Public urged to stay away from Castlewellan Lake

Public urged to stay away from Castlewellan Lake

6 August 2025

CASTLEWELLAN Lake is expected to remain out of bounds to the public until the weekend over fresh concerns about water quality.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council announced last Friday that using the waterway was not advised after a number of samples were sent away for 

scientific investigation in the wake of local concern that the water quality was unsafe.

The detailed results of the forensic examination of the samples are due to be published by this Friday, with the local authority confirming that a decision will then be made whether to advise people the lake is safe to use.

The waterway is hugely poplar with water sports enthusiasts and pet owners who let their dogs swim in the lake especially at this time of year.

While the local authority has apologised for the inconvenience, South Down MLA Andy McMurray said people need to know the exact nature of the water quality issue.

Previously, the lake has been closed to the public due to the presence of an algae which breached water quality safety standards.

After people were advised not to enter the water via an online social media post, a number of messages were posted on Facebook advising pet owners to keep their dogs away until the water samples have been analysed.

Mr McMurray is appealing to people to heed the advice they are being given about the lake which is a dedicated area of special scientific interest.

He said the public needs to be careful an act with caution.

“Entry to the water is not advised and people must do exactly this,” he said.

Mr McMurray, who is an outdoor pursuits enthusiast and former instructor, said people must need the advice not to enter the water.

“Castlewellan Lake is very popular, but clearly an issue has been flagged up in relation to water quality and it’s important people do not enter the water and keep themselves safe,” he said.

“There have been similar incidents in the past and it’s important the scientists find out what is causing this issue.”

He said the lake is also popular with anglers and hopes that if the all clear is given this Friday the waterway 

will be rigorously monitored to keep the public and their pets safe.

Mr McMurray added: “It’s important everything possible is done by all the various agencies to ensure the water quality at Castlewellan Lake meets current standards.”