It is fed by springs, but if, like the river-lakes, it was formed by a solution of the limestone, this fact may have some chemical relation with its very peculiar colour.

It contains three picturesque islands.

No stream flows into it, but two streams issue from it.

The town of Loughrea is an ancient holding of the De Burghs, and the estate-office of Lord Clanricarde is here in one wing of a great barrack, standing, as I understood Mr.Tener to say, on the site of a former fortress of the family.

Lord Clanricarde's property here is put down by Mr.Hussey de Burgh at 49,025 acres in County Galway, valued at L19,634, and at 3576 acres in the county of the City of Galway, valued at L1202.