Rinn Lough
Lake in south County Leitrim, Ireland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rinn Lough (Irish: Claonloch, also Irish: Loch na Reanna),[1] also known as Lough Rynn, is a freshwater lake in the northwestern part of Ireland. It is located in south County Leitrim.
| Rinn Lough | |
|---|---|
| Claonloch (Irish) | |
Walled gardens of Lough Rynn Castle from far side of the lake | |
  Location in Ireland | |
| Location | County Leitrim |
| Coordinates | 53°53′3″N 7°50′52″W |
| Primary inflows | Cloone River |
| Primary outflows | River Rinn |
| Catchment area | 178.06 km2 (68.7 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Max. length | 4 km (2.5 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.7 km (0.4 mi) |
| Surface area | 1.65 km2 (0.64 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 39 m (128 ft) |
| Islands | 6 |
| Settlements | Mohill |
| References | [1][2][3] |
Geography
Rinn Lough measures about 4 km (2.5 mi) long and 1 km (0.6 mi) wide. It is located about 4 km (2 mi) south of Mohill. Lough Rynn Castle, a medieval castle now a hotel, occupies an estate on the lake's northeastern shore.[2]
Hydrology
Two smaller neighbouring lakes drain into Rinn Lough: Clooncoc Lough and Lough Errew. Rinn Lough drains south into the Rinn River flowing into Lough Forbes. Part of the river forms the Rinn River Natural Heritage Area.[2][4]
Ecology
The water quality was reported to be satisfactory c. 2001 – c. 2006 maintaining a mesotrophic rating.[5][6][n 1] but given a "bad ecological status" c. 2007 – c. 2009 due to pollution.[8] Zebra mussel infestation is present.[6] The ecology of Rinn Lough, and Irish waterways, remains threatened by curly waterweed, zebra mussel, and freshwater clam invasive species.[9][10]