The Cavan Way connects the villages of Dowra and Blacklion over 21.7 km. Its 21.7 kilometres take you along rural and riverside paths, quiet roads, karst terrain and open bogland. This gives you two clear features to use when considering the route: the connection between the villages and the changing types of path and landscape. If you would like to explore County Cavan on foot, this mix gives the route its own distinctive character.

Geopark, forest and protected-area landscapes

Cavan Burren Park is a key site in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. This gives the park a different thematic focus from the linear Cavan Way: here, the defining context is the Geopark, while the Cavan Way connects two villages along a specific distance. If you are first looking for a Geopark setting, Cavan Burren Park is the place to focus on.

Killykeen Forest Park is situated around the Lough Oughter lake system. The park has accessible walking trails and a family cycling trail. This lets you consider two different types of outing: walking or cycling on a family trail. The park therefore offers a different point of comparison from the Cavan Way: the focus is not on connecting two villages, but on a park around a lake system with walking trails and a family cycling trail.

Cavan Adventure Centre is just outside Cavan Town, in a Special Area of Conservation and an unspoilt natural landscape. This gives you a specific sense of place to consider: the site combines a protected-area setting with a location outside Cavan Town. This is a distinct point of reference alongside the walking trails and the Geopark.

Comparing shorter trails

The Killeshandra Lake and Forest Walk is a 6 km waymarked trail suitable for a family outing. The Ballyconnell to Bellaheady Recreational Trail is 5.5 km long and opened in 2022. Compared with the 21.7 km Cavan Way, both routes are shorter; the difference between these two shorter trails is just half a kilometre. This lets you make an initial choice based on distance, while the Killeshandra Walk’s suitability for a family outing provides an additional point of reference.

The Killeshandra trail map was last updated in 2021, so check current conditions locally. For the Ballyconnell route, you should also check current maintenance and access locally.

Cultural history in Mullagh

St Kilian’s Heritage Centre in Mullagh tells visitors about the life and influence of St Kilian. The exhibition includes a 15-minute audiovisual presentation as well as maps, photographs, statuettes, facsimiles of manuscripts and art reproductions. The stated duration refers to the presentation; the other items are also part of the exhibition. This clearly defines the cultural focus: St Kilian and his influence, presented through the audiovisual presentation and a range of exhibits. If you would like to include cultural history alongside nature trails, you can plan this as a separate part of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Dowra, Cootehill, Belturbet, Virginia, Kingscourt, Cavan, Lavagh, Ballyconnell, Ballyhugh, Mount Nugent, Mullagh, Blacklion, Arvagh, Cloverhill, Corlough, Loch Gowna, Bailieborough, Swanlinbar

For the regional travel overview: Ulster.