Lough Lene
| Lough Lene | |
|---|---|
| Loch Léinn (Irish) | |
| Location | County Westmeath |
| Coordinates | 53°39′53″N 7°14′13″W / 53.66472°N 7.23694°W |
| Type | Glacial lake |
| Basin countries | Ireland |
| Surface area | 5 km2 (1.9 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 97 m (318 ft) |
| Frozen | Winters of 1951, 1982, Jan & Dec. 2010 |
| Islands | Nun's Island, Castle Island, Turgesius Island |
Lough Lene (Irish: Loch Léinn) is a lake situated in north County Westmeath, Ireland, between the villages of Castlepollard, Collinstown and Fore.
It has a rich and varied history, including several prehistoric burial sites, old ruins, a number of ancient village-type communal circular dwellings locally called ringforts, stiles, and mass paths. Lough Lene also has claims to being the home to kings and Vikings, such as Turgesius who had one of his forts upon the hill on the southwest overlooking the lake from the Ranaghan side, before being killed by Máel Sechnaill mac Maíl Ruanaid.
Lough Lene's water acts as a reservoir for several surrounding villages.