Best Walking & Cycling Trails In County Cavan

County Cavan, located in the heart of Ireland, offers a plethora of walking trails that centre to all levels of hiking enthusiasts. This scenic county is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rolling hills, and serene lakes, making it a perfect destination for those who love to explore the great outdoors on foot.

One of the most popular trails is the Cavan Burren Park, a fascinating geopark that showcases a unique combination of archaeological sites, stunning limestone landscapes, and diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can wander through ancient tombs, stone walls, and glacial erratics, all while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

For a more challenging hike, the Stairway to Heaven boardwalk on Cuilcagh Mountain is a must-visit. This trail, also known as the Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail, takes hikers through boglands and up a steep wooden staircase to reach the summit, offering breathtaking views over the expansive blanket bog and beyond.

The Killykeen Forest Park provides a more leisurely option, with its tranquil trails winding through lush woodlands and along the shores of Lough Oughter. This park is perfect for families and those looking to enjoy a peaceful walk amidst nature, with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and picnicking.

County Cavan is also home to the Shannon-Erne Blueway, where visitors can enjoy both walking and water activities. The Blueway offers a series of interconnected trails along canals and rivers, providing scenic routes that highlight the beauty of Cavan’s waterways.

Each trail in County Cavan is well-marked and maintained, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Whether one is seeking adventure, tranquility, or a deep dive into Ireland’s natural and historical heritage, the walking trails in County Cavan provide an exceptional backdrop for exploration and discovery.

Deerpark Forest Loop

Virginia,Cavan

Google review
Always a lovely stroll in the forest, whatever the weather. Kids love looking for fairy doors. The bridge is a highlight, but so is just being in there. Great vibe about it
Approx Length; 5.5Km
Approx Duration; 1hour.20min
4.8 stars from 547+ Google reviews

Castle Lake Loop

Bailieborough,Cavan

Google review
Beautiful area for walking, cycling or running beside the lake and through the woodland. It's easy to spend 2 hours here and there are places to fish along the lake. If you're coming here for the first time, I'd recommend parking in the carpark at the northernmost end of the lake because it has a map of the walks and a coffee hut.
Approx Length; 5.5Km
Approx Duration; 1hour.20min
4.8 stars from 111+ Google reviews

Dún a Rí Forest Park Loop

National forest in Kingscourt

Google review
What a fantastic hidden gem. You need to pay 5euro to get to the carpark. There is absolutely amazing Oak Coffee, with most delicious sausage roll, and home made, to die for cakes. Best latte I had in a long time. Well worth a trip just for a coffee and chat. Walk is lovely with tranquil sounds of river. Plenty of benches, picnic table, toilet facilities by the carpark.
Approx Length; 22Km
Approx Duration; 4 hours 40min
4.7 stars from 748+ Google reviews

Cuilcagh

Between Co Cavan & Co Fermanagh

Google review
You need to have good knees. It's a unique walk. The board walk gives you an opportunity to be in a space in nature that normally us humans would not get to be in. Just the sheep would be out here. Have a camera with you. Well behaved kids will enjoy it as long as they have hiked before. Use the railings to help get you up the stairs. Don't give up. You will be so proud of yourself.
Elevation: 666 m
Prominence: 606 m
4.7 stars from 222+ Google reviews

Killashandra Loop Walk

Hiking area in Killeshandra

Google review
Fine walk with diverse scenery (forest, lakes and across town), and really nice in some areas. Not difficult, and easy to follow (well signposted) if starting at the carpark by the lake and going clockwise. Under 6 km loop in total that can be done in just over an hour at a normal pace.
Approx Length; 6Km
Approx Duration; 1hour.15min
4.6 stars from 49+ Google reviews

Lough an Leagh

Hiking area in Bailieborough

Google review
A beautiful walk. Nice and easy for the kids and with stunning views in all directions. Could easily see Cuilcagh back in West Cavan, could see down to the Irish sea, over to the Mournes. The loop with the kids was a nice 3.1 km and they loved it. We'll make this a regular hike for us.
Approx Length; 3.1Km
Approx Duration; 1hour.15min
5 stars from 4+ Google reviews

Cavan Burren Park

Tourist attraction in Blacklion Cavan

Google review
Amazing park, we had the pleasure to meet on a sunny day! A lot of neolithic history! The park has different trails, do all of them if you can, because you can be surprised at any moment. Most spots have QR code so you can get deeper in the explanations. Highly recommended!
4.8 stars from 353+ Google reviews

Killykeen Forest Park Killashandra

Hiking area

Google review
Beautiful walking route through a beautiful forest and along the waterfront. Lots of benches and grass meadows. Catering during the day until 4 p.m
4.9 stars from 15+ Google reviews

Canal Walk Ballyconnel

Hiking area

Google review
A very nice loop walk along the river Woodford, the canal, Annagh lake and beautiful woodland with ash, alder, birch, oak... Starts at the playground near the carpark by the bridge. A bit muddy along the canal, but a great surface through the woods. Just about 6 km the entire loop. Well signposted.
Approx Length; 6Km
Approx Duration; 1hour.15min
4.8 stars from 17+ Google reviews

Turbet Island Loop

Nature preserve in Belturbet

Google review
A beautiful, peaceful walk along the river. There is a looped waymarked trail taking in the motte and bailey. An area of historical interest with lovely views of the river. Walk is over easy terrain and suitable for all abilities. Picnic tables available. Carpark opposite Spar garage in Belturbet. Recommend spending a couple of hours walking here.
Approx Length; 1.5Km
Approx Duration; 30min
4.7 stars from 198+ Google reviews

Cavan Way

Long-distance trail in County Cavan,

Begins in Blacklion and ends in Dowra.
Approx Length; 22Km
Approx Duration; One Day