Loughareema
| Loughareema | |
|---|---|
| The Vanishing Lake | |
| Loch an Mhadhma (Irish) | |
Loughareema | |
| Location | Ballyvennaght, County Antrim, Northern Ireland |
| Coordinates | 55°09′25″N 6°06′29″W / 55.15694°N 6.10806°W |
| Type | Ephemeral lake |
| Primary inflows | unnamed streams |
| Primary outflows | subterranean drainage |
| Max. length | Maximum: 300 m (980 ft) |
| Max. width | Maximum: 150 m (490 ft) |
| Surface area | Maximum: 2–3 km2 (0.8–1.2 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 217–218 m (712–715 ft) |
| References | [1][2][3] |
| Location | |
Interactive map of Loughareema | |
Loughareema, also known as The Vanishing Lake and Loughaveema, (Irish: Loch an Mhadhma) is an ephemeral lake[2][4] in the townland of Ballyvennaght in the civil parish of Culfeightrin, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.[1] The lake is known for its rapid draining and filling.[2][5]
Etymology
The name Loughareema is an anglicisation of the Irish "Loc an Rith Amach", meaning "the lake that runs out". An alternative spelling, Loughaveema, is also used, as Loughareema is hard to pronounce in English.[6]
The nickname "The Vanishing Lake" derives from the lake's rapid draining and filling.[3]
References
- ^ a b "Loch an Mhadhma". Placenames Database of Ireland. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ^ a b c "Loughareema". Geological Society of London. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ^ a b "Earth Science Conservation Review". National Museums Northern Ireland. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ^ Pare, Sascha (29 August 2025). "Loughareema: The 'vanishing lake' in Northern Ireland that mysteriously drains and refills itself within hours". Livescience. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ^ "GSNI Loughareema". Geological Survey of Northern Ireland. 2 February 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2026.
- ^ "Loughareema - The Vanishing Lake and its Ghosts". Belfast Entries. Retrieved 7 March 2026.