Boating, canoeing and fishing
Lough Oughter is a coarse-fishing lake known for pike, bream and perch, and boats, canoes and kayaks can be hired in summer. A boathouse sits on the park's lake shore.
Killykeen Forest Park
4.7 (1,168)
About
A 240-hectare Coillte forest park wrapped around the islands of Lough Oughter, where waymarked lakeside walks, a family cycle trail and a summer boat/canoe hire scene make it Cavan's easiest day out.
Things to Do
Lakeshore and woodland walks
Four signposted walks thread through the spruce, ash, oak and beech: the 3 km Nature Trail, the 500 m Access for All trail, the 2 km Gartanoul Shore walk and the 4.6 km Gartanoul Loop. Tracks are easygoing forest paths and several routes are wheelchair accessible.
Killykeen Way greenway and family cycle trail
Cycle or walk the Killykeen Way, a 12 km lake-dotted greenway linking the forest park with Killeshandra village, or the easy 3 km family cycle trail inside the park. Bike hire is available at the footbridge during the summer months.
Clough Oughter Castle and wildlife watching
Views over the water take in Clough Oughter Castle, a ruined island stronghold on Lough Oughter. The woods and shore reward birdwatchers with herons, ducks and visiting winter wildfowl, plus red squirrels and pine marten.
Picnics, swimming and family time
Picnic benches sit by the water and lake swimming is popular in warm weather. Toilets, a coffee kiosk and two car parks (Cavan town side and Killeshandra side) are on site, so the park suits families and a half-day stop.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open all year.
- Admission: Free entry; there is no admission charge.
- Parking: Car parks on both the Cavan town side and the Killeshandra side of the park, joined by a footbridge over Lough Oughter. Free and paid parking; contactless and cards accepted.
- Food: A coffee kiosk operates on site and picnic benches are provided. Nearby pit stops are Killeshandra village and Cavan town.
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