Attractions and Places To See around Beagh - Top 8

The region offers several fascinating historical sites. You can visit Knockmany Cairn, an ancient burial monument on Knockmany Hill featuring rare megalithic art. Another unique historical spot is the Cooneen Ghost House, known for its eerie atmosphere and a reported exorcism. Further afield, Beagh Castle in County Limerick, a 13th-century castle with a rich history, offers a glimpse into the region's past, including its Viking and Napoleonic connections.

Yes, the area boasts beautiful natural features. Lough Antrawar, nestled in a dip southeast of Slieve Beagh, is a serene lake surrounded by wet, boggy slopes. The broader Slieve Beagh mountain area itself is characterized by extensive blanket bog, numerous small lakes, and unique ecosystems, designated as a Special Area of Conservation. Lough Beagh (Lough Veagh) in Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal, is a stunning glacial lake surrounded by steep granite cliffs and mountains.

You'll find a variety of outdoor activities. For mountain biking enthusiasts, Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trails offer a wide range of routes for all abilities within a beautiful private estate. The region also provides excellent opportunities for hiking and running. You can explore various routes, including those around Knockmany Forest and Slieve Beagh. For more detailed routes, check out the hiking guide and running trails guide for Beagh.

Absolutely. Knockmany Forest is an excellent choice for families, offering beautiful strolls through towering woodlands, especially vibrant with bluebells in season. The forest is categorized as family-friendly. Many of the shorter hiking loops, such as the Knockmany Forest loop from Clare More, are also suitable for families looking for an easy outdoor experience.

There are numerous walking and hiking options. The Sliabh Beagh Way is a long-distance path spanning about 25 miles (40 kilometers) through Counties Tyrone, Monaghan, and Fermanagh. Additionally, the Slieve Beagh area offers 31 other loop walks ranging from 2.5 to 12 miles. For specific routes, consider the Knockmany Forest loop or the Slieve Beagh loop via Lough Antrawar. You can find more details and routes in the hiking guide for Beagh.

The Beagh area offers diverse cycling routes. For mountain biking, Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trails provide a range of options. If you prefer road cycling, you can find routes like the Clogher to Seskinore loop or the longer Sliabh Beagh Cycle Loop. For a comprehensive list of routes and their difficulties, refer to the road cycling guide for Beagh.

Slieve Beagh is a significant mountain area spanning Counties Monaghan, Tyrone, and Fermanagh. It's known for its low, smooth tops and extensive blanket bog, which is a type of wet, peaty land. A large portion in Northern Ireland is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Ramsar site due to its international importance as a wetland. It hosts rare plants, diverse birdlife like red grouse and hen harriers, and unique insect species in its lakes.

Yes, Beagh Castle in County Limerick is a notable historical landmark. This 13th-century castle, built by the Fitzgeralds of Desmond, stands strategically on the Shannon River estuary. It has a rich history, serving as an outpost fortification and later a coastguard station. In recent years, the castle and its surrounding 300-year-old cottages have been converted into tourist residences, offering a unique historical stay.

Beyond Lough Antrawar, the region is home to Lough Beagh (Lough Veagh) within Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal. This freshwater glacial lake is approximately 6 km long and 1 km wide, surrounded by the Derryveagh and Glendowan Mountains. It supports various fish species and birdlife. For forest exploration, Knockmany Forest offers beautiful woodlands, particularly known for its seasonal display of blooming bluebells.

Knockmany Cairn is an ancient burial monument located on the summit of Knockmany Hill. It is the remains of a Neolithic passage tomb, and its stones are adorned with rare megalithic art. While the stones are protected by a concrete chamber, you can view them through the entrance gates, offering a glimpse into prehistoric artistry and burial practices.

The trails around Beagh cater to various skill levels. For instance, the running loop from Altawark is rated 'easy', while the Knockmany Forest loop from Clare More is 'moderate'. Hiking options include 'easy' routes like the Knockmany Forest – Viewpoint loop and 'moderate' ones such as the Slieve Beagh loop via Lough Antrawar. Road cycling also ranges from 'easy' to 'difficult', with the Sliabh Beagh Cycle Loop being a challenging option. You can find specific difficulty ratings for many routes in the hiking, running, and road cycling guides.