Killykeen Forest Park | Cavan

Information

Landmark: Killykeen Forest Park
City: Cavan
Country: Ireland
Continent: Europe

Killykeen Forest Park, Cavan, Ireland, Europe

Killykeen Forest Park is a 240-hectare recreational area located on the shores of Lough Oughter, part of the complex Shannon-Erne waterway system in County Cavan. It is characterized by a "drumlin" landscape where glacial hills meet an intricate network of lakes and islands.

Visual Characteristics

The park is dominated by mixed woodland and the fractured shoreline of Lough Oughter.

Topography: The area consists of multiple interconnected islands and peninsulas.

Flora: A mix of coniferous and broadleaf trees, including Norway spruce, Scots pine, beech, and oak.

Lough Oughter: A massive, maze-like lake system featuring numerous small islands and narrow channels.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Killykeen, Cavan, Co. Cavan, Ireland.

Position: Located approximately 12 km west of Cavan Town via the R198 and local roads.

Transit: Private vehicle is required; there is no public transport directly to the park gates.

Parking: Extensive parking is available at the main visitor hub.

Accessibility: The park features several kilometers of surfaced, level paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though some forest trails remain rugged.

Key Highlights & Activities

Clough Oughter Castle: A 13th-century circular tower house situated on a small island in the lake. It is only accessible by boat (kayak/canoe).

Angling: Nationally renowned for coarse fishing, particularly pike, bream, and perch.

Water Sports: Popular for kayaking and canoeing due to the sheltered, labyrinthine nature of the lake channels.

The Family Cycle Trail: A dedicated 3 km multi-access trail through the woodland.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Accommodation: Includes a complex of self-catering holiday chalets and lodges (Cabü by the Lakes).

Facilities: Picnic areas, dedicated fishing stands, and a boat launch.

Sanitation: Public restrooms are located at the main car park and visitor area.

Connectivity: 4G signal is intermittent; it is generally available at the park entrance but often lost within the deep forest or out on the water.

Historical & Ecological Context

Clough Oughter: The castle was a stronghold of the O'Reilly clan and was the site where Eoghan Ruadh Ó Néill, a key figure in the Irish Confederate Wars, died in 1649.

Natura 2000: The park is part of a Special Protection Area (SPA) due to its importance for wintering waterfowl, including the Great Crested Grebe and Whooper Swan.

Technical Details

The "drumlin" topography was formed by receding glaciers during the last Ice Age, which left behind egg-shaped hills. The high water table in the hollows between these hills created the complex Lough Oughter system. The park is managed by Coillte, the Irish state forestry body.