If you’re looking for a short stroll, the 35-minute (1.3km) Calf House Dolmen Trail is multi-access and makes for an easy start no matter your level or ability. Breathe in that fresh country air as you explore the undiscovered landscape. You know you’re in for something special as you look out over Tullygobban Lough from the Lost Valley viewpoint near the start. The Tullygobban Wedge Tomb is a highlight along the trail, and don’t miss the Tullygobban Viewpoint, where you can imagine the impact of moving glaciers come to life before you.
Extend your journey through prehistoric Ireland a little further by turning off the Calf House Dolmen Trail onto the Giant’s Leap Trail (2.7km). The trail takes you to the stunning Giant’s Leap wedge tomb with views over the dry valley where lore has it that two young giants challenged each other to jump the gorge to show off to a female giant. This area is hugely biodiverse, so watch out for the flowers and fauna as you walk and spot some unusual plants.
Take in the most of the previous two trails on this moderate walk along the Promontory Fort Trail (2.9km) that takes an hour to do the full loop. Head up the bog bridge steps and also the gravel path to reach the tranquil Lost Valley. Stop at the ancient hill fort, Promontory Fort, and explore what remains before taking a minute to bask in the peace and quiet and admire the stunning scenery from a height.
The Tullygobban Lough Trail takes quite a different route to the previous three. It’s an easy 45-minute walk (1.6km) and while it skips some of the historic tombs and structures, it makes up for it in spades with stunning scenery and rich biodiversity. Admire the glacial erratics and desiccated sandstone along the route and break out your picnic beside Tullygobban Lough – you couldn’t ask for a better spot for lunch alfresco.
Forming part of the longer Cavan Waymarked Way, this is the one to choose if you’re looking for a challenge. Lace up your hiking boots and tackle the 26km trail from the village of Dowra to the village of Blacklion in West Cavan if you’re a walking enthusiast. If you’re not up for a big challenge, you can join the Cavan Waymarked Way from the Giant’s Leap trail at the dry valley and you’ll pass the Promontory Fort and along the Lost Valley. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views the whole way along the infant Shannon river and open moorlands all around.
With so much incredible scenery and prehistoric landscapes in the Cavan Burren Park, you’ll leave feeling uplifted and alive. Read our Cavan destination page and plan some great meals and fun activities for after your walk.
