Lights Ceremony at the Lough

The Turning on of the Lights Ceremony at the Lough was held on 2nd December. The event, organised by the Recreation, Amenity and Culture Directorate attracted a large crowd to see the Lord Mayor Cllr Seán Martin formally switch on the Display at 7.30 p.m. The crowd was entertained by the Cork City Council Choir, local children singing, fire throwers and stilt walkers.  

The Lough is one of Cork's more striking natural features. Its presence, as an amenity to the public is becoming increasingly important in an area that has undergone immense urbanisation. Much work has been done on improving the Lough for wild fowl and also for visitors. Public lighting, signs, pathways, trees and islands have all been provided. Popular walks surround the Lough and the outer walk is exactly one mile in circumference. (Photographer: Jerry Twomey). 
 

The Lough is fed entirely by underwater springs and the island covers just over two acres. The Lough is a designated Wildlife Sanctuary and is a public amenity administered by the Parks Section of Cork City Council.

Given that the surrounding area is very built up, the Lough provides a pleasant and scenic area for all ages to enjoy. Many people remember skating on the Lough in the severe winters earlier in the 20th century. (Photographer: Michael Goulding).

Given all the pursuits and the amount of people that engage in them at the Lough, the Lough is one of the most important, if not the most important open area in Cork City. The annual crib, which now is a highlight of the Christmas Season in Cork, is floodlit and erected by Cork City Council each year.

Oh! fair is The Lake of Cork City
Where the wildlife all safely can rest,
And in winter though frozen its pretty,
When my kind boy glides over its breast,
And the regions around it are pleasant
Within sight of the free flowing Lee,
Just to stroll round its oval shaped mile,
And my Lough is forever with me.

(Photographer: Tony O'Connell).

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