Lough Leane, Lake in County Kerry, Ireland

Lough Leane is a large lake in County Kerry, Ireland, dotted with small wooded islands and ringed by low hills. Its irregular shoreline mixes shallow bays, reedy inlets and rocky edges, with the town of Killarney close to its northeastern tip.

A monastery was founded on Innisfallen Island in the early Middle Ages, and it became a centre of learning. The lake and its islands later passed through the hands of local families before the area became a destination for visitors.

Local people often fish for trout and salmon here, and the lake appears in old stories linked to the nearby monastic site of Innisfallen. On fine days, families and walkers gather at the shore near Killarney to look out over the water and the islands.

Paths and minor roads run along parts of the shore, and boats leave from several points near Killarney for trips on the water. Weather changes fast, so carry rain gear and allow extra time if you plan to walk or cycle around the lake.

The lake holds several small islands, and one of them, Innisfallen, hides the ruins of a monastery that few visitors ever reach. Boat trips sometimes pass close enough to see the old stone walls and the wooded slopes behind them.