Cavan Burren
Cavan Burren Park
Cavan Burren Park is a stunning prehistoric park located in the UNESCO designated Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark in Wes Cavan.
The site boasts numerous geological and archaeological features including megalithic tombs and glacial erratics. The site has recently been transformed into an amazing accessible prehistoric park with five looped walking trails including a multi access trail as well as brand new interpretative centre, toilet and car park facilities and interpretation across the site.
Cavan Burren Park opened to the public in May 2014. However, the site itself goes back a little longer….probably around 340 million years to the Carboniferous period when this whole area was covered in a shallow tropical sea.
Over 10km of trails in total from accessible trails to bog bridge trails over limestone bedrock and past some of the finest prehistoric features in Ireland. The longer walking route – The Cavan Way also runs through Cavan Burren park. This is a 26km walking trail from the village of Dowara to the village of Blacklion in West Cavan and is a must for the walking enthusiast.
Trail 1 – The Calf House Dolmen Trail (1.3km)
Multi-access trail with 360 degree views across the surrounding landscape. This trail provides easy access to many of the important features of this relict landscape.
Trail start point – Interpretative Centre Car Park
Duration – Approx. 35mins / 25metre climb
Features include; Tulygobbin Wedge Tomb, Tullygobbin viewpoint, Lost Valley viewpoint, Calf-House Dolmen tomb, Old farmstead, Glacial Erratics, Karst Limestone, Dolines and Sinkholes.
Trail 2 – The Giant’s Leap Trail (2.7km)
Bog bridge steps and gravel path surfaces. View one of the most intact megalithic wedge tombs in Ireland. Fantastic views across the surrounding landscape.
Trail start point – Interpretative Centre Car Park
Duration – Approx. 50mins on bog-bridge and gravel path terrain with a 35metre climb
Features include; Giant’s Leap Wedge Tomb, Limekiln, Lost Valley, Giant’s Leap dry valley and a wide variety of biodiversity.
Trail 3 – The Promontory Fort Trail (2.9km)
Includes bog bridge steps and gravel path surface and guides the visitor through the tranquil Lost Valley past a promontory fort. Fantastic views across the surrounding landscape.
Trail start point – Interpretative Centre Car Park
Duration – Approx. 1hour on Bog-bridge, steps and gravel path terrain with a 65metre climb
Features include; Lost valley, Promontory Fort, Sinkholes, Relict farm walls and Glacial Erratics.
Trail 4 – Tullygobbin Lough Trail (1.6km)
Gravel path surface through past the biodiverse rich Tullygobbin Lough. Fantastic views across the surrounding landscape.
Trail start point – Interpretative Centre Bottom Car Park
Duration – Approx. 45mins on Gravel path terrain with a 15metre climb
Features include; Tullygobbin Lough, Desiccated Sandstone, Biodiversity and Glacial Erratics.
Trail 5 – The Cavan Waymarked Way
The Cavan Way walking route enters the forest on Trail 2 through Giant’s Leap dry valley onto Trail 4 before exiting Cavan Burren Park towards Carrickterrim Special Area of Conservation (SAC) towards the village of Blacklion.
Carefully placed interpretation throughout this site explains all the features as you take in the 360° views. Stories of Giants and moving glaciers come to life with every step you take in this breath taking prehistoric park.
