Lough Hyne
Skibbereen, Ireland
A small saltwater lake connected to the sea by a narrow tidal channel, ringed by wooded hills. A path leads up to a viewpoint over the water; the road is narrow, so park carefully at the lakeside lay-by and bring sturdy shoes.
Lough Hyne near Skibbereen is a remarkable saltwater lake and was the first Marine Nature Reserve to be designated in Ireland. It is surrounded by wooded hills. A nature trail leads up Knockomagh Hill, 197 metres high, from whose summit you look down over the lake.
Allow about an hour for the climb, depending on your fitness. After storm damage in 2017, the paths have been reopened only in sections; according to the Heritage Centre the northern section is open again but slightly shorter than shown in the leaflet (as of October 2026, please check locally). A leaflet for the trail can be downloaded online. At the Skibbereen Heritage Centre, about 5 kilometres away, an exhibition covers the history, legends and origins of the lake. Wear sturdy shoes and check path conditions and parking before you set out.
- Nearest town
- Skibbereen, Ireland
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 51.5008, -9.2975
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Hideaway Camping & Caravan ParkCampsite5 km from Lough Hyne · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
- The MeadowCampsite16 km from Lough Hyne · 19 pitchesTentsCaravansWi-Fi
- Chléire HavenCampsite16 km from Lough Hyne
- Top of the rock Camping, Pod park and walking CentreCampsite19 km from Lough Hyne · 3 pitchesTentsMotorhomes
- Dunbeacon Camping and GlampingCampsite22 km from Lough HyneTentsCaravansMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · BantryMotorhome stopover23 km from Lough HyneMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
All campsites in Ireland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Lough Hyne?
Lough Hyne is in Skibbereen, Ireland, at GPS 51.5008, -9.2975. It is about 6 km from Baltimore.
Can you camp near Lough Hyne?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Hideaway Camping & Caravan Park, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Lough Hyne?
Places worth a stop nearby: Baltimore Beacon (7 km), Drombeg Stone Circle (16 km), Mizen Head Signal Station (36 km) and Healy Pass (40 km).
When is the best time to visit Lough Hyne?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)