Ireland is famous for its friendly people, its rugged and striking landscapes, great beer, and its numerous castles. But Ireland also boasts beautiful and vast lakes that invite you to experience unforgettable moments along their shores. The weather is changeable, but feeling the elements is just as much a part of the experience as a sense of adventure—especially if you want to circumnavigate Ireland’s ten largest lakes. Are you up for the challenge?
Join the Iron Lake Challenge Ireland and earn the coveted collector’s medal in the ‚Ireland‘ edition.
RULES
The rules for the Iron Lake Challenge Ireland are very simple. Nevertheless, we would like to clarify them once more here:
- Sign up for the Iron Lake Challenge Ireland!
- To conquer this challenge and earn your beautiful collector’s medal, you must hike or run around the ten largest lakes in Ireland. Please note that lakes partially located in other countries are not included in this challenge.
- Bicycles, skates, and similar equipment are not permitted; however, you are more than welcome to hike or run.
- The Iron Lake Challenge Ireland has no time limit. This means you can take as long as you need—even several years—to complete the circumnavigation of all ten lakes.
- We trust you to complete the distances honestly. However, if you wish to be included in our official time rankings, we will need a copy of your tracking data. We accept data from any device or platform (smartwatch, smartphone, or fitness app).
General PLEASE NOTE!
- Please note that traffic regulations apply in all public areas and along roads and cycle paths. Please move considerately.
- You go around the lakes at your own risk. The operator of this website assumes no liability whatsoever.
- Please follow any medical advice and consider having a medical check-up before starting the challenge. You are responsible for your own health, equipment, and physical condition. There is no shame in canceling a tour—health always comes first!
A few important rules for respecting nature during your lake circuit:
- Please observe local regulations for the protection of nature.
- Please stay on the marked trails.
- Please keep noise to a minimum.
- Please do not collect stones or minerals.
- Please do not pick mushrooms.
- Please do not leave any litter behind. In fact, many of us even pick up litter left by others.
- Please do not feed the animals.
- Please do not light open fires.
- Please do not pick any plants.
It should be obvious to everyone, but it doesn’t hurt to remind ourselves every now and then
Registration and Scope of Services
Registration for the Iron Lake Challenge Ireland costs you 24 EUR.
This entry fee includes our Iron Lake Challenge ‚Ireland Edition‘ collector’s medal as well as the Timeless Challenge marble.
 |  |
However, you first have to circumnavigate Ireland’s ten largest lakes! Only then will we send you your well-deserved medal and the marble. After all, you want to earn them, not just have them handed to you.
How to sign up:
- Please click on the logo and you will be directed to the registration page of our partner, Digistore24.
- You will then receive a registration confirmation.
- Now, you must circumnavigate the ten largest lakes in Ireland (see below) on foot. As soon as you have completed all ten lakes, please send us an extract of your tracking data as proof. We will believe you even without tracking; however, you won’t be included in the Hall of Fame.
- Once we have verified your entry, you will receive your well-deserved medal and marble. Easy, right?
YOUR MEDAL AND YOUR MARBLE
Hier ist die Übersetzung ins Englische:
„Once you have circumnavigated Ireland’s ten largest lakes on foot, you will have earned the beautiful Iron Lake Challenge ‚Ireland Edition‘ medal. This can become the first in your upcoming Iron Lake Challenge collection.
In addition, you will receive the Timeless Challenge marble (from our Timeless Challenge series).
LIFE SCORE POINTS
The Iron Lake Challenge is part of our Timeless Challenge. Therefore, in addition to the collector’s medal and the coin, you will also earn Life-Score points. These will be automatically credited to our Hall of Fame. This service is free of charge for you.
The ten largest lakes in Ireland
Lough Corrib
Lough Corrib is the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland, located in the west of the island. Circling it is a challenge, but also a true experience. You should definitely check out the ruins of the Annaghdown Churches, and on the eastern side of the lake, you’ll find stunningly beautiful islands. The loop is approximately 117 kilometers long, so it’s best to plan for at least one overnight stay.
Tour recommendations for circumnavigating the Lough Corrib
Lough Derg (Loch Deirgeirt)
Hier ist die Übersetzung ins Englische:
„Lough Derg is the third largest lake in Ireland and one of the three lakes into which the famous River Shannon widens along its course. Note: there is a second lake of the same name located near the border with Northern Ireland. Lough Derg is elongated in shape, stretching up to 35 kilometers in length. Consequently, a full circuit around the lake is approximately 110 kilometers long.
Tour recommendations for circumnavigating the Lough Derg
Lough Ree
„Lough Ree is the central main lake along the course of the River Shannon. It is one of the three large lakes into which the Shannon widens. Historical sites and buildings await you during the approximately 90-kilometer circuit. It’s well worth taking your time to embark on this challenge.
Tour recommendations for circumnavigating the Lough Ree
Lough Mask
„Lough Mask is located north of Lough Corrib and is the upper of the two lakes that drain into Galway Bay via the River Corrib. It is an ideal excursion destination from Galway City, Clifden, Westport, or Castlebar. The lake is rich in fish and nestled between mountains and meadows. The circuit around Lough Mask is approximately 77 kilometers long.
Tour recommendations for circumnavigating the Lough Mask
Lough Conn
Hier ist die Übersetzung ins Englische, die den Charme der Beschreibung beibehält:
„Lough Conn’s stony shores give you the feeling of being at a mountain lake. Numerous islands lie south of the Errew Peninsula. Not far from its northern shore is Crossmolina, a hiker’s paradise. The circuit around the lake is approximately 46 kilometers long.
Tour recommendations for circumnavigating the Lough Conn
Lough Allen
Lough Allen is one of the three major lakes fed by the Shannon on its journey through Ireland, alongside Lough Derg and Lough Ree, and is the northernmost of the trio. The lake is world-renowned among anglers for its pike and trout. However, its shores are also excellent for hiking or running—allowing you to put your fitness to the test across a distance of approximately 44 kilometers.
Tour recommendations for circumnavigating the Lough Allen
Lough Carra
Located in the west, Lough Carra is an internationally recognized bird sanctuary and a so-called ‚marl lake.‘ This lake offers many interesting details. The western shore is situated in a limestone area where the chalk prevents the growth of aquatic plants and algae; even reeds are very rare. The purity and color of the water are produced by the marl. A circuit of the lake is approximately 40 kilometers long.
Tour recommendations for circumnavigating the Lough Carra
Lough Sheelin
This lake is well known through the Irish folk song ‚Lough Sheelin’s Side‘. Its Irish name translates to ‚Lake of the Fairy Pool’—somewhat mystical and beautiful. You’ll need to cover about 27 kilometers to circumnavigate it, but it will be well worth it
Tour recommendations for circumnavigating the Lough Sheelin
Lough Ennell
Lough Ennell is well-known for its shallow waters and abundance of fish. It was at this lake that Jonathan Swift wrote his famous book Gulliver’s Travels. Water sports are a high priority here, even though jet skis have since been banned. Completing a circuit of Lough Ennell covers a distance of approximately 34 kilometers.
Tour recommendations for circumnavigating the Lough Ennell
Lough Owel
According to the ancient Dindsenchas legend, Lough Owel (Loch Uair) takes its name from one of the two Fir Bolg brothers who lived by the lake. Two streams flow from Lough Owel: the Golden Hand and the Silver Hand. The circular trail around the lake is approximately 31 kilometers long.
Tour recommendations for circumnavigating the Lough Owel
Iron Lake Challenge Ireland HALL OF FAME
Here you can quickly and easily log your lake circuits and upload your proof (e.g., a screenshot of your tracking). We will review and approve your entry, after which your result will be saved and displayed on the Hall of Fame.
How our Hall of Fame works
- Register on our website.
- Select the lake you circumnavigated under “Summit/Lake”.
- Enter the distance you covered (in meters) under “Length / Mountain height (in m)”.
- Enter the time it took (in minutes) under “Time needed (in min)”.
- Enter the date of your circumnavigation under “Date”.
- You can now upload your evidence (e.g., a screenshot of your tracking) under “Upload proof (optional)”.
- Now, all you have to do is SAVE!
The Iron Lake Challenge on Social Media
Join our forum
Connect with our community! A forum for sharing experiences, stories, Q&As, and more.
IRON LAKE CHALLENGE HASHTAGS
We’d love for you to share your photos, videos, and experiences involving the Iron Lake Challenge with others! To help you do that, we’ve provided the following hashtags:
- #ironlakechallenge
- #ironlakechallengeireland
- #timelesschallenge
The Iron Lake Challenge on Facebook
Hier ist die Übersetzung ins Englische:
„Of course, we also cordially invite you to join our Facebook group, ‚Iron Lake Challenge Discussion Board‚.
IT 
DE_DE 
EN 
ES 
PL 
FR 
NL 
PT 
SV