been designated a Special Protection Area on the basis of its migratory waterfowl, with nationally important numbers of Tachybaptus ruficollis. It is also an Important Bird Area. In 2021, invasive quagga mussels were discovered in the lake and in Lough Derg by a research team from UCD. Events Jim O'Connor was the first person to solo swim the length of Lough Ree in 2012. The swim lasted 13 hours and 34 minutes, a mean speed of . O'Connor completed this swim to raise funds for South Westmeath Hospice. Human history 9th century Viking attacks climaxed in 845 in Ireland and they built a fortified base on Lough Ree. Annalistic references From the Annals of Inisfallen: AI907.1 Kl. The plundering of Lough Rí by the men of Mumu as far as Mairg Laigen and Mag Léna, as a result of which Mael Craíbe son of Cathalán, king of Cenél Fiachrach, and many others were slain. AI922.2 Tomrair son of Elgi, a Jarl of the foreigners, on Luimnech (the Lower Shannon), and he proceeded and plundered Inis Celtra and Muicinis, and burned Cluain Moccu Nóis; and he went on Loch Rí and plundered all its islands, and he ravaged Mide. From the Annals of the Four Masters: M934.6.Amhlaibh Ceannchairech, with the foreigners, came from Loch Eirne across Breifne to Loch Ribh. On the night of Great Christmas they reached the Sinainn, and they remained seven months there; and Magh-Aei was spoiled and plundered by them. From the Annals of Inisfallen AI988.2 A fleet, viz. 300 boats, [was put] on Loch Rí by Brian, and they harried Mide and went to Uisnech. And twenty five boats of these went into Connachta, and a great slaughter of their crews was inflicted there, including Dúnlang, king of Raithlenn, Niall Ua hEirc, Dúngalach Ua Loingsig, and many others. And by them was slain Muirgius son of Conchobar, royal heir of Connachta. AI993.2 A naval raid by Brian, and he reached Breifne from Loch Rí by way of Áth Liac northwards. AI1016.3 A great hosting by Brian's son to Loch Rí, and he plundered Inis Clothrann (Inchcleraun) and Inis Bó Finne (Inchbofin), brought away the boats of Mael Sechnaill and Leth Cuinn, and took the hostages of Mumu from Cnámhchaill westwards. See also Killinure Point List of loughs in Ireland Lough Ree Power Station Portrun References Lakes of County Longford Lakes of County Westmeath Lakes of County