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Bunny ( Lough )

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Lough Bunny (Irish: Loch Buinne, meaning "lake of the flood") is a freshwater lake in the Burren, County Clare, situated roughly halfway between the towns of Corofin and Gort, near the village of Boston. The lake measures approximately 2.4 km long and 0.6 km wide, covering around 100 hectares (254 acres) with a shoreline of just over 5 miles. It sits at an elevation of 17 metres above sea level. Despite its modest surface area, it reaches a maximum depth of 14 metres, though the average depth is only about 2.7 metres.

The lake has no permanent surface inflow or outflow, which gives it a distinctive hydrological character. Water enters through underground springs visible at one end and drains through limestone fissures at the northern end. As a result, water levels fluctuate considerably with rainfall and season — the lake can gain between 50 and 70 acres in surface area depending on conditions. This karst behaviour connects Lough Bunny to the broader network of turloughs and sinkholes characteristic of the Burren landscape. The water is oligotrophic, with high dissolved bicarbonate and low nutrient levels, making it a rare lake type within the EU.

Fish species present include perch, rudd, pike, and the critically endangered European eel. The lake floor also supports a very rare water beetle, Octhebius nilssoni, measuring only 1.5 mm in length. Two islands, Puskada Island and Gull Island, lie within the lake. The backdrop includes views of Mullaghmore Mountain, whose dramatically folded shape reflects the region's tectonic history, and the ruins of a medieval tower house stand on the northeastern shore.

Lough Bunny lies within the Burren National Park, the East Burren Complex Special Area of Conservation, and the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark. These designations reflect the ecological and geological sensitivity of the area. Paddlers should be aware that the lake is within a protected conservation zone, and any activities should be conducted with corresponding care for the environment. The road (R460) runs alongside the lake, providing relatively straightforward access to the water's edge. The National Park Centre in Corofin serves as a useful starting point for visitors exploring the broader area.


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