Lough Melvin

Lough Melvin (pronounced /lɒx ˈmɛlvɨn/ lokh-MEL-vin, Irish: Loch Meilbhe) is a lake which is internationally renowned for its unique range of plants and animals. It is located in the northwest of Ireland on the border between County Leitrim (in the Republic of Ireland) and County Fermanagh (in Northern Ireland).

The lake covers an area of 2000 hectares and is famous for its early “run” of Atlantic salmon. In relatively pristine condition, the lake and surrounding catchment area (265 km²) is valued for its recreational, heritage and environmental values by anglers, tourists, scientists and the local community. Arctic Char, otter and three species of trout (sonaghan, gillaroo, ferox) are among the many species that live in or around the lake. Within the catchment, the endangered globeflower, Molinia meadows and sessile oak woodlands can be found.