Lough Egish is located approximately 9 kilometres south-east of Ballybay in County Monaghan, Ireland. The lake covers an area of 117 hectares, making it a substantial body of water. Its shape is notably deceptive: a large headland projects from the northern shore, so that when viewed from the western end, the lake appears considerably smaller than it actually is. The water is studded with islands, which adds to the complexity of navigation and the overall character of the paddling environment.

Depths across the lake range from 2 metres to a maximum of 10 metres. A significant hazard for anyone on the water is the prevalence of submerged rocks lying close to the surface in many areas. Paddlers should exercise consistent caution throughout the lake, as these hazards are not always visible and are distributed across the water rather than confined to a single zone.

Access to the lake is from the R181 road, where a boat can be launched near the village of Lough Egish. The lake is generally considered best explored by boat rather than from the shore, given its size and the reed and rush fringes typical of the surrounding area.

The lake sits within the broader landscape of County Monaghan, a region characterised by drumlin topography and scattered lakes. Lough Mourne, another lake of approximately 45 hectares, lies nearby in the angle of the R181 and R180 roads, providing some context for the wider network of water bodies in the area.

No specific paddling restrictions or regulations are known for Lough Egish. The combination of the lake's considerable size, its island-studded interior, the misleading headland geometry, and the widespread submerged rock hazards means that careful route planning and attentive navigation are advisable for anyone paddling here.