In the heart of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, lies a natural wonder so baffling it seems conjured from folklore. Loughareema, known locally as The Vanishing Lake, is a body of water famed for disappearing entirely within a matter of hours, leaving behind an empty, mist-shrouded basin.
The Science Behind the Disappearing Act
This is no magic trick, but a fascinating geological process that continues to puzzle experts. Three streams feed into Loughareema, but the water has only one escape route: a natural 'plughole' or sinkhole at the lake's bottom. This opening frequently becomes blocked by debris and peat washed into the lake. The immense water pressure eventually clears the blockage, creating a dramatic and efficient drainage system.
Paul Wilson, a hydrogeologist at the British Geological Survey in Belfast, told The Geological Society: "Loughareema is a dynamic landscape and on approach to the lake it's exciting to guess what state it will be in. The water disappears into an underground drainage system, the details of which we currently know very little about."
This complex underground network is believed to transport the water approximately 2.5 kilometres away to a large spring in the Carey River. The result is a lake that can be full in the morning and completely drained by lunchtime, a spectacle that draws both curious visitors and determined scientists.
A Haunting Legend of the Lake
The lake's eerie atmosphere is compounded by a local ghost story rooted in tragedy. The tale dates back to 1898, during a period of severe flooding. As the story goes, Colonel John Magee McNeile and his carriage driver attempted to cross the flooded road that traverses the lake.
Their horses reportedly became frightened, leading to the tragic drowning of both men. It is now said that on nights when the lake is full, the spectral figures of the travellers, their horses, and a ghostly carriage can be seen haunting Loughareema's shores.
Visiting the Enigmatic Loughareema
Located roughly midway between Cushendun and Ballycastle in North Antrim, the lake is accessible to the public. Its name derives from the Gaelic 'loch an rith amach', meaning 'the lake that runs out'. Today, a narrow road cuts through its centre, elevated enough for vehicles to pass—a stark contrast to the past when rising waters would submerge the route entirely.
The surrounding blanket bog and frequent mist give the area a desolate, otherworldly beauty, making it a uniquely atmospheric destination for those intrigued by nature's mysteries. Whether brimming with water or lying empty, The Vanishing Lake remains one of Northern Ireland's most captivating and enigmatic natural landmarks.
