Lough Caragh, also referred to as Glencar Lake, sits at the mouth of the Glencar valley in County Kerry, Munster. The lake is fed by an inflowing river at its southern end and drains via the Lower Caragh River, which runs approximately 2.6 kilometres to the sea at Dingle Bay. The surrounding landscape is framed by mountains and the scenery is considered exceptional, with the shoreline largely free of development.

Public access to the lake is restricted in most areas, but there is a designated public access point at the outflowing river. This put-in is the recommended entry point for paddlers, and a short paddle from there leads directly onto the river itself. Caragh Outdoors operates guided kayak tours on the lake twice daily, at 10am–1pm and 2–5pm, and can be reached at 0879177386. Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre, located on the opposite shore, also offers water-based activities. Carrig Country House, situated on the lake's shores, can arrange kayaking and canoeing for guests.

Paddlers should be aware that sudden squalls can develop quickly on the lake, making conditions hazardous for those out alone on windy days. The lake is also heavily used for fishing, particularly for spring salmon, grilse, sea trout, and brown trout, with the salmon season opening on 17 January. Paddlers sharing the water with anglers should exercise courtesy, and it is advisable to avoid the lake during peak fishing periods.

From the lake, the Lower Caragh River offers a Grade 2 whitewater run of about 2.6 kilometres. The river is lake-fed, relatively wide for Kerry, and consists mostly of boulder sections with occasional trees as the primary hazard. The run is described as enjoyable and continuous, without major drops, though longer sections can be challenging for swimmers. Water level can be assessed from either the put-in or take-out before committing to the run. The put-in for the river section is located off the N70 Killorglin–Glenbeigh road, approximately 8.4 kilometres from Killorglin, via a left turn signposted for Glencar.