lough

Horse-eels are mythical aquatic beasts and locals around Lough Nahooin and Lough Fadda in Connemara, Co Galway, say they have been regularly sighted.

Broomlee, Crag and Greenlee loughs are all favoured watering holes where the birds dabble and graze the wet grassland.

It already has covered 28 acres of Lough Corrib, Co Galway and Lough Erne is now under threat.

Look to the Loughs Escape the city and look to the Loughs of Belfast and Strangford for wonderful water's edge encounters.

And a major feature in this landscape are what are known as the Roman Wall loughs, or lakes.

But many are finding it impossible to get moorings - particularly around the 30-mile long Lough Corrib.

The importance of Greenlee Lough is such that it has been designated a national nature reserve.

Regional Fisheries Board manager Vincent Roche said eels were fished mainly by long lines with most of the effort concentrated on Loughs Conn and Arrow.

He added: "The Loughs Agency tasked with responsibility for managing Lough Foyle by both governments has been repeatedly calling for a resolution so that the real tourism and fisheries potential of the Lough can be fully realised."

CANOEING: Fermanagh is an ideal location for canoeing enthusiasts with the magnificent lakes of Upper and Lower Lough Erne, lined by the River Erne, providing a trail of up to 50km.

THIRTY-FIVE rowers had a miracle escape last night after seven boats capsized in one of the country's biggest loughs.

When Lough Erne signed Wee Mac as their touring pro a few years ago they saw the potential in the kid - just as supermarket tycoon Jim Treacy saw the potential in a picturesque plot of land winding its way around Co Fermanagh's loughs.

Take a look at the Loughs Agency "Explore" videos and be inspired to look more closely for yourself http://www.loughs-agency.org/explore/ The River Foyle is a mighty river, draining large parts of three counties and is tidal for its entire length - from the confluence of the Finn and Mourne to Culmore Point 30 kilometres downstream.