Clay Lake

Clay Lake sits in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, a short drive from the village of Keady and close to the border with the Republic of Ireland. Some sources spell it Clea Lake. It lies in the townland of Clay, in the civil parish of Keady, within the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon council area. Visitors know it mainly as a pike fishery, and it also makes a quiet stop on a day among the hills around Keady.

Where is Clay Lake and how do you get there?

The lake is at roughly 54.23 N, 6.72 W. From Keady it is a brief journey along the road towards Castleblayney, and the lake's southern end lies beside Castleblaney Road. A car is the easiest option, because public transport ends in the village. Keady is under 20 km south-west of Armagh city.

What will you see?

There is no visitor centre or tourist infrastructure here. You get open water in a gently rolling farming landscape, with a dam wall on one side. A stream called the Clea, a tributary of the River Callan, begins at the lake and runs on through the middle of Keady. It suits a short stop between other sights, or a fishing trip.

Can you fish at Clay Lake?

Yes, and fishing is the lake's main draw. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) describes it as a water known for pike, with some fish heavier than 14 kg, plus large perch. Rudd also live here. The daily limit is one pike (up to 4 kg) and four coarse fish. Check DAERA's current rules and permit requirements before you travel.

Access is restricted. Anglers may fish only from the eastern shore, between the dam wall and the southern end of the lake near Castleblaney Road. Fishing is not allowed outside that stretch.

Are there walks nearby?

Yes. A Visorando route from Armagh to Keady passes several lakes, among them Darkley Lake, Tullynawood Lake and Clea Lake, and goes by a ringfort with a souterrain in Clay townland. The route is hilly, and a lane past one of the lakes can be wet and rough, so wear waterproof footwear. Keady also has a longer loop through hills, river valleys and former mill sites for keen walkers. The Ring of Gullion and Slieve Gullion, one of south Armagh's best-known viewpoints, are also nearby.

When should you visit?

For fishing, choose a time within the pike season set by DAERA and confirm the dates beforehand. For walking, late spring and summer bring long days and drier paths. Northern Irish weather changes fast, so pack a rain layer in any season.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Clay Lake? In County Armagh, in Clay townland near Keady and the Irish border.

Does Clay Lake have big pike? DAERA says it is renowned for pike, and some exceed 14 kg.

Where can you fish? Only on the eastern shore, between the dam and the southern end by Castleblaney Road.

Is there a catch limit? Yes: one pike up to 4 kg and four coarse fish per day.

Is Clea Lake the same place? Yes. Both spellings appear in sources for the same lake.