There are many ways to experience everything in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, but perhaps the most satisfying way to do so is on foot. With each successive step, the bustling pace of urban life is replaced by the soothing tranquillity of the Irish countryside. In these quiet, timeless and ageless areas, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you're the first to explore the trails.
Among the nine unmissable walks in the midlands are two amazing walks located in Cavan, The Cavan Way and Killashandra and Killykeen Forest Park walks.
At 26km long, the Cavan Way in the western part of the County is a relaxing finale to the epic Beara Breifne Way. Give yourself about five hours to take in the sites on this hike through the gentle Cavan landscape.
This trail almost exclusively consists of rural country roads from where it begins in Dowra before ascending into the heavenly limestone landscapes of the Cuilcagh Mountains, passing through the expanse of the Burren Park before ending in the town of Blacklion. The views along the route – Lough Macnean to the north and Cuilcagh Mountains to the south are tremendous and the paths here are typically quiet – the ultimate draw of this enchanting region.
The Killashandra and Killykeen Forest Park is another amazing walk. This beautiful walk begins in the quaint town of Killashandra in County Cavan. You can take the R201 northwards into the countryside. Enjoy the views from walks along the shores of Lough Toon, Tullyguide Lough and Lough Oughter. 6km of twisting roads hemmed in with verdant hedgerows will lead you into Killykeen Forest Park. Here, a 10km network of trails bring you around the inter-weaving lattice of waterways around Lough Oughter.
Pack a picnic to enjoy under the forest’s leafy shade and take the afternoon to enjoy the walk, cycle, or canoe in the park. Clough Oughter Castle, part of the historic Kingdom of Breifne, stands alone in Lough Oughter and can be reached and explored through a guided boat trip.
