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.

Facilities: car parking, interpretation, picnic area, bike and canoe hire during the summer, cycle trail and walking trails.

Getting Here

Killykeen Forest Park

  • Main Car Park
  • R198
  • Killykeen
  • Cavan
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Main Car Park
  • R198
  • Killykeen
  • Cavan
  • Republic of Ireland
  • 54.0067003, -7.4681337

Walking Trails

Trail 1: Nature Trail

  • Distance: 2 miles / 3km
  • Time: 60mins
  • Grade: Easy
  • Terrain: Forest track
  • Route: Circular
  • Wheelchair accessible: Yes
  • Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control and waste disposed  of.

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.

Trail 2: Access for All Trail

  • Distance: 0.3 miles / 0.5km
  • Grade: Multi-access
  • Terrain: Forest track
  • Route: Circular
  • Wheelchair accessible: Yes
  • Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control and waste disposed of

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.

Trail 3: Gartanoul Shore Walk

  • Distance: 1 mile / 2km
  • Grade: Easy
  • Terrain: Forest track
  • Route: Linear
  • Wheelchair accessible: Yes
  • Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control and waste disposed of

Gartanoul Shore Walk is a wonderful trail that decorates 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.

Trail 4: Gartanoul Loop Walk

  • Distance: 3 miles / 4.5km
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Terrain: Forest track
  • Route: Circular
  • Wheelchair accessible: Yes
  • Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control and waste disposed of

The Gortanoul Loop Walk is an extension of the shore walk, 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.

Trail 5: Family Cycle Trail

  • Distance: 2 miles / 3km
  • Grade: Easy
  • Terrain: Forest track
  • Route: Circular
  • Wheelchair accessible: No
  • Dogs: Dogs must be kept under control and waste disposed of

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.

Download Park Map

Killykeen Forest Park Map

Killykeen Forest Park Map

Heritage

The predominant species of trees are Norway and Sitka Spruce with a considerable amount of mixed woodland including Ash, Oak and Beech. With a unique footbridge linking the two towns of Killykeen and Killeshandra, the forest park is a very popular recreation area with families, bird watchers, walkers, and anglers. Lough Oughter is renowned for course fishing with the main species of fish being pike, bream, and perch.

The walking trails are incredibly beautiful, and due to the heavy signage and vast array of different routes, it’s easy for everyone to enjoy their day. Whether it’s a twenty minute walk to soak up the sites or a more adventurous cycle to get exercising in gorgeous surroundings, Killykeen Forest Park has you covered.

Itineraries

Cavan’s Top 8 Route

Cavan’s Top 8 Route

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Altachullion Viewpoint

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Tullydermot Falls

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Séan Éamoinn Ruairí Trail

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Distances are from Killykeen Forest Park