Lough Ennell is the largest and most scenic of the lakes near Mullingar, stretching about 10 km south of the town. It is one of the finest coarse fishing lakes in Ireland, with large populations of bream, rudd, tench, and the occasional pike. The lake is shallow and warm relative to western Irish loughs, which makes for good visibility and comfortable fishing conditions. Several fishing clubs operate on the lake and day permits are available from local tackle shops.
For non-anglers, the lake's shores offer pleasant walking, particularly around the Belvedere House grounds where the gardens run to the water's edge. Sailing and windsurfing operate from a club on the northern shore; kayak hire is available in summer. The lake can be busy on summer weekends when Dubliners drive out for the day, but is quiet and atmospheric in the shoulder seasons. Lough Owel, to the north of Mullingar, is smaller and cleaner — better for swimming — while Lough Derravaragh to the north is famous in Irish mythology as the lake where the Children of Lir were transformed into swans.