Cavan Burren Park

Cavan Burren Park
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About

A prehistoric relict landscape on a limestone plateau beneath Cuilcagh Mountain, where megalithic tombs, glacial erratics and sinkholes are linked by more than 10km of waymarked trails. Entry is free, all year round.

Things to Do

Five waymarked trails

More than 10km of routes range from easy gravel and multi-access paths to bog-bridge steps over limestone bedrock, each with its own archaeology, geology and biodiversity. Trailhead maps and information are available at the Interpretative Centre.

Five waymarked trails

Calf House Dolmen Trail (Trail 1)

The easiest option, a 1.3km multi-access trail from the Interpretative Centre car park taking about 35 minutes with a 25m climb. It passes the Calf-House Dolmen tomb, an old farmstead, karst limestone, glacial erratics and sinkholes, with 360 degree views.

Calf House Dolmen Trail (Trail 1)

Geology and archaeology

The park sits on a limestone plateau about 295m high, formed in a shallow tropical sea around 340 million years ago, and is recognised as one of Ireland's finest prehistoric relict landscapes, with glacial erratics and the Giant's Grave wedge tomb.

Geology and archaeology

Interpretative Centre

Start here: indoor displays cover the park's geological, archaeological, mythological and cultural story, and staff can point you to the trails. Group tours can be booked through the Geopark office on +353 71 985 3692.

Giant's Leap Trail (Trail 2)

Bog-bridge steps and gravel over 2.7km, roughly 50 minutes with a 35m climb, to one of the most intact megalithic wedge tombs in Ireland, plus a limekiln and the Giant's Leap dry valley.

Promontory Fort Trail (Trail 3)

The longest waymarked walk at 2.9km, about an hour with a 65m climb, through the tranquil Lost Valley past a promontory fort, sinkholes, old farm walls and glacial erratics.

Tullygobban Lough Trail (Trail 4)

A 1.6km gravel path from the bottom car park, around 45 minutes with a gentle 15m climb, beside the wildlife-rich Tullygobban Lough.

The Cavan Way

The 26km Cavan Way long-distance route from Dowra to Blacklion runs through the park, entering on Trail 2 and leaving on Trail 4 towards Blacklion.

Plan Your Visit

  • Hours: Oct to Mar 8am to 6pm; Apr to Sep 7am to 10pm. The gate is locked outside these times.
  • Admission: Free admission; the park is free to the public all year round
  • Parking: Car parks at the Interpretative Centre, including a main car park and a lower bottom car park. Parking is free, with free street parking also listed nearby.

Getting Around

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