It’s great to get the kids outdoors for some fresh air, and these stunning places for family walks in Cavan offer something a little different for every kind of family day out — from easy buggy-friendly trails to waterfall walks and lakeshore rambles.
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Family Walks in Cavan
1. Deerpark Forest Walks
Deerpark Forest in Virginia has three trails to choose from. The shortest is just over 1km, taking you from the car park to the stone bridge across the park river. Or try the Golden Way Heritage Trail — about an hour’s walk, 2.1km long, and graded easy.
For older kids, the Lough Ramor loop (4.2km, also graded easy) follows the park river out to the shores of Lough Ramor.
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2. Turbet Island
Turbet Island, located beside Kilconny Bridge in Belturbet, is a beautiful spot for a family walk. It has a quiet, nature-filled, fully accessible trail along the River Erne, running from the car park at the bridge past the Anglo-Norman remains of the Motte and Bailey, on up to the Railway Bridge (a remnant of the old Great Northern Railway), before heading back to the car park or on into town if you’re following the Belturbet Heritage Walking Trail.
If you have younger children with you, bring some bread for the ducks!
3. Dun a Ri Forest Park
Photo: Lorraine Teevan
Dun a Ri Forest Park near Kingscourt has four signposted walks ranging from 1km to 2km, making it one of the most popular family walking spots in Cavan.
- Nature Trail — a 1km trail along the southern bank of the Cabra River, with numbered posts marking spots of interest.
- Village Walk — a 1.5km trail around the edge of Lady’s Lake, passing Cabra Cottage and the old Barracks before returning to the car park.
- River Walk — a 2km walk following the Cabra River, returning via Lady’s Lake, with lovely views of Fleming’s Folly and the icehouse.
- Access for All Trail — a short, generally flat trail designed for less able users, including wheelchair users, partially sighted visitors, some elderly users, and parents with buggies or very small children.
4. Aughvains/Drumbriste
Aughvains/Drumbriste is rated as moderate, taking approximately 1.5 hours over 7km along lanes, bogs, forests and lakeshores. Do take care on the lanes, as they can get busy at times.
5. Tullydermot Falls
The dramatic Tullydermot Falls sit approximately 6km south-west of Swanlinbar, in the direction of the Bellavally Gap. The falls are easily accessible, with a trail leading from an information point at the car park.
About two miles further up the river there’s another waterfall that many consider even more impressive than Tullydermot Falls itself. It’s a great spot for a picnic, a bit of angling, or — for the more adventurous — a swim in some of the clearest water you’ll find in Ireland. The Tullydermot viewpoint looks out over Slieve Rushen and the lowlands of north Cavan, with a good view of the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain too.
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6. Cavan Burren Park
Image © Fáilte Ireland/Tourism Ireland. Courtesy of Brian Morrison
One of the most unique walks in Cavan, Cavan Burren Park sits within the Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark — recognised for its exceptional geological significance.
Make the most of the interpretative centre and walking trails, which highlight the spectacular prehistoric tombs, fascinating geology, and unique stories that make this such a special environment for families to explore.
7. Visit the Cavan Lakes
Cavan is famously home to a lake for every day of the year, so make the most of them! Walking along the shores, skimming stones, splashing about, fishing, and all sorts of water-based fun make for a great family day out.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest family walk in Cavan for younger kids?
The Access for All Trail at Dun a Ri Forest Park is a short, flat, buggy-friendly option, as is the shortest trail at Deerpark Forest and the accessible riverside path at Turbet Island.
Are any of these Cavan walks suitable for buggies or wheelchairs?
Yes — Turbet Island’s riverside trail is fully accessible, and Dun a Ri Forest Park has a dedicated Access for All Trail designed for wheelchair users, parents with buggies, and less mobile visitors.
Which Cavan walk is best for older kids looking for more of a challenge?
The Lough Ramor loop at Deerpark Forest (4.2km) and the Aughvains/Drumbriste route (7km, moderate) both offer a longer, more adventurous outing for older children.
Is Tullydermot Falls safe for children?
The falls themselves are reached via an accessible trail from the car park, but the area further upriver involves more rugged terrain. As with any waterfall or riverside walk, keep a close eye on children near the water.
Do I need to pay to visit these walks?
These are public forest parks, trails and amenity areas. Always check current access details, parking and any facilities directly before you travel, as arrangements can change.
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- The Best Picnic Places for Families in Cavan
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