Cavan is one of the best counties in Ireland to get back to nature. Our scenic landscape of rolling drumlins and lakeside settings give you the opportunity to walk off the Christmas dinner and leave you feeling refreshed for the new year ahead. There are over 20 trails listed here on our website that range from 2kms to 26kms. Here are our top picks for your trip this winter.

Castle Saunderson Demesne

Situated just along the border with County Fermanagh, Castle Saunderson has a troubled history. Once owned by Colonel Saunderson, founder of the Ulster Unionist Party. This trail is approximately 2km and is mostly gravel track. You will find information panels along the trail that tell you about the history of this once very important estate. An ideal walk for kids or for a short stroll this winter. More info can be found here.

Deerpark Forest

Situated just outside Virginia, this is a lovely walk even on a rainy day. There are three trails in the forest, with one to multi access standard. The Lough Ramor loop of 4.2 Km (one hour and graded easy) takes you along by a river and the shores of Lough Ramor. The Golden Way heritage trail is 2.1km (one hour and graded easy) and incorporates local built heritage. The multi access trail of 1.1 km, takes you from the car park to the stone bridge across the river and takes approximately one hour. Make sure to bring the camera for this one. Click here for more

Dun an Rí Forest Park

Get lost among the many trails and tracks in Dun an Rí forest park. Situated just outside Kingscourt and not far from Cabra Castle Hotel. There are four signposted walks in Dun an Ri Forest Park – the  Nature Trail, the Village Walk, the River Walk and the access for all trail. There are plenty of picnic tables to sit and enjoy a cup of tea as well as lots of cafes and places to grab a bite to eat in Kingscourt. Click here for more information.

Killeshandra Lake and Forest Walk

Situated in the heart of the UNESCO Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, Killeshandra is the ideal base for your walking break this winter. The Killeshandra loop walk takes in 6kms of pathways and forest roads for a great way to stretch the legs. Take a rest in Killeshandra before you start on the next walk which is right beside you in Killykeen. Click here for  more info.

Killykeen Way Greenway

Newly opened in 2021, the Killykeen Way Greenway is a mostly off-road trail from Killykeen forest park (which also has lovely trails) into the town of Killeshandra and back. A lovely walk for any fitness level, it is also a great trail for cycling. Start at the footbridge in Killykeen Forest Park and follow the signs towards Killeshandra via the upper trail on the Gartanoul peninsula. Find more information and a map here.

Mullagh Hill Walk

Take a hike up Mullagh hill on a good winters day to get the best views. This is a steep 2km walk but worth it when you get to the top. On a good day, enjoy uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Cavan and neighbouring Meath countryside as well as Mullagh Lake. At the summit you will find a handy picnic table where you can sit and enjoy the views. More here.

Flemings Folly

This is a 5km out and back scenic walk. Fleming’s folly is a historic tower overlooking Ballinagh with stunning views of the countryside. On a good day you can see 3 provinces from here. Read all about it in our blog post here.

Castle Lake Walk

The Castle Lake is just outside Bailieborough.  The Castle Loop is the longer of two looped walks in the forest. It is approximately 6.5km in length and takes about 2 hours to walk. The Lake Loop is approximately 3.5km in length and takes about an hour. After about 500m there is a memorial to those who died at Rebel Hill in 1798. There are plenty of viewing points of the lake along the way, and on your way back to the car park you will also pass a track leading to a rath on the top of Rebel Hill.

Ballyconnell Canal Walk / Woodford River Walk

The Ballyconnell Loop starts from the bridge in the middle of the town and explores the banks of the Woodford River and Annagh Lough Woods. Follow the purple arrows through the park that takes you along the canal. This is a great walk and a great base to explore Ballyconnell and West Cavan.

Bawnboy Loop

The Bawnboy Loop is in Carrick East Forest and is 5km long. Follow the blue way markers on this walk through the forest which starts with a steady climb of 130 metres up to a viewing area, where you can see down to Brackley Lough and beyond. There are a network of roads and paths which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

The Cavan Way

Located in the heart of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark in West Cavan, the linear Cavan Way is a beautiful hill and valley walk between Dowra, a small village near the source of the River Shannon and Blacklion. 26km’s in length, this is the perfect way to see some of the amazing scenery that our County has to offer. Find more on the walks above on our website here.

After your days walk or cycle be sure to reward yourself in one of Cavan’s many bars and restaurants. We would highly recommend for you to stay a night or two to really get the most out of your winter break. This is you perfect winter and New Years destination, This is Cavan! To keep up-to-date will all of our offers and news just subscribe to our newsletter here.