Walking
Enjoy a lakeshore stroll, forest trail or a more strenuous mountain hike
Lough Erne and Shannon-Erne Waterway
Castle Caldwell
This is a very peaceful, secluded spot, near Belleek. The 16th century Castle, surrounded by forest, is now a ruin. A walk around the woodlands is a must to experience the "get away from it all" feeling. The Forest Park is a sanctuary for wild birds and deer and there are various short walks and nature trails and a picnic area. At the entrance is the Fiddle Stone, in memory of a local fiddler who drowned in 1770. There are 3 way-marked routes, from 0.3 miles to 2.5 miles.
Magho Cliffs
From the jetty at Magho, you can access the very scenic Lough Navar Forest Park and the cliffs of Magho. A short walk will take you to the look-out point, or venture to the top of the cliffs (a strenuous 8 mile walk) for dramatic views across Lough Erne to the Donegal Mountains.
Tully Castle Loughshore Walk
This 1.2 mile circular route takes in the castle grounds with commanding views of the castle ruins and the surrounding countryside. The walk continues into a mixed woodland area before breaking out into views across Lough Erne
Castle Archdale
Castle Archdale Country Park is an important conservation area with nature trail, butterfly gardens and wildflower meadows. It was originally a plantation castle, but was destroyed in 1689 and all that remains are the fine stable buildings, which now house an Exhibition Centre. Visit the ancient collection of farm machinery or memorabilia of World War 2, when Castle Archdale was an important base for flying boats. For refreshments, there is a pub, a coffee shop serving lunches and sandwiches and a chip shop.
Carrickreagh
From here, there is a lovely walk of about 5km around Ely Lodge Forest. Or take a walk to the viewing platform for extensive views across Lough Erne.
Crom Estate
This is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas, with 2000 acres of woodland to explore. There are a number of woodland walks and nature trails. The old farm buildings have been converted into a visitor centre and tearoom. There are 2 castles - the older castle is close to the visitor centre and the well-preserved 19th century castle is still inhabited and not open to the public.
Ballyconnell
The Woodford River Walk is 5km way-marked route which takes you from the bridge in Ballyconnell along the Woodford River to Annagh Woods, through the woods and back onto the river path. It is parked with purple arrows.
Ballinamore
The Ballinamore Looped Walking Trail meanders alongside the tranquil waters of the Shannon-Erne, with the picturesque village of Ballinamore at the centre. This 4.5km looped trail starts at Ballinamore marina before looping around at Longstones and back to the Ballinamore.
Upper Shannon
Drumshanbo
A series of way marked hill walks have been developed in the nearby Sliabh An Iarainn Mountain, varying in length from 30 minutes to 3 hours. They are marked on a map board at Aghacashel Post Office and further details can be obtained in the shop. It is about 10 minutes taxi drive from Drumshanbo.
The Leitrim Way is a long distance waymarked way starting in Drumshanbo and initially following the Eastern shore of Lough Allen. Although the entire walk is 50km, the first few kilometres provide panoramic views of Lough Allen.
Lanesborough
The Commons North Woodland Walk is a very attractive and accessible 4.5km circular route, starting just behind the Parish Hall in Lanesborough and heading south towards Lough Ree. It is signposted with white markers, then you have the option of following the inner loop (yellow arrows) or the outer loop (brown arrows). There are also information panels along the way.
Port Runny
A pleasant walk from here takes you along the south shore of Cruit Bay to Cruit Point.
LeCarrow
There are 2 looped walks about 3 km from the village of Lecarrow. The Rinn Duin Loop is a 3 km walking trail marked by a green arrow and takes you around Rinn Duin Castle. The Warren Point Loop is 4.5 km and marked by a blue arrow. It also goes around St. John's Wood, one of the oldest oak tree woods in Europe. From the harbour, take the road away from the village and walk for 3km to find the start of the walks.
Lower Shannon
Athlone
The Tourist Information Centre is located in the Castle and you will find details here of 2 very interesting town trails - The Connaught Walk, 3km long and the Leinster Walk, 2 km long. Both walks start at the jetty and take you around the most interesting historic sites of the town.
Dromineer
Dromineer is the start of the long distance Lough Derg Way which goes as far as Killaloe and it is a pleasant walk for the first few kilometres along the shores of the Lough.
Garrykennedy
Garrykennedy Lakeside Forest Walk, starts in Garrykennedy, with picnic areas.
Mountshannon
With the backdrop of the Slieve Aughty Mountains, there are many opportunities for walking in the area. A number of looped walks, which are part of the long distance East Clare Way, start and finish in Mountshannon.
Scariff
A number of looped walks, which are part of the long distance East Clare Way, start and finish in Scarriff. They vary in length from 5km to 19km.