Pilot Site Attributes
- Region: Co Mayo, Connaught, Ireland
- Bordering municipalities: Keel, Dooagh, Bunacurry
- Popular name: Keel Lake/lough Keel
- Population: 576
- Type: lake
- Surface: 85.15 Ha
- Altitude: 1 m
- Watershed: Atlantic Ocean
- Surface area of protected natural space (Nature 2000 Network): SAC
- Average depth: The depth of the lake is estimated to be up to 1 meter within 20 meters from
the shore. Beyond 20 meters from the shore, the depth increases to greater than 3 meters. - Length: 1 km
- Width: 1.5 km
- Maximum depth: 3 m
- GPS Coordinates: 53.981952, -10.062160.
Pilot Site Description
Lake Keel is found on the Northwest side of Achill Island in County Mayo, Ireland. It is a freshwater lake in close proximity to the beach at Keel Village. It lies between the villages of Keel and Dooagh, surrounded by hills and the Atlantic coastline.
The surrounding area features a mix of wet and bog land, which attracts a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds. Slievemore Peak is 671 meters high, consists of mountainous sloped land and is found 2.2km north of Lake Keel. There are several run-off streams from this peak that enter the Lake. Lake Keel is located within the Blacksod-Broadhaven catchment area. There are three rivers and two run-off streams that flow downstream into Lake Keel. Water exits Lake Keel via a single river that travels under the R319, which allows water to flow into the North Atlantic Ocean through Keel beach which is found approximately 1 km south of the lake.
While the water at the Lake Keel is of a moderate quality and no evidence of heavy pollution was found, the EPA (Irelands Environmental Protection Agency) has shown that Lake Keel is at risk according to the water framework directive. Along the lake shore is a specially designated site, coming under the Keel Machair/Menaun Cliffs SAC. Achill Head SAC and the Croaghaun/Slievemore SAC are less than a kilometre away. A few protected species reside within the area, species that have been recorded within the site includes a variety of bird species such as the Mute Swan, the Greater Black-backed Gull, the lesser Black-backed Gull, the Mew Gull, Whooper swan, and the Barnacle Goose. Other protected species inhabiting the site included the Irish Hare which is protected under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 and the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). More bird species and invertebrate species were observed on the northern side of the lake where human activity was low. This could be due to the lack of noise pollution and lack of disturbance.
The lake water is not used for cleaning purposes or for a public water supply.
There is a lack of infrastructure present at the site and there is no new infrastructure planned.
Activities around the lake
The lake is also used by locals for recreational activities. The local community take part in water sports, along with tourists at the lake, as well as fish and camp at the lake. It is a significant place for locals to enjoy aesthetic views. Water sports at Lake Keel attract large groups of tourists to the area, especially during the summer. The lake is currently used for kayaking, surfing and kitesurfing by these organisations. The tourism that the water sports attract, also brings tourism for local businesses such as restaurants and hotels.
The following companies offer water sports like surfing, paddle boarding etc. No motorised engines are allowed on the lake.
- Surf le Thomas
- Achill Surfing
- Pure Magic
- Achill Outdoor Education
Public Authorities
- Mayo County Council
- Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
- Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Associations
- National Parks and Wildlife
There are no other local or community groups associated with Lake Keel at present.
