Location County Donegal Max. length 1.6 km (1 mi) Surface area 0.70 km (0.27 sq mi) Area 70 ha Lake type Lagoon | Basin countries Ireland Max. width 1.0 km (0.6 mi) Average depth 1 m (3 ft 3 in) Catchment area 15.1 km² | |
 | ||
Durnesh Lough is a sedimentary lagoon in the northwest of Ireland. It is located on the coast of south County Donegal.
Contents
Geography
Durnesh Lough is located about 12 kilometres (7 mi) north of Ballyshannon on the R231 road, just past the village of Rossnowlagh. It measures about 1.5 km (0.9 mi) long north–south and 1.0 km (0.6 mi) wide.
Hydrology
Durnesh Lough is separated from the sea by sand dunes. An artificial channel flowing to the sea admits some seawater. A small number of streams enter the lagoon.
Natural history
Fish species in Durnesh Lough include sand goby, flounder, rudd, three-spined stickleback, sea trout and the critically endangered European eel. Otters are also present. The lagoon forms the main part of the Durnesh Lough Special Area of Conservation.
Durnesh Lough is also part of the Durnesh Lough Important Bird Area. Significant species wintering here include mute swan, whooper swan and tundra swan.