Our Lakes
Loughinisland Lake
Loughinisland village grew up beside the picturesque lake that has a natural island situated on it that is now accessed by a modern causeway. Three churches were erected on this Island between the 13th and 17th centuries and all of the buildings currently lie in ruins although their remains are still visible from the lake as is the ancient graveyard.
The lake and margins have local nature conservation interests, immense scenic value and the lake itself contains a submerged archeologically important crannog. The spit of land to the South of the historic churches has been designated as a wildlife sanctuary by the Club and actively maintained as such by the members.
Downpatrick and District Anglers Association Limited first leased the lake in 1976 and later went on to buy it outright from the Forde Estate. The current boathouse and parking facilities were built in 1998, modernising the Club and its facilities for generations to come.
Car parking facilities are provided at Loughinisland Lake; each Club member has access to this via the locked gate.
Co-ordinates: 54° 20' 30''N 5° 48' 59'' W
Magheralagan Lake
At the moment(2024) there is NO FISHING in Magheralagan.
Formerly listed in the lands belonging to Lord Thomas Cromwell’s Estate in 1612, the town land of Magheralagan was said to be in the possession of Franciscan Friars. The derivation of Magheralagan is translated as ‘plain of the hollow’; the final element of which appears to refer to the low lying land which lies around the Lake, situated in the South–East of the town land. Overlooked by Harrow-Pin Hill, the Lake and its environments are of particular interest to students of the last glaciation period.
Car parking facilities are available on the verge of the road adjacent to the Lake on the Drumcullan Road; anglers are asked to walk from here to the Lake’s designated access points. Anglers are asked not to use the footbridge at Magheralagan Lake as it is situated on private property. Anglers are requested to walk along the riverside from the road bridge access point as this has been designated for our sole use. Please do not park your vehicles in this vicinity as it is used as a turning area for land owners and as an entrance to a business premises.
Co-ordinates: 54° 19' 8''N 5° 46' 58''W
Day Tickets:
We would encourage our adult members to invite their guests to fish Loughinisland Lake with them so that they too can sample some of County Down's best trout fishing. There are a number of day ticket outlets available where tickets can be purchased and these are detailed opposite. Day tickets are priced at £15 per person, per day, and permits the guest to take a maximum of 4 fish. Guests must be in possesion of a current DCAL Game Licence in their own name.
Guests must be accompanied by a current adult member; tickets must be purchased in advance and placed in the 'day ticket' box provided before fishing commences. Members are asked to ensure that their guests adhere to the bye-laws of the Club.
Notice: Guests are not permitted to fish Magheralagan Lough as this is a members only resource.
Bailiffs:
Downpatrick and District Anglers Association Limited have 9 Private Water Bailiffs who fish on and patrol the Club waters regularly. They are there to ensure concordance with the Articles of Association, the bye-laws of the Club and to ensure those who have access to the Loughs are entitled to do so. Our bailiffs undertake training organised through and delivered by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL); this helps strengthen our commitment to the preservation of our fishing for our members, protecting our environs and to reduce the impact of illicit fish taking on our waters.
