The best walks and hikes around Lurganboy

Yes, the area is well-suited for looped walks. The trails in Lurganboy Forest, which includes Cranny Wood and Milltown Wood, can be combined into an 8km circular hike. For a shorter, easy loop, the Drum Manor Forest Park loop is a great option that takes about an hour and a half.

Many trails in the area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept under control. Milltown Woods is a particularly popular spot for dog walkers, known for its peaceful and easy paths. Always check local signage for specific leash rules before you start your walk.

Lurganboy offers several excellent choices for beginners and families. The walks through Milltown Wood and Cranny Wood are generally gentle and can be done in shorter sections. Another fantastic option is the Drum Manor House Ruins – Drum Manor House Ruins loop from Drum Manor Forest Park, an easy 4.6 km trail that is perfect for a relaxed family outing.

Yes, the region is famous for its waterfalls. A short drive away is the spectacular Glencar Waterfall, immortalized in a poem by W.B. Yeats. For a hike that includes a waterfall, the trail to the Devil's Chimney, Ireland's tallest waterfall, is a must-see. Fowley's Falls is another highly-regarded local spot featuring a series of picturesque cascades along a short riverside walk.

For panoramic views, the trails that guide you over Shanvaus hill within the Lurganboy Forest Walks are excellent, offering breathtaking vistas of the Glencar Glacial Valley and the wider landscape. For a more challenging hike with rewarding scenery, the trek to Eagle's Rock provides stunning views from the highest point in the Dartry Mountains.

The trails around Lurganboy are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the serene atmosphere of the woodlands, especially in Milltown Wood and Cranny Wood. The variety of the landscape, from lush glacial valleys to the riverside paths along the River Bonet, is another frequently mentioned highlight.

Yes, if you're looking for something more substantial than an easy forest walk, the Derryloran Old Church loop from Cookstown is a great choice. It's a moderate 10.9 km route with a gradual ascent, offering a good workout through a mix of paths.

Milltown Woods offers a network of gentle, well-maintained paths that meander alongside the River Bonet. It's known for being a peaceful and easy walk, suitable for all fitness levels. The woods are a local favorite for their tranquil atmosphere and are also a great place to spot wildlife like jays and dippers.

Free parking is available at the entrance to Milltown Woods, making it a convenient starting point for many of the local walks. Other popular trailheads in the wider area, such as those for Glencar Waterfall or the Devil's Chimney, also have designated parking areas, though they can get busy during peak times.

The nearby town of Manorhamilton, a short drive from Lurganboy, has a selection of traditional pubs and cafes where you can relax after your hike. It's the main hub for the area and the best place to find refreshments and a meal.

The landscape around Lurganboy is a classic Irish countryside scene, shaped by the last Ice Age. Expect to hike through rolling hills, lush woodlands, and dramatic glacial valleys like the Glencar Valley. Trails are a mix of forest paths, riverside walks, and some open hillside tracks, with Benbo mountain providing a stunning backdrop.