Overview
Killykeen Forest Park is free, open all year, and wraps around Lough Oughter, part of the Upper Erne system in County Cavan. Coillte manages its 240 hectares of conifer and native broadleaf. The lake is a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area, protected for its habitats and birds. It is about 8 km (five miles) from Cavan Town, roughly halfway to Killeshandra.
If you have young children or anyone using a wheelchair, the 500 m Access for All Trail is the one to head for. If you want a proper walk, take the 4.6 km Gartanoul Loop along the shore.
Walking and cycling
There are four waymarked walks: the Nature Trail (3 km), the short Access for All Trail (500 m), the Gartanoul Shore Walk (2 km) and the Gartanoul Loop Walk (4.6 km). A family cycle trail (3 km) links the two car parks over the footbridge, and the off-road Killykeen Way greenway runs about 12 km to Killeshandra for anyone wanting a longer ride. Interpretation boards along the way cover the ecology, the forestry and the historic sites. The park is part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, which runs guided heritage walks and family days through the season.
Wildlife
The layered canopy of conifer and broadleaf holds pine marten and red squirrel, both regularly seen. On the water, autumn and winter bring wigeon, tufted duck and pochard in numbers, and Lough Oughter is a well-known coarse fishery for pike, bream and perch. Early morning is the best time for the birds, and the SAC/SPA status keeps the habitat managed for them.
History
The woodland is modern, but Lough Oughter is old ground. Its scatter of crannógs – artificial island dwellings – includes the one carrying Clough Oughter Castle, a 13th-century circular tower that later served as a prison and a rebel stronghold before Cromwell’s army destroyed it in 1653. The ruin rises straight from the water and shows from several points on the shore trails; guided canoe trips from the nearby Cavan Adventure Centre get you closer. The prehistoric Gartnanoul Court Tomb also sits within the park.
Practical information
Two car parks serve the site, one on the Cavan side and one near Killeshandra, joined by the level footbridge. Both are signposted, and parking is free. On-site there are toilets, picnic tables, a lake swimming area, a seasonal coffee kiosk (roughly May to September) and self-catering CABU lodges.
Dogs are welcome on all trails but must be kept under close control, with waste taken to the bins. Trail maps are at both entrances and on the Coillte website.
Seasonal Highlights
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Ideal for birdwatching, as the quieter woods and calm waters attract over-wintering migratory species.
- Spring (Mar–May): Fresh foliage, blooming bluebells, and active red squirrels make for lively woodland walks.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak season for families, cycling, and water-based activities; the coffee kiosk operates daily.
- Autumn (Sep–Oct): The canopy transforms into shades of gold and amber, creating excellent conditions for photography and peaceful exploration.
Nearby Attractions
Killykeen makes a handy base for the wider Cavan Lakelands. Within a short drive are the Cavan Adventure Centre for kayaking, and Cavan County Museum, which holds local archaeological finds including the Killycluggin Stone. Further afield, the limestone formations of Cavan Burren Park and the water at Annagh Lake make other day trips. Come on a still winter morning if the birds are what you’re after: the wildfowl are on the water and the castle shows clearest across it before the wind gets up.