Lough Lene

Section of map of ½ Barony of Foore showing Lough Lene and Lough Glore

Section of Section of map of ½Barony of Foore showing Lough Lene and Lough Glore. Down Survey Map of the ½ Barony of Fore, Co Westmeath by Patrick Allin 1657

Section of map of ½ Barony of Foore showing Lough Lene and Lough Glore

Section of map of ½ Barony of Foore showing Lough Lene and Lough Glore

Section of Section of map of ½Barony of Foore showing Lough Lene and Lough Glore. Down Survey Map of the ½ Barony of Fore, Co Westmeath by Patrick Allin 1657

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Lough Lene is situated in North Westmeath between the villages of Castlepollard and Collinstown. It has a rich and varied history. As well as the existence of prehistoric burial sites, Lough Lene also has claims to being the home to Kings and Vikings. In addition, it had close links with the Saints and monks associated with Fore .

The name of the lake has appeared in a variety of ways including Lane, Léin and Leibhinn. Sir Henry Piers believed the lake's name translated as Lake of Learning , tying in with his translation of Fore as the Town of Books. However, other souces seem more inclined to the tradition that the lake was named after the daughter of the fabled Mannanan Mac Lir.

The lake is described in Lewis's Topographical as being an irregular oval shape, possibly 2 miles long by 1 mile broad., A freshwater lake, most sources focus on the clarity of the water, with the term "gin clear " being used frequently to describe it.

It sits approximately 312 ft above sea level and covers approximately 500 hectares.

It plays a vital part in local life from being the water supply for Collinstown to playing a vital part in the social , historical and recreational life of the area.