Nature Trail (3 km)
The main route: an easy, circular, white-waymarked forest track taking about an hour. Passes through mixed woodland of spruce, ash, oak, and beech, with glimpses of Clough Oughter Castle across the water. Wheelchair accessible.
Killykeen Forest Park
4.7 (1,168)
About
A 240-hectare forest park wrapped around the quiet shores of Lough Oughter — a pocket of County Cavan's lake country with wooded trails, cycle paths, fishing, and boating, all free to explore.
Things to Do
Gartanoul Shore & Loop Walks
A 2 km linear shore trail (blue waymarked) follows the edge of Lough Oughter, great for waterfowl — mallard, tufted duck, and wintering wigeon. Extend onto the 4.6 km Gartanoul Loop for more forest and lake views; look out for red squirrels.
Family Cycle Trail & the Killykeen Way
A 3 km easy circular cycle trail within the park, plus the Killykeen Way — a 12 km off-road greenway connecting the forest park to Killeshandra along winding country lanes with lake views.
Fishing on Lough Oughter
The lake is renowned for coarse fishing — pike, bream, and perch are the main catch. Bring your own gear; the shoreline offers plenty of accessible spots.
Boating & Canoeing
Launch your own canoe or kayak from the park. Bike and canoe hire is available during the summer months (seasonal, check locally for current operators and prices).
Access for All Trail (500 m)
A short, circular, orange-waymarked multi-access trail on smooth forest track — ideal for buggies, wheelchairs, and anyone wanting a gentle woodland stroll.
Wildlife Watching
The mixed woodland and lakes draw pine marten, red squirrels, foxes, badgers, and an array of birdlife including heron, cormorant, great crested grebe, and whooper swans in winter.
Plan Your Visit
- Hours: Open year-round. Third-party sources list hours as 9am–9pm daily; the park's own website does not publish specific gate hours. Daylight visits recommended.
- Admission: Free entry
- Parking: Free parking at two car parks — one on the Cavan town side (R198, main entrance) and one on the Killeshandra village side. The two sides are linked by a footbridge over Lough Oughter.
- Food: A coffee kiosk on-site serves coffee, cakes, and light treats — primarily at weekends and often closing by late afternoon. For more substantial food, CABU by the Lakes (within the forest park) has a licensed Cabin Club with all-day dining. Cavan Town and Killeshandra (both ~10 minutes' drive) have pubs, cafés, and shops.
Getting Around
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