water along this stretch creates a feeding contour that trout follow consistently.
Dysart
The Dysart shore on the southwest provides excellent wet fly drifts and is close to the Lilliput boat hire. Productive in spring and during the August olive hatch.
Keoltown
Good trout water with varied depth contours. Produces well during the mayfly and again in August and September.
Hopes Point
An area that fishes consistently through the season, particularly during the olive and sedge hatches. Worth prioritising in southwesterly conditions.
🌿Lough Ennell is a designated Special Area of Conservation. The Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association (LETPA) works actively to protect water quality, improve spawning habitat in tributary streams, and advocate for reduced agricultural runoff and improved wastewater treatment. Anglers should observe bag limits, handle fish carefully for release, and avoid disturbance to spawning tributaries. The lake's ecology remains finely balanced, and responsible angling is essential to sustaining its exceptional trout fishery.
