Welcome to the Cavan County Walks Guide

Home , Bailieborough, Bailieborough Castle, Ballinagh, Ballyconnell, Belturbet, Blacklion

WELCOME TO THE CAVAN COUNTY WALKS GUIDE

County Cavan is a walker’s paradise, with a wide Strenuous: These are physically demanding trails and variety of walks for all. Walkers will enjoy country can be described as ‘muscle builders’. They may have lanes, winding forest tracks, breathtaking mountain moderately steep climbs for long sections. The going paths and tranquil lake shores. The walks in this guide underfoot can be extremely rough and can include are suitable for people who are reasonably fit and many obstacles. WALK should be within the capabilities of most. All walks All walks are way marked with information and map have been graded according to the level of difficulty boards. Information on visiting County Cavan is and an explanation of this is given below: available on www.thisiscavan.ie or by emailing Easy: Generally flat trails with some gentle slopes. [email protected] They can be described as ‘muscle looseners’ and can be walked in runners or other similar light footwear. Moderate: These trails can be described as ‘muscle stretchers’. The going underfoot can be poor or E w Q @thisiscavan. rough with some obstacles such as protruding roots Don’t forget to share your pictures with us on social media using or loose stones. Boots or strong walking shoes are #thisiscavan and to tag @thisiscavan generally required.

1 THE COUNTRYSIDE CODE

When walking in the countryside, always remember • Park sensibly and don’t block exits that you may be walking through someone’s • Keep all dogs under control workplace. Careless behaviour, such as leaving farm • Don’t damage walls or fences gates open, can cause great problems for farmers. • Be careful with fire Litter can cause serious damage to livestock and • Dress sensibly wildlife. A little thought and common sense can • Please take your entire litter home ensure a good relationship between the farmer, the local community and the visitor. Respect the countryside by following the Countryside Code and Please remember that those walking the trails in this show that you respect and care for the beautiful booklet do so entirely at their own risk. countryside of County Cavan.

2 LEGEND INFORMATION

Trail Head (Start) Cycle Trail

Trail Head (Finish) Scenic views

National Looped Walk Playground

UNESCO Global Geopark Heritage

Wheelchair/Multi Access Primary/Public Road

Toilets

Parking

Picnic Tables

Fishing

3 WALKING IN THE UNESCO MARBLE ARCH CAVES GLOBAL GEOPARK

The UNESCO Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark There are numerous Geopark walks in this guide. stretches from the rolling lowlands of Lough Oughter These can be identified by the symbol shown below. in County Cavan to the rugged uplands on the northern shores of the Lower Lough Erne in County Geopark symbol Fermanagh, overlooked by the majestic Cuilcagh Mountain. For more information on Geoparks visit

The Geopark received UNESCO status in 2008 in www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com recognition of the wonderful landscapes throughout this region. Geoparks are renowned for having a variety of other interesting features such as superb archaeology, interesting history, fascinating plants, wildlife and charming folklore.

4 LIST OF WALKS

1. The Cavan Way 16. Turbet Island, Belturbet 2. Cavan Burren Park 17. Belturbet Heritage Trail 3. Castle Lake & Forest Walk, Bailieborough 18. Castle Saunderson

4. Killykeen Forest Park 14 19. Cavan Heritage Trail 5. Dun an Rí Forest Park, Kingscourt 20. Cootehill Heritage Trail 2 6. Deerpark Forest, Virginia 15 11 1 9 7. Killeshandra Lake & Forest Walk 8. Woodford River Walk, Ballyconnell N87 8 18 9. Sean Eamon Ruairí Trail, Glangevlin 16 17 20 10. Lough an Leagh, Kingscourt N54

11. Hawkswood Trail, Swanlinbar 7 4 19 CAVAN 12. Mullagh Hill Walk

13 N55 13. Flemings Folly, Ballinagh N3 10 3 5 14. Blacklion Village Trail

15. Gowlan Loops 6

5 THE CAVAN WAY A national waymarked trail

Distance 26km Grade Strenuous - The Cavan Way is a long distance route Terrain Varies between public road, forest and should not be undertaken without adequate preparation track, open ground and established trails

Start & finish: Located in the heart of the Marble Nearby attractions: Cavan Burren Park; The Shannon Arch Caves Global Geopark in West Cavan, the Pot; Moneygashel Cashel; Marble Arch Caves Visitor linear Cavan Way is a beautiful hill and valley walk Centre; Florence Court House. between Dowra, a small village near the source of Nearby walks: Sean Eamon Ruairi Trail 09 ; Gowlan WALK the River Shannon and Blacklion. The first section Loops 15 ; Blacklion Village Trail 14 . 01 of the Cavan Way follows the course of the young Shannon River to its source at the mystical Shannon Pot. The walk travels along quiet country roads, valley landscapes and riverside paths. The Cavan Way traverses through the megalithic landscapes of Cavan Burren Park 02 affording breathtaking views of Lough MacNean and Cuilcagh Mountain before descending into the village of Blacklion, where a visit to the Market House Visitor Centre is a must for refreshments and more information on discovering the Geopark. Detailed maps of the Cavan Way can be found in the Market House Visitor Centre.

6 Blacklion

N16 N16 Sligo

Cavan CO. FERMANAGH Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre 200m

Cavan Burren Park

CO. CAVAN Marble Arch Caves

200m

400m

200m

Shannon Pot

400m

0 2km Cuilcagh Mountain

Dowra Glangelvin

0 1km

0 1km CAVAN BURREN PARK, BLACKLION

Distance 1.3km-2.9km Terrain Forest tracks, lake shore paths (four trails: 10km in total) Grade Moderate Time 1 hour

Start & finish: Located approximately 5km from the Trails: village of Blacklion. Take the R206 from Blacklion 1. The Calf House Dolmen multi-access trail (1.3km) for 1km. Turn left onto L1011/Cornagee road for 2. Tullygobbin Lough Trail (1.6km) 3km and left again at the entrance to the park. 3. The Giant’s Leap Trail (2.7km) WALK Cavan Burren Park is one of Ireland’s most beautiful 4. The Promontory Fort trail (2.9km) megalithic landscapes. Walkers can choose from four 02 Nearby attractions: The Shannon Pot; Moneygashel trails of varying lengths with a combined distance of Cashel; Whitefathers Cave; Marble Arch Caves Visitor 10km. Stories of giants and moving glaciers come Centre; Florence Court House. to life with every step you take in this breathtakingly beautiful prehistoric park. The 26km Cavan Way 01 Nearby walks: The Cavan Way 01 ; Gowlan Loops 15 ; and one of the Gowlan Loops 15 cuts through Cavan Sean Eamon Ruairi Trail 09 ; Blacklion Village Trail 14 . Burren Park. Walkers will enjoy exploring the visitor centre in Cavan Burren. Information and other services are also available at Market House Visitor Centre in Blacklion.

8 The Calf House Dolmen multi-access Trail 1. Tullygobban Viewpoint 2. Tullygobban Tomb

3. Looking East 256 1 3 4. Farmyard 2 5. Calf House Dolmen Tomb 6. Glacial Erratic 7. Karst Limestone 8. Forestry 5 9. Dolines/Sinkholes 3 4 257 2 4 250 2 3 3 1 1 4 2 5 9

1 1 2 8 7 Tullygobban Interpretive 6 Lough Centre 269

Cavan Way

To Blacklion

L1011

253 0 500 metres Entrance

To Shannon Pot/ Moneygashel Cashel Giant’s Leap Trail Promontory Fort Trail 1. Limekiln 2501. Promontory Fort Tullygobban Lough Trail 2. Giant’s Grave 2. Old Farm Walls 1. Tullygobban Lough 3. The Woodland 3. Legnaveagh Sinkhole 2. Dessication Stones 4. Chert Working 4. Boulder Graveyard 3. Biodiversity 5. Giant’s Leap

9 200

Trail 1 (Calf House Dolmen Trail – Green Trail) Trail 2 (Giant's Leap Trail – Orange Trail)

1 Tullygobban Viewpoint 1 Limekiln 1 Tullygobban Lough

2 Tullygobban Tomb 2 Giant's Grave 2 Dessication Stones

3 Looking East 3 The Woodland 3 Biodiversity

4 Farmyard 4 Chert Working Car Park 5 Calf House Dolmen Tomb 5 Giant’s Leap 1 Smith's Walls 6 Glacial Erratic Trail 3 (Promontory Fort Trail – Purple Trail) 2 Sandstone Outcrop 7 Karst Limestone 1 Promontory Fort 8 Forestry P Parking 2 Old Farm Walls 9 Dolines/Sinkholes Picnic area 3 Legnaveagh Sinkhole

4 Boulder Graveyard Toilets Part of the National CASTLE LAKE, BAILIEBOROUGH Looped Walks Network

Distance 3.5km / 6.5km Terrain Forest and lake shores on secure paths Time 45 mins / 1hour 45 mins Grade Easy

Start & finish: Located just outside Bailieborough Points of interest: 1798 Rebel Hill Memorial; Sarah’s on the Shercock Road (R178). Follow the path Well; Marist Brothers Graves; Foundry. keeping the lake on your left. Further along there Nearby walks: Lough an Leagh 10 ; Dun an Rí Forest is a crossroads in the path. For the shorter walk, Park, Kingscourt 05 . WALK take a left and loop around the lake. For a longer 03 walk (6.5K) continue straight on, looking out for the graves of the Marist brothers who once occupied Bailieborough Castle. Continue left, crossing a small river and reaching a t-junction. Take a right and cross the river towards an old foundry. Re-trace your steps, cross back over the river, this time going straight on towards the Bog Lough on your right. Turn left to head back towards Castle Lake, this time keeping the lake on your left. There is a fairy fort half way around the lake above the pump house. Follow the path back to the car park.

10 Shercock Daries Lakeland

R178 Lear Lear Bridge Bailieborough Hill Rebel Rebel Hill Lough Bailieborough

Entrance Castle Lake Castle Bog

Lough R165 0 500m

Cavan

11 KILLYKEEN FOREST PARK

Distance 0.5km or 4.6km Terrain Forest park and lake shore on secure paths Time 15 mins to 2 hours Grade Easy to Moderate

Start & finish: Killykeen Forest Park is located in Trails the heart of Irelands Hidden Heartlands between Killeshandra – Killykeen 0.5 - 20 Km Killeshandra and Cavan Town. There are two Access for all trail 0.5km entrances to Killykeen. Enter from Cavan town side Gartanoul shore walk 2 Km WALK on the R198 or from Killeshandra on the L1509. Gartanoul Loop trail 4.6 Km 04 Killykeen is located approximately 13km from Cavan Family cycle trail 3 Km Town and 6.5km from Killeshandra. There are four marked trails and a family cycle trail in Killykeen. Killykeen lies on the shores of Lough Oughter and is part of the River Erne system. Lough Oughter is renowned for coarse fishing. It is also home to a huge variety of water fowl and birds, especially mallard, tufted duck and in the winter, wigeon and pochard. Walkers and cyclists can exit the park on the Killeshandra side and follow the marked trail all the way to Killeshandra.

12 Milltown

K il Tullyguide le s h Lough a n Eonish d ra Lo op W

k Clogh Oughter Castle ad Ro k Lough Oughter Lin

Entrance Killeshandra

Gartnanoul Pleasure Lake Derinish More

Inch Island

Corratober Cavan Killykeen

Entrance

Cavan

Trinity Island 13

DUN AN RÍ FOREST PARK, KINGSCOURT

Distance 0.6km – 2.3km Terrain Forest tracks, good footpaths and some steps (four trails – 5.5km in total) Grade Easy to Moderate Time Up to 1 Hour

Start & finish: Dun an Rí Forest Park is located 1.5km River Walk 2.3km north of Kingscourt on the R179 Carrickmacross Runs along the Cabra River, then returning via the Lady’s Road and forms part of what was once the Cabra Lake with views of castle ruins and the icehouse. estate. Legend has it that Cú Chulainn, the Gaelic Points of interest: Lady’s Lake; Icehouse; Sculpture Trail; WALK warrior, rested here while fighting the armies Cabra cottage; Rabbit Bridge; Fleming’s Castle Ruins. 05 of Queen Maeve of Connaught. There is a great Nearby walks: Lough an Leagh Kingscourt 10 ; Castle biodiversity here including otters, pipistrelle and Lake, Bailieborough 03 . long-eared bats, fox, stoat and badger. Birdlife is varied and the flora is spectacular. Visit www. coillteoutdoors.ie for further details. *Car park costs €5 per day and is coin operated.

Access for All Trail 0.6km Nature Trail 1km Located along the southern bank of the Cabra River. Village Walk 1.5km Skirts around the edge of Lady’s Lake, past Cabra Cottage and the old Barracks.

14 Attractions 1. Sarah’s Well 2. Sarah’s Bridge 3. Rabbit Bridge 4 4. Wishing Well 5. Cromwell’s Bridge 5 3 6. Murphy’s Bridge Shercock 2 Carrickmacross 7. Sarah’s Well 1 8. Cabra Cottage 10 9. Ice House 6 10. Lady’s Lake

7 8 9

Bailieborough Kingscourt

GAA Pitch

15 DEERPARK FOREST, VIRGINIA A Slí na Sláinte Route

Distance 5.5km Terrain Forest tracks and lake shore paths Time Over an hour Grade Easy

Start & finish: Start the walk at the car park beside Oldcastle; St. Kilian’s Heritage Centre. Virginia Rugby Club on the Ballyjamesduff Road R194 Nearby walks: Mullagh Hill Walk 12 . just outside Virginia. This delightful woodland walk winds its way through Deerpark Forest over beautiful WALK stone bridges, along the shores of Lough Ramor. 06 Trails: Multi-Access Walk 1.1km Golden Way Heritage trail 2.4km Lough Ramor Loop 5.5km Points of interest: Lough Ramor; Old Boathouse; Gate Lodge. Nearby attractions: Virginia Golf Course; Ramor Theatre, Virginia; Cavan County Museum and WW1 Trench Experience, Ballyjamesduff; Lough Crew,

16 N3

Road Oldcastle Ballyjamesdu Cavan Virginia Rugby Club

Deerpark Forest Lodge Golf Green Shed Stone Course Bridge Virginia

Climbing Hill N Bridge

Ruins of Old Boat House Lough Ramor

0 500m KILLESHANDRA LAKE Part of the National Looped Walks Network & FOREST WALK

Distance 6km Terrain Forest tracks and lake shore paths Time 1 hour 30 mins Grade Moderate

Start & finish: The walk begins at Town Lake (known Nearby attractions: Killeshandra Rath Church; locally as the Strand) along the R201 Road outside Cavan Adventure Centre; Drumlane Abbey, Milltown; Killeshandra. Walk along the lake shore for 500m Clough Oughter Castle. then follow the raised path along the Belturbet Road. WALK Nearby walks: Turbet Island, Belturbet 16 ; Killykeen Cross the road carefully at the marked point, go Forest Park 04 ; Woodford River Walk, Ballyconnell 08 . 07 through the stile and follow the trail into the forest. The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna with walkers likely to see red squirrels, pine martins, blue damselfly. Follow the path between Broomspark and Tullyguide Lakes (1.5km) until reaching a crossroads. Continue straight on staying on the marked path or turn left for a longer trail to Killykeen Forest Park*. 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. *Cyclists should begin the trail from Killeshandra to Killykeen at the carpark at the Pleasure Lake (known locally as the Green Lake).

18 dalea

o r

Forest Park Forest tnaquin C

Killykeen Killykeen

r o P guide Lake Killykeen Forest Park ull y T e Lough Broompark Lake leasu r P Derrygid

Killeshandra 500m Rath Church Town Lake

19 WOODFORD RIVER Part of the National Looped Walks Network WALK, BALLYCONNELL

Distance 5km Terrain Canal/river path and forest tracks Time 1 hour 20 mins Grade Easy

Start & finish: Park at the Shopping Centre car park Nearby attractions: Slieve Russell Championship at the bridge in Ballyconnell and cross the road to Golf Course; Bear Essentials Visitor Centre; ODD a small park. Walk along the river for 200m passing Gamespark, Bawnboy; Cavan Burren Park; Marble a footbridge. Continue on the path along the river. Arch Caves Visitor Centre; WALK Eventually you emerge into the open countryside with Nearby Walks: Turbet Island 16 ; Hawkswood Trail, the river on your left and open fields on your right. 08 Swanlinbar 11 ; Killykeen Forest Park 04 , Killeshandra Continue walking along the bank until you approach Loop 07 . Annagh Woods. Fork right and enjoy a circular walk through the forest. The forest is part of the old Ballyconnell Demesne with many native Irish tree species. At the fork in the path, go left and continue straight on along edge of the forest until you meet the footpath at the canal. Turn left for home. On the way back, if you wish, cross the footbridge over the river and into Ballyconnell. Otherwise continue straight along the river bank back towards the bridge and the Shopping Centre.

River

Woodford Ballyconnell

Annagh Lake

0 500m

Cavan N87

0m 500m 1km SEAN EAMON RUAIRÍ TRAIL, GLANGEVLIN

Distance 7km Terrain Minor road and trackway Time 2.5 hours Grade Moderate

Start & finish: Start at St. Pat’s Hall (Glan Hall), in Nearby attractions: Shannon Pot; Moneygashel Glangevlin, where parking is available. The Sean Cashel; Cavan Burren Park; Marble Arch Caves Visitor Eamon Ruairí Trail takes you through a preserved Centre. rural Irish landscape, past abandoned farmsteads Nearby walks: Cavan Burren Park 02 ; The Cavan Way into the uplands surrounding Glangevlin. The 01 ; Gowlan Loops 15 . WALK landscape was the home of Sean Eamon Ruairí, the 09 last native Irish speaker in West Cavan. Continue past the church, taking the first left by the parochial house heading towards Cuilcagh Mountain. Veer left towards the townlands of Eshveagh and Legglass. Cross a mountain stream past the sweathouse, an ancient form of sauna, and abandoned farmsteads. Head west past the Weavers House and sculpture memorial to Sean Eamon Ruairí. There are picnic benches and wonderful views. Sean Eamon Ruairí’s former homestead is to the left and privately occupied. Join the old Blacklion/Glangevlin road. Turn left to head for home.

22 350 181 300 107 139 69 250 58 200 36

47 200

100

150

100 2

Attractions 10 1. Glan Hall 2. Garage 11 3. Bessie Ned Tommy’s 4. Seán Éamonn Ruairí House (Private) 5. Sculpture 6. Dean the Weaver’s House 7. Mickey Pháidí’s 8. Byre 9. Poll’s Byre 10. Parochial House 11. Church

200

23 Walk Route Parking 5 Spa Well 12 Sweathouse 19 Constabulary Barrack

Roads PO Post Office 6 Bessie Ned Tommy’s 13 Poll’s Byre 20 Ard Scoil Bhréifne 1921-22 Seán Éamonn Ruairí Footpaths Gate Fitzpatrick’s ‘Pot of Gold’ Post Office 7 House (Private) 14 21 Vehicle track 1 Glan Hall 8 Sculpture 15 22 Spa Well

Contours 2 Garage 9 Dean the Weaver’s House 16 Church 23 Tullycasson School

Rivers 3 Mill House 10 Mickey Pháidí’s 17 Bush Hotel (Site) 24 Public House

Lakes 4 Sweathouse Site 11 Byre 18 Spa Well

LOUGH AN LEAGH, KINGSCOURT

Distance 4.8km Terrain Mountain and forest paths Time 1hr 30 mins Grade Moderate

Start & finish: Follow signs to Lough an Leagh from Nearby walks: Dun an Rí Forest Park, Kingscourt 05 ; the Bailieborough – Kingscourt Road (R165). The Castle Lake and Forest Walks, Bailieborough 03 . name Lough an Leagh is derived from the Irish ‘Lough an Leighis’ meaning ‘Lake of the Cures’. Parking available at the top of the mountain near the picnic WALK area and the mass rock. There is a fairy fort to the 10 right of the mass rock affording spectacular views. Follow the Adrian’s Way sign 100m down the main road from the Mass rock. Turn left, through the kissing gate, and on to the forested area. You’ll see expanses of heather which are home to many insects and birds. On a clear day, Cuilcagh Mountain is visible. Turn left towards the mast and viewing point. From here it is possible to see the Irish Sea. Continue on the path through the forest, until it splits in three. Take a sharp right. After 1km, arrive at a public road. Turn right to return to the Mass Rock.

Kingscourt Bailieborough

Prehistoric Cairn

Bailieborough

Mu Mass Rock

Prehistoric Cairn Kingscourt (3km)

Prehistoric Cairn

Part of the National Looped HAWKSWOOD TRAIL, SWANLINBAR Walks Network

Distance 5km Terrain Uneven ground, trackways and field Time 2 Hours Grade Moderate

Start & finish: From Bawnboy (N87), take a left in the Nearby attractions: Tullydermot Waterfalls & village of Swanlinbar onto the Glangevlin/ Blacklion Viewpoint; Cavan Burren Park; Shannon Pot; Marble Road (Mill Street). After 0.5 km turn right up a small Arch Caves; Florencecourt House; Moneygashel road. After 200m there is a small car park and picnic Cashel; Jampa Ling Buddist Retreat. area on the right. Walk up a narrow lane which Nearby Walks: Woodford River Walk, Ballyconnnell 08 ; WALK becomes a rough mountain path underfoot. There are Cavan Burren Park 02 ;The Cavan Way 01 . stone walls on either side. The path veers left and into 11 the forest along a steep path. The climb continues for 1km emerging at the top onto a flat field. There are fabulous views over the Bog and Cuilcagh Mountain. Turn right along the field passing a ruin on your left and a tree in the middle. It is thought that this was a fairy fort. Walk through the field, veering right and come down the hill. After 1.5km, there is a small path to your left. Turn here and follow the path back into Swanlinbar.

26 CO. FERMANAGH

CO. CAVAN Cuilcagh N87 Mountain

300

Swanlinbar Gubrimmaddera Mill Street

GAA Pitch

200 Cuilcagh Mountain

0 500m N87

100

Gorteenaglough

0 MULLAGH HILL WALK

Distance 2km Terrain Hillside walk on good paths Time 30 mins Grade Moderate

Start & finish: Begin your walk at Mullagh lake, on Nearby attractions: St Kilian’s Heritage Centre (cafe,

the R194 Virginia road, just outside Mullagh Village. tourist information available here). Parking is available here. Take care as you walk along

the main road towards Virginia for approximately 300

metres. There is a sign on the right pointing to a hill The Gates of Mullagh WALK walk. There are picnic benches on the way up and Cross Rds panoramic views. Return to the car park along the Baileborough 12 same route, taking care when crossing the road. Virginia

Mullagh Lough Glebe St. Kilians Heritage Centre Mullagh N 0 500m

28 FLEMINGS FOLLY, BALLINAGH

Distance 2km Terrain Forest track Time 30 mins Grade Easy - Moderate

Start & finish: Flemings Folly is located approx 1.5km outside Ballinagh, on the Cavan road (N55), signposted Cashel Cross / Flemings Folly. Follow this road for 0.5km. The entrance to the forest trail is on Flemings the left. Limited parking is available here. Walk from N Folly Walk here up to Flemings Folly, a stone tower built on a hill WALK with dramatic views over the countryside. On a clear day it is possible to see the three provinces. Return 13 the way you came. Cavan 04 Nearby Walks: Killykeen Forest Park ; Killeshandra Cashel Lake & Forest Walk 07 . Cross

N55

Ballinagh Legaweel

29 BLACKLION VILLAGE TRAIL

Distance 2km Terrain Public Footpaths and good paths Time 1 hour 30 mins Grade Easy

Blacklion Village 140 Start & finish: 130 is situated in the North West 120 10 100

90 of County Cavan at the foot of 80 Belcoo 70 Cuilcagh Mountain. Visit the 60 N Market House Visitor Centre in CO. FERMANAGH

WALK Blackion for further information on the trail and surrounding area. 9 14 N CO. CAVAN Nearby attractions: Cavan Belcoo River 60

Burren Park; The Shannon Pot; 70 Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre; Blacklion Florence Court House N16 N16 Sligo Nearby walks: Cavan Burren Park 02 ; The Cavan Way 01 ; Gowlan Loops 15 ; Sean Eamonn Ruairi

Trail 09 . To Cavan Burren 0 500m Park L1011 100

100

0 500m 0 500m GOWLAN LOOPS, WEST CAVAN The Gowlan Looped Walks all branch off from the Cavan Way 01 . Part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, West Cavan is famous for stunning natural landscapes and cultural heritage. There are three looped walks in and around the townland of Gowlan. a) MONEYGASHEL LOOP (RED)

Distance 2.3km Terrain Minor road, farm track and open countryside Time 1 hour 20 mins Grade Easy WALK Start & finish: This short looped walk takes you through the adjacent townland of Moneygashel, 15 which translated from Irish, means ‘scrubland of the cashel’. The highlight of the walk is the wonderfully preserved cashel itself, but there are numerous other sites to see along the way including evidence of the last Ice Age, abandoned farmsteads, megalithic tombs, and a sweathouse.

31 b) GARVAGH LOUGH LOOP (PINK)

Distance 5.5km Terrain Minor roads Time 1 hour 30 mins Grade Moderate

Start & finish: The scenic looped walk around Garvagh Lough completely encircles this tranquil lake. Located on limestone bedrock, the lake itself is a rarity in these types of landscape. Other sites of interest along the way include megalithic tombs, WALK abandoned farmsteads, and wonderful views of the 15 nearby Cuilcagh Mountain. c) LEGEELAN LOOP (PURPLE)

Distance 5.6km Terrain Minor road, farm track and open countryside Time 1 hour 30 mins Grade Moderate

Start & finish: The most challenging of these looped of the walk is Cavan Burren Park 02 one of the finest walks is arguably the most rewarding as it takes relict landscapes in Ireland and home to over 200 you through rugged limestone grasslands along the different archaeological monuments as well as many Cavan Way 01 and offers spectacular views over the fascinating geological features. West Cavan countryside. However, the real highlight

32 Attractions 1. Megalithic Tomb Gortnaleg 2. Megalithic Tomb 3. Megalithic Tomb 4. Hut-Suite 5. Megalithic Tomb 6. Megalithic Tomb 2 3 7. Megalithic Tomb 8. Sweat House Tullygoban Legalough Blacklion 9. Cashel Lough 10. Sweat House Moneygashel Loop Cavan 4 Garvagh Lough Loop Burren Park Legeelan Loop 1 Manragh Upper

9 8

Moneygashel

Garvagh Duck eld

Cornahaw Lough Glangevlin 5 6 Gowlan 7

Mullaghboy

Red Walk: Minor Road Sites of Interest RedMoneygashel Walk: Loop (2.1km) Minor Road Sites of Interest Moneygashel Loop (2.1km) Church Orange Walk: Church Orange Walk: Garvagh Lough Loop (5.5km) Picnic Area Garvagh Lough Loop (5.5km) Picnic Area Purple Walk: Cavan Burren Park PurpleLegeelan Walk: Loop (5.6km) Cavan Burren Park Parking Legeelan Loop (5.6km) Parking Cavan Way Toilets Cavan Way Toilets River Information Centre River Information Centre TURBET ISLAND, BELTURBET (RED)

Distance 1.6km Time 40 mins Terrain Good paths Grade Easy

Start & finish: The name Belturbet, comes from the The first ever remnants in Europe of the prehistoric WALK Gaelic words beal (mouth) and Tairbeart (isthmus or Woolly Mammoth were found on Turbet island and are peninsula). Translated literally, Belturbet is the mouth housed in the Natural History Museum in Dublin. 16 of the peninsula. Turbet Island, beside Kilconny Bridge Nearby attractions: Cavan Adventure Centre; (car parking here) on Bridge Street is the mouth of Drumlane Abbey; Cavan Burren Park. the peninsula. Walkers will enjoy a quiet, natural, accessible trail along the River, from the carpark, Nearby Walks: Belturbet Heritage Trail 17 ; Woodford past a Motte and Bailey, on to the Railway Bridge River Walk, Ballyconnell 08 ; Killeshandra Lake & and back to the car park or on into town if you wish. Forest Walk 07 .

BELTURBET HERITAGE TRAIL (PURPLE)

Distance 1.6km Time 50 mins Terrain Footpath Grade Easy WALK 17 Start & finish: Strategically placed on the River Erne Features: Turbet Island Motte & Bailey; The Town and steeped in history, there are many interesting Hall; Belturbet Heritage Railway Station; Kilconny things to see along the heritage trail. The trail begins Quay. in the centre of the town, known as the Diamond, across from the historic Town Hall. 34 Q

Stewarts O Mill P

Corn Mill R N Parochiol House/B. Ireland F

N E

C Golf Course Convent School S Town D H Post O ce Hall B Rectory Turbet Parocial House N3 Island A Convent Catholic Church

I Mill Hill L G.A.A. Grounds M St. Bricin’s Voc. School K Old Distillery Church of Ireland & Graveyard 0 200m

Boy’s School U

J 35 CASTLE SAUNDERSON, BELTURBET

Distance 0.5km Terrain Good paths Time 15 mins Grade Easy

Start & finish: Castle Saunderson is located on the Nearby attractions: Cavan Adventure Centre, Cavan – Clones road (N54) approximately 18km Butlersbridge; Belturbet Heritage Railway Station. north of Cavan Town and 7km east of Belturbet. Drive Nearby Walks: Turbet Island, Belturbet 16 ; Belturbet the 1.5km into the estate and follow the signs for Heritage Trail 17 ; Woodford River Walk, Ballyconnell the castle walk. Parking is available adjacent to the 08 . WALK castle. Castle Saunderson Demesne is also home to Scouting Ireland who has a large scouting centre 18 on the estate which you will see on your left when River approaching the castle. Follow the short loop around Finn the castle, taking time to read the panels on the

fascinating history of this historic building. Scouts Ireland

Castle Saunderson

Entrance

36 CAVAN TOWN HERITAGE TRAIL

Time 1 hour 30 mins Grade Easy Terrain Public footpaths and good paths

Start & finish: Cavan town was the first Gaelic Medieval town in Ireland. Start at the courthouse in Cavan town and follow the panels, using the QR Codes on panels on the way for further information or visit www.cavanwalkinghistory.ie WALK Features: St. Marys Abbey; The Cathedral of SS. Patrick & Felim; Percy French’s House; Town Hall 19 Cavan; Con Smith Park. Nearby walks: Killykeen Forest Park 04 ; Castle Saunderson 18 .

37 COOTEHILL HERITAGE TOWN TRAIL

Distance 2.2km Terrain Public footpaths and good paths Time 40 mins Grade Easy

Start & finish: Cootehill is a fine example of an 18th century Ulster linen market town. Church Cootehill takes its name from the Coote Medical Centre B A family who acquired a large estate here G E Chapel Lane C P after the Cromwellian wars. The heritage F D

Garda WALK trail begins at the courthouse on Market Station Clones School N Street and takes you along the town with Chapel Lane Church 20 H M maps, information panels and plaques Church Library outlining further information on key sites. Post O ce I Features: Courthouse; Church of Ireland; G.A.A. St. Michael’s Church; Birthplace of Mary Ann Grounds Cavan Sadlier. J Convent

K N

Mountain Lodge