Blacklion: walking trails, dolmens and hotels

On this page

Editor's Choice

Pure Luxury

“Call me spoiled - but I love to be treated like a queen when traveling. Only the best is good enough for me. Hotels that make my vacation a dream of luxury and seduction are my choices. Pay attention to the (violet Medal) for luxury accommodation.”

Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

Editor's Choice

Sustainable Travel

“There is only one earth and we should go out and see it. I like hotels, which look for sustainability. It is not only protecting the ecology, but also taking care for the local business and culture. I recommend the medal for eco accomodation. Let’s protect our earth. Sustainable travel is travelling with responsibility.”

Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

Blacklion combines a short, easy village route with longer walking trails and the geological and archaeological themes of Cavan Burren Park. To choose where to stay, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your visit: a short walk, a linear route or the park and its interpretive centre. The local walking options and the park’s themes offer different experiences.

Walk in the village or take a longer route

The Blacklion Village Trail follows public footpaths, starts and ends in the village, and is rated easy. It is 2 kilometres long and takes about 30 minutes. This is quite different from the Cavan Way: the 21.7-kilometre linear route connects the villages of Dowra and Blacklion. Along the way, the Cavan Way descends towards Blacklion village. If you are looking for a short walk that starts and ends in the village, the Village Trail is a specific option; the Cavan Way is the longer route between two villages. Detailed maps of the Cavan Way are available at the Market House Visitor Centre in Blacklion.

Another historic route, the Beara Breifne Way, leads to Blacklion in County Cavan. The route follows O’Sullivan Beara’s historic march of 1603, adding this historical connection to the choice of routes.

Cavan Burren Park: erratic boulders and dolmens

Cavan Burren Park is located in Cornagee, Burren, Blacklion, County Cavan. Its features include well-preserved glacial erratic boulders and impressive dolmens. The park has five waymarked trails, including one that is fully accessible. Its interpretive centre presents the park’s geological, archaeological, mythological and cultural history. The erratic boulders offer a geological perspective, while the dolmens provide an archaeological one; the centre expands on these themes with mythology and cultural history. As operational details may change, check the latest park information before your visit.

The wider context of County Cavan

Across the wider destination of County Cavan, the Cavan Way passes along countryside and riverside paths, quiet roads, karst terrain and open bogland. Cavan Burren Park is also an important site within the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark. These regional features place Blacklion in the wider context of County Cavan.

Getting your bearings and local cuisine

Blacklion is close to Lough MacNean and the border with Fermanagh. A bridge connects the village with Belcoo in Fermanagh. The Blacklion Community Tourist Office provides visitor information about attractions, activities and events. Contact the office directly for opening hours.

MacNean House & Restaurant is located in Blacklion, County Cavan, at the foot of the Cuilcagh Mountains. The house includes a restaurant and a cookery school. The fine-dining restaurant is run by celebrated chef Neven Maguire; it offers guests extensive menus featuring award-winning dishes, as well as wines from around the world.

Discover more destinations: Bailieborough, Lavagh, Loch Gowna, Kingscourt, Swanlinbar, Cootehill, Dowra, Ballyhugh

For the wider travel overview: County Cavan.

Search accommodationAdvertisement · We may receive a commission if you book.