Standing over eight feet tall, light brown in colour and as dry as straw, these reeds were highly sought after in olden times. The reeds like these, on the south-eastern shore of the lake, were used by the Celts living in Crannógs on the lake.
The Crannogs had no windows and no chimney. They were made of stone or wood and mud and the roof was thatched with straw or reeds. Ring forts around the lake would also have used these reeds.

Reeds were also used for making baskets and as floor coverings.

Many water birds, including Mallards, Canada Geese, and herons nest in reeds. Most birds nest at the edges of stands, where the reeds are not so thick.

Not so many years ago and maybe even today, school children made St Brigid’s Crosses from reeds like these. This week every year they would collect reeds and rushes to make crosses for St Brigid’s day which falls on 1st February. The crosses are meant to hang above a threshold to a home, to keep evil, fire and hunger from the home.