https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite/killeshandra-lake-and-forest-walk/
A picture perfect walk that is a wonderful escape from a busy schedule. This trail is a treasure trove for an avid nature lover. With picturesque landscapes you can enjoy the serenity of nature unspoiled. If you’re after a quiet walk with all but birdsong to interrupt the tranquillity, Killeshandra Lake and Forest Walk will not let you down.
The Killeshandra Lake and Forest Walk is a beautiful, nature-filled trail, perfect for a family day out. Easy way marked path covering 6 km, forest tracks, lake shore and public road.
Loop starting /finishing at Cavan road picnic area or at the picnic area Belturbet road. Car parking at either start point.Walk along the lake shore for 500m then follow the raised path along the Belturbet Road. Cross the road carefully at the marked point, go through the stile and follow the trail into the forest. 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. This trail is a Sport Ireland accredited Trail.
The Geopark are members of Leave No Trace Ireland and we ask you please to adhere to their guiding principles. For more information please visit www.leavenotraceireland.org.
Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark are responsible for the maintenance of this Trail. To report any issues please email info@cuilcaghlakelands.org or telephone +353 (0)71 9853692
The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna with walkers likely to see the beautiful blue damselfly. If you’re lucky, you may get a chance to spot an endangered red squirrel. In more recent years, this trail has seen an increase in its red squirrel population, due to the increase in pine martens, who prey on the introduced grey squirrel, which are causing the decrease of reds throughout the country.
The forest is located on land that was given to Sir Alexander Hamiliton of Endervicke, Scotland, during the Ulster Plantations in 1610. This area was part of the Castle Hamilton Demesne, in which the castle was accidentally burned to the ground in 1911, after an unfortunate accident. It seemed that a heater in one of the hen houses on site was left on, resulting in that terrible fate.
Distances are from Killeshandra Lake and Forest Loop Walk
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.
