Cavan Walking
Belturbet Heritage Town Trail
Belturbet takes its name from Tairbert Island and means ‘The Mouth of Tairbert’. Belturbet is a lively town and an excellent base for exploring the river and the Shannon-Erne Canal.
Strategically placed at the head of the River Erne, the O Reilly clan were dominant here and historically, the territory was known as East Breffni. Steeped in history, there are many interesting things to see along the heritage trail in Belturbet.
The trail begins in the centre of the town, known locally as the Diamond, across from the historic Town Hall. The trail takes you along the town with maps, information panels and plaques giving you further information on key sites.
Estimated Time: 1.5 hours.
Features
Turbet Island Motte & Bailey.
The Town Hall.
Old Railway Station.
Kilconny Quay.
Home of Percy French.
View / download an example of orientation panel & map on Belturbet town trail.
15 Walks – Map Details Below
Revitalise your soul with a walking holiday in County Cavan. Walking in Cavan has become very popular in recent years due to the variety and diversity of walks available. From vigorous, scenic mountain walks to refreshing lakeside and riverside strolls, it is easy to find something to suit you. Why not visit our special offers section for accommodation offering excellent value for walkers.
Castle Lake & Forest Walk, Bailieborough
Distance: 3km or 7km
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Through forest park and lake shore on secure paths
Approximate Time: 45 mins or 1 hour 25 mins
View / download map of walk.
The walk begins at the Castle Lake. To get there; follow the Shercock Road (R178) out of Bailieborough. After a short distance, turn left at the Creamery on the outskirts of the town. Continue on this road for one mile. Turn left at into Castle Lough Forest (signposted). Parking is available at the lake shore in front of the jetty. Facing the lake turn right and begin the walk.
There are two walking options; loop around the lake (approx. 45 minutes) or for a longer walk, continue straight on. Keep an eye on your right for the graves of the Marist brothers who occupied Bailieborough Castle. Further along are the remains of Bailieborough Castle, built in the early 19th century and demolished in the 1940s. Continue left. There is a stream on the right hand side just past the Castle. Cross over the river to head for an Old Foundry and the Hide Out Pub along the Cootehill Road(R195). There is also a shop here.
Re-trace your steps, cross back over the river, this time going straight on towards the Bog Lough on your right. Then, turn left to head back towards Castle Lake, this time keeping the lake on your left. On your right is forested land. There is a fairy fort half way around the lake above the pump house. Follow the path back to the car parking area.
Facilities: Fishing jetties; Hideout Pub and shop, Cootehill Rd
Points of Interest: Memorial to 1798 Rebellion at Rebel Hill, Sarah’s Well, Marist Brothers Graves, Foundry
Nearby Attractions: Wesleyan Chapel Arts, cultural and Heritage Centre, Bailieborough; Lough an Leagh Mountain Walk and Viewpoint.
Lough an Leagh Walk, (the lake of the cure) Bailieborough
Terrain: Mountain and forest paths
Distance: 7 km
Grade: Moderate
Approximate Time: 1 hr 20 mins
View / download map of walk.
Located between the towns of Kingscourt and Bailieborough. Follow signs to Lough an Leagh from both towns. Parking is available at top of the mountain near the main picnic area and Mass Rock. There is a fairy fort to the right of the mass rock lovely views.
Follow the ‘Adrian’s Way’ sign 100 metres from the Mass Rock. Turn left up Adrian’s Way, through the kissing gate. After 600m is a bench on the right with views towards Bailieborough and Cavan Town. On a clear day Cuilcagh Mountain and the windmills in West Cavan are visible. 600m further on the path enters a forested area. Upon reaching a fork in the path, turn left towards the booster station/mast. There is a picnic bench half way up. On a clear day 13 counties are visible from the summit. To the East is the Irish Sea.
After rejoining the main path through the forest, continue until the path splits in three. Straight on will bring you to a picnic table at the Kingscourt/Bailieborough Road. Otherwise, take a sharp right to bring you back towards the mass rock and picnic area. The path here is stony so sensible shoes are required. After 1km, you arrive at a public road. Turn left for Bailieborough or right to return to the mass rock. There is steep uphill climb back to the car.
Facilities: Picnic Tables; Information panels
Nearby Attractions: Dun a Rí Forest Park, Kingscourt; Wesleyan Chapel, Bailieborough Arts & Culture Centre; Castle Lake Walk, Bailieborough
Canal Walk, Ballyconnell
Distance: 5km
Grade: Easy
Terrain: Forest path
Approximate Time: 1 hour 20 mins
View / download map of walk.
Start at the Shopping Centre/Petrol station car park at the bridge in Ballyconnell and cross the road to a small amenity park. Walk along the canal for 200m passing a footbridge. Continue on the path along the river. Eventually you emerge into the open countryside with the river on your left and open field on your right.
Continue walking along the bank. After approximately 45 minutes you will approach Annagh Woods. Enter the woods following the path. After 300m keep right at the fork in the path. Follow the path until emerging from the forest. Follow the path for 200m. Take a right turn onto a small downhill path to your right. At the bottom of hill, upon meeting the canal, turn left for home.
Facilities: Picnic tables; Café in Realta Shopping Centre (outside tables overlooking Woodford River)
Nearby Attractions : Slieve Russell Championship Golf Course; Ciúin Spa at the Slieve Russell Hotel; Ballyhugh Arts & Cultural Centre, Ballyconnell; ODD Outdoor Activity Gamespark, Brackley Lake; Bear Essentials Visitor Centre, Bawnboy.
The Cavan Way, Blacklion
Distance: 26km/16 miles
Terrain: West Cavan Uplands
Highest Point: Giant’s Grave – 260m/850ft
Route Details: Dowra, Shannon Pot, Blacklion
Longest Stage: Dowra to Blacklion – 26km/16 miles
View / download map of walk.
The Cavan Way is a scenic hill and valley walk between Dowra, a small village near the source of the River Shannon and Blacklion in West Cavan. The walk traverses the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, which is approved by UNESCO, and rich in natural culture and heritage.
Following generally the course of the young river to its source at the mystical Shannon ‘Pot’, the walk follows quiet valley and riverside landscapes to the more unenclosed uplands of the spring line of the river’s source.
The walker will enjoy the upland section between the ‘Pot’ and Blacklion, which includes the forested Burren area and its cemetery of ancient tombs, stone megaliths and monuments. Fine views are obtained from these elevated upland areas.
Facilities: Tourist Information at the Market House, Blacklion; Cafe at Gala Supermarket; Mac Nean’s House & Restaurant.
Nearby Attractions: Burren Forest; Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt; Shannon Pot.
Killeshandra Forest Walk, Killeshandra
Distance: 6km
Grade: Easy / Moderate
Terrain: Forest path
Distance: 6 km
Approximate time: 1 hour
View / download map of walk.
At the Ulster Bank, walk down the hill on the Belturbet Road towards the Town Lake/Strand. Parking available here. Walk along the lake shore for 500m then cross the Belturbet Road at the marked point, go up through a style and follow the trail up into the Forest. The forest is located on lands once owned by the English landlord, Lord Hamilton, and is rich in flora and fauna. Walkers are likely to see red squirrels, pine martins, blue damselfly and numerous varieties of tree.
Follow the path between Broomspark Lake and Tullyguide Lake (1.5km) until reaching a crossroads. Continue straight staying on the marked path.
Turn right at Portnaquin and left at the next junction. Take the next right across the field in front of Pleasure Lake to the picnic area. Turn right and head back to Killeshandra walking through the town, turning right at the Ulster Bank, bringing you back to the Town Lake/Strand.
Facilities: Boat Hire – 049 433 4487 or 087 207 5013 ; O Dowd’s Café, Main St; Loughbawn Hotel, Main St; Collette’s Pub, Main St; Children’s Playground.
Dun a Rí Forest Park, Kingscourt
Dun a Rí Forest Park is one of the most beautiful and tranquil forest parks in Ireland. The park is managed by Coillte, the national forestry agency.
With the Cabra River running through the park, small waterfalls, several historical sites of interest, a diversity of flora and fauna and four mapped walks Dun a Rí has something for all the family.
The trails are between 1.5km – 2km in length. One of the trails is completely accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. The park is located 1 mile north of Kingscourt on the R179 to Carrickmacross.
Visit www.coillteoutdoors.ie for further details.
View / download map of Dun a Ri Forest Park.
Mullagh Hill Walk
Distance: 2km Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Steep path
Distance: 2 km
Grade: Moderate
Approximate Time: 30 mins
View / download map of walk.
Take the Virginia Road (R194) from Mullagh village, stopping at the amenity area at Mullagh Lake. Parking available here. Walk along the main road towards Virginia for 300 metres. There is a sign on the right hand side pointing to a hill walk. The path is good but steep. Nice viewing point three-quarters of the way up. Several picnic benches. Wonderful 360 degree views across Mullagh Lake, Lough Ramor and Counties Cavan and Monaghan.
Facilities: Picnic tables
Points of Interest: Views of Lough Ramor; Mullagh Lake; Tower at Kells; Lough Crew Neolithic Cairns and Passageways; Marian Cross (1950).
Nearby Attractions: St Kilian’s Centre in Mullagh is dedicated to the life of St. Kilian. Tea shop with homemade scones, gift shop, tourist information.
Sean Eamon Ruairi Trail, Glangevlin
Terrain: Minor road and trackway
Distance: 7 km
Grade: Moderate
Time: 1.5 hours
View / download map of walk.
Start at St. Pat’s Hall, (Glan Hall) Glangevlin. Continue past the church, taking the first left up by the parochial house heading towards Cuilcagh Mountain. Veer left townland of Esveagh and Leglass. Cross a mountain stream past the sweathouse and abandoned farmsteads. At this stage tarmac becomes trackway at Leglass.
Head westwards past the Weavers House and sculpture memorial to Sean Eamon Ruairi. There are picnic benches in place and wonderful views. Sean Eamon Ruairi’s homestead is down to the left and privately occupied. Join the old Blacklion/Glangevlin road. Turn left to head for home.
Facilities: Shop and pub in Glangevlin.
Near by Attractions: Shannon Pot, Moneygashel Tomb, Tullydermot Falls.
Deerpark Forest Walk, Virginia
Distance: 5.5km
Grade: Easy
Terrain: lakeshore & forest path
Approximate time: 1 hour
View / download map of walk.
Start the walk at the car park beside Virginia Rugby Club on the Ballyjamesduff Road. Slí na Sláinte signs are located along the longer walk detailing your route. Follow the path to the right again past a green shed.
Facilities: Mason’s Apron Café, Main St; Park Hotel Virginia; Riverfront Hotel, Main St; Lakeside Manor Hotel, Dublin Rd.
Nearby Attractions: 9-hole Virginia Golf Course; Ramor Theatre, Main St; Cavan County Museum, Ballyjamesduff.