https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite/clough-oughter-castle/
Clough Oughter Castle is located on a small island on Lough Oughter, which is a complex maze of waterways, islands and ninety small lakes along the course of the River Erne. Lough Oughter itself is home to a huge variety of birds, to include mallard, tufted duck and in the winter months, wigeon and pochard.
This site is perfect for the historian, adventurer and nature enthusiast in all of us.
Clough Oughter Castle
Clough Oughter is only accessible by boat, therefore you must arrange travel with Cavan Adventure Centre. It is advised that you come prepared, with water, food etc.
From Cavan town, take the R198 to Crossdooney, then the R199 to Killeshandra. Follow the signs, and then you will have to arrange a boat to the island.
Cavan Adventure Centre provides guided boat trips as well as kayak and canoe hire to the castle. For more information visit www.cavanadventure.ie.
Clough Oughter Castle can be seen clearly from Rann Point as it stands alone in the middle of the vast and uninterrupted beauty of Lough Oughter. The circular Anglo-Norman tower is situated on a small man-made island that was built by the Anglo-Norman de Lacy family in the early 13th Century when they tried to conquer the local Irish Chieftains. It’s rather amazing to imagine the efforts of those at the time of building. To create an island is no mean feat, and some great engineers must have been on hand!
Conservation began on this site in 1987, as it was recognised as a place of great importance. The beautiful structure is protected under the National Monuments Act.
The site has been described as “magical” and “like something plucked straight out of a fairytale”.
On a bright sunny day, you’ll have the chance to spot some purple rushes, stunning yellow water lilies and graceful white swans, all enjoying the waters that surround the castle. You also may be lucky to spot a Great Blue Heron, which often visits this site.
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Distances are from Clough Oughter Castle
This is a cooperation project between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.
This element of the project is part funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union. We would like to acknowledge the assistance of County Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Cavan County Council, Breffni Integrated CLG, Department of Rural and Community Development, the EU and EAFRD in part-funding this project. Funded by the Irish Government Under the Leader Programme 2014-2020.
