https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite/killykeen-forest-park/
Killykeen Forest Park is a picturesque forest park located in a very scenic area of County Cavan, on the shores of the magnificent Lough Oughter lake system. The forest park consists of approximately 240 hectares.
Please note there is a car park located on both the Cavan town side and the Killeshandra village side of Killykeen Forest Park. Both sides are connected via a footbridge over Lough Oughter.
Facilities: car parking, interpretation panels, coffee kiosk, picnic area, bike and canoe hire during the summer, cycle trail and walking trails.
Killykeen Forest Park
The Killykeen Forest Nature Trail is a white waymarked route, with breathtaking views of the river. The walk is an easy, circular trail, making it perfect for all the family. On this walk you’ll have the opportunity to view a vast array of delightful wildlife, including the native Irish, pine marten. You’ll also be able to catch a glimpse of Clough Oughter Castle.
The Killykeen Forest Access for All Trail is an orange waymarked trail, perfect to enjoy with all the family. The route is much shorter and has much smoother terrain.
Gartanoul Shore Trail is a wonderful trail along the edges of Lough Oughter and the River Erne lake system. The trail is a blue arrowed, linear, waymarked route. It is also home to a huge variety of water fowl and birds, especially mallard, tufted duck and in the winter, wigeon and pochard.
The Gortanoul Loop Trail is an extension of the shore trail, and gives you that little bit longer to admire the beautiful surroundings. The trail is a blue arrowed, waymarked trail and offers beautiful sites of the exciting plant life and wildlife of the Geopark. You’ll have the pleasure of talking in breathtaking views across Lough Oughter, and keep your eyes peeled for some red squirrels in the forest.
Cycle or walk the Killykeen Way through lake-dotted landscapes of Lough Oughter enjoying beautiful vistas, along winding country lanes. Start at the footbridge in Killykeen Forest Park and follow the signs towards Killeshandra via the upper trail on the Gartanoul peninsula. Perfect for the whole family to enjoy.
The predominant species of trees are Norway and Sitka Spruce with a mixed woodland including Ash, Oak and Beech. A unique footbridge links Killeshandra village with the Cavan town side of Killykeen Forest Park. The forest park is a very popular recreation area with families, bird watchers, walkers, and anglers. Lough Oughter is renowned for coarse fishing with the main species of fish being pike, bream, and perch.
The walking trails are incredibly beautiful, and due to the signage and choice of different routes, it’s easy for everyone to enjoy their day. Whether it’s a twenty minute walk to soak up the sights or a more adventurous cycle to get exercising in gorgeous surroundings, Killykeen Forest Park has you covered.
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Distances are from Killykeen Forest Park
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.
