Killykeen Forest Park

Killykeen Forest Park is a beautiful mixed woodlands park, comprising 600 acres, woven around the lake and islands of Lough Oughter. Killykeen lies four miles west of Cavan town on the Killeshandra Road (R199). Lough Oughter forms part of the labyrinth of waterways know as the Erne River system, which is now directly linked to Ireland’s longest river, the Shannon.

The park boasts a number of walking trails (which are also ideal for cycling), which range in length from 1.5km to 2.8km, each offering magical views of the wild flora and fauna

These include trees such as the Norway and Sitka spruce, ash, oak, birch, sycamore, beech and alder, and animals such as stoat, grey squirrel, badger, fox, hedgehog and rabbit. Various birds can be seen on the lake or in the woodlands, such as herons, coot, cormorant, great crested grebe, mallard, moorhen, tufted duck, wagtail, kingfisher, warblers and reed bunting.

On the Dernish walking trail, items of historical interest include an Iron Age ring fort, and Clogh Oughter (pronounced Clock Ooter) castle. This thirteenth century castle stands on an island. It was originally owned by the Norman De Lacys, but was later reclaimed by the O'Reilly chieftains of the area. An excavation n 1987 produced human remains dating from the Cromwellian siege of the castle in 1653.

Canoeing, windsurfing and other watersports can be enjoyed on Lough Oughter, and boats (and bikes!) are available for hire in the area.