The best walks and hikes around Lower Lough MacNean
4.0
(29)
397
hikers
17
hikes
Hikes around Lower Lough MacNean explore a landscape of limestone escarpments, serene waters, and dense woodlands within the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. The region is characterized by its unique geology, with trails passing through ancient ash woodland, across vast blanket bog, and into prehistoric relict landscapes. The network of routes offers a mix of gentle lakeside paths and more challenging ascents onto nearby hills and mountains.
Best hiking trails around Lower Lough MacNean
- The most popular hiking route is Marble Arch Caves via Cladagh River, a 2.2 mile (3.5 km) trail that takes about 1 hour to complete. This easy walk follows the Cladagh River through a limestone gorge and ancient woodland.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Cavan Burren Park loop from Blackiron, a moderate 6.3 mile (10.1 km) path. The route explores a prehistoric landscape featuring megalithic tombs and unique geological formations.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Tullygobban Tomb – Giant's Grave & Giant's Cave loop from Blacklion, a 2.8 mile (4.5 km) trail leading through the Cavan Burren Park, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Lower Lough MacNean is defined by limestone gorges, expansive blanket bogs, and prehistoric parklands. The trail network provides options for different ability levels, from short, easy family walks to more demanding hikes.
- The routes in Lower Lough MacNean are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 400 hikers have used komoot to explore Lower Lough MacNean's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 11, 2026
16
hikers
3.47km
00:59
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
10.1km
02:54
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
5
hikers
21.2km
06:17
610m
610m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
20
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, affectionately known as the "Stairway to Heaven," offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through one of Northern Ireland's most stunning landscapes. Spanning approximately 11 km round-trip, the trail meanders through expansive blanket bogs before culminating in a steep ascent of 450 wooden steps to a viewing platform atop Cuilcagh Mountain. Hikers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding lowlands, including glimpses of counties Cavan, Leitrim, and Donegal on clear days. While the boardwalk was constructed to protect the delicate bog ecosystem, it has also made the trail more accessible, attracting over 60,000 visitors annually.
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Parking at the official Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail car park costs £5 per car (update to 2025)
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These access points are integral to the trail's design, ensuring that hikers can navigate the route while respecting the surrounding environment and farmland. It's important for visitors to use these designated crossings and avoid straying from the path to protect the delicate bog ecosystem and maintain good relations with local landowners.
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These access points are integral to the trail's design, ensuring that hikers can navigate the route while respecting the surrounding environment and farmland. It's important for visitors to use these designated crossings and avoid straying from the path to protect the delicate bog ecosystem and maintain good relations with local landowners.
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The boardwalk was constructed to protect the fragile bog ecosystem, and visitors are strongly encouraged to stay on the designated path to preserve the environment.
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Great walk, very touristy but it's worth the detour! Be careful of the crowds (on weekends and in summer I dare not imagine!). However, BE CAREFUL, the summit is not accessible, you have to pass the protective barriers which allow the wild nature to be preserved from our steps and from this crowd of people. If we, the Komoot community, start to do this all the tourists will allow themselves and the landscape will never be so beautiful again! (Ps: no need to climb to the top to already see enough in the eyes!)
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Incredible Stone-Age park, with some technical trails. Massive mythological sacred stones worshipped over centuries, will follow you when adventuring into this unique geological and archaeological forest landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails around Lower Lough MacNean?
Yes, there are over a dozen marked hiking trails to explore. The area offers a great mix of routes, with 11 easy walks, 6 moderate hikes, and 1 difficult trail, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the Lower Lough MacNean area?
The region is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the unique landscape within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, especially the serene woodland paths and the fascinating geological features found in places like Cavan Burren Park.
Are there any good circular walks in the area?
Absolutely. For a challenging circular route with significant elevation, the Cuilcagh Mountain Park loop offers a comprehensive tour of the mountain's terrain. It's a demanding but rewarding full-day hike.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Many trails in the area are suitable for walking with dogs, especially through the various forest parks. The Cladagh Glen National Nature Reserve is a popular spot for dog walkers. However, always keep your dog on a lead, particularly near farmland with livestock and in protected areas like blanket bogs to protect wildlife.
What are the best options for an easy, family-friendly walk?
The area is great for families. A wonderful short and easy option is the Cuilcagh Way Trail Gate – Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail loop from Blacklion. It's a gentle walk that gives you a taste of the famous boardwalk landscape without the strenuous climb.
Where can I find the best viewpoints while hiking?
For spectacular panoramic views over Lough Erne, the drive and subsequent walk to the Cliffs of Magho Viewpoint is highly recommended by visitors. The viewing platform on Cuilcagh Mountain, at the end of the boardwalk, also offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding lowlands.
Are there any walks with waterfalls?
Yes, the Cladagh Glen National Nature Reserve features a beautiful trail that follows the Cladagh River through a steep, wooded gorge. Along the way, you'll encounter several cascading waterfalls and natural cave springs, making for a magical woodland walk.
How long do the hikes around Lower Lough MacNean typically take?
Hike durations vary widely. You can find short, easy walks like the trails in Cavan Burren Park that take about an hour, while more strenuous routes like the full Cuilcagh Mountain loop can take over 6 hours to complete.
Is there parking available at the trailheads?
Most of the main attractions and designated trailheads, such as the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, Cavan Burren Park, and Cladagh Glen, have dedicated car parks. It's a good idea to arrive early on weekends and holidays as these spots can get busy.
Are there any pubs or restaurants near the hiking trails for a post-hike meal?
The twin villages of Belcoo and Blacklion, situated between the two loughs, are your best bet for food and drink. They serve as a hub for the Geopark and offer a selection of pubs and restaurants to relax in after a day of exploring.
What is the Lough Macnean Sculpture Trail?
The Lough Macnean Sculpture Trail is a 40-mile circular route that can be driven, cycled, or partially hiked. It features eleven distinct sculptures created by Irish artists in collaboration with local communities, each reflecting the area's unique heritage and folklore.
Most popular routes around Lower Lough MacNean
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