3.0
(3)
59
hikers
5
hikes
Hiking around Ballyboy offers diverse and accessible natural landscapes, characterized by rolling lowlands, woodlands, and picturesque lakeside paths. The terrain is generally gentle, making it suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. This region provides a serene environment for exploration, with many routes centered around beautiful loughs and river systems.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
5.0
(1)
14
hikers
4.99km
01:18
40m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
4.58km
01:14
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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1.0
(1)
25
hikers
3.86km
00:59
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
12
hikers
2.45km
00:38
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
2.06km
00:32
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Caledon Beam Engine is an exciting relic from another era that will accompany you on your tour through the Northern Ireland countryside. Nestled in the remains of an old wool mill, the beam engine tells of an era when the pounding and banging of machines shaped everyday life. Today it stands almost forgotten by the roadside and is a reminder of the region's industrial past. The ruin has its own charm - rusty gears, weathered walls and a feeling of time standing still. If you want to pause for a moment to take in the surroundings, this is an ideal place to dismount for a moment. This is not about perfectly restored monuments, but about the raw charm and stories that such places carry. Look out for the old inscriptions and the signs of decay that give the Beam Engine an almost sculptural appearance. This place is a silent witness to a time long gone and offers you a welcome change from the wide fields and winding roads of the region.
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As you step through the magnificent gate, you will be enveloped by the timelessness of this historic place. The old walls, which shine in the sun, tell stories from times long past and invite you to discover them. The municipality has enriched this treasure trove of history with a library and a museum that attract knowledge seekers and history lovers. In the quiet rooms of the library you can leaf through old writings and be transported back to times gone by, while the museum brings the history of the place and its people to life. After a journey of discovery through history and culture, the Priorat's café beckons with its seductive scent of freshly brewed coffee. Here, in an ambience that wonderfully combines modernity and history, you can take a little time out. Choose from comfortable seating inside or settle on one of the terraces to soak up the rays while munching on delicious pastries. But the Priory has even more to offer. A dreamy little walkway winds from the building down to the river. A path lined with blooming flowers and old trees that acts as an invitation to explore this wonderful terrain in all its splendor.
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A well-designed information board welcomes you directly on the shore and will introduce you to the lake and the surrounding forest like an experienced guide. Using carefully chosen words and images, she traces the fishing history of Brantry Lough - from the first people who fished here with simple nets to the modern anglers who live out their passion for the sport here today. The board takes you into a world rich in biodiversity. You will be amazed at the variety of fish that swim in these waters and the stories each of them has to tell. From the iridescent brown trout that deftly meander through the aquatic plants to the smaller species that reside in the deeper areas of the lake.
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Surrounded by rolling hills and lush green meadows, this lake reflects the sky in its clear waters and holds a special promise for those dedicated to the art of fishing. The waters of Brantry Lough are rich in brown trout. Skillfully moving through the depths of the lake, these dazzling fish are stocked all year round and are the pride of the lough. Not only do they offer a challenge for experienced anglers, but also a fascinating observation for nature lovers. Especially at daybreak or in the quiet hours of the evening, when the water is calm and the air is filled with an expectant silence, you can see boats gently rocking on the lake. These belong to enthusiastic fishermen who have come hoping for the perfect catch. The tranquil atmosphere, broken only by the occasional splash of a fishing hook thrown into the water, makes Brantry Lough a place for relaxation and reflection.
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This handsome looking weir stretches across the river like a silent sentinel, capturing the clear waters of the Blackwater as they glisten in the sun and bathe the surrounding area in a calming sound. Next to the weir there is a green oasis in which time seems to stand still. Lush green areas, peppered with scattered trees, invite you to linger. Picnic benches, strategically placed, offer the ideal place to watch the water play at the weir, let your thoughts wander and unwind. Here, on the banks of the Blackwater, you can escape everyday life for a moment and lose yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the park.
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Brantry Lough is a fantastic fishing lake situated just north of Creevelough in County Tyrone. The waters provide a great supply of brown trout that's stocked all year around bringing keen fishermen and their boats to the shores
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The last housed beam engine in Ireland is a significant piece of industrial and social history. The Caldon Beam Engine has been preserved since the Woollen Mill was destroyed in 1985.
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Ballyboy offers five easy hiking trails, all designed for accessible outdoor enjoyment. These routes are generally gentle, suitable for a wide range of fitness levels, and perfect for exploring the region's natural beauty.
Yes, Ballyboy features several easy circular walks. The Emy Lough loop from Emyvale ED is a popular 2.4-mile option around the picturesque lough. Another excellent choice is the Brantry Lough – Brantry Lough loop from Lough Macronan, offering a shorter 1.5-mile circuit.
Easy hikes around Ballyboy immerse you in diverse and accessible natural landscapes. You'll find rolling lowlands, tranquil woodlands, and picturesque lakeside paths, particularly around Brantry Lough and Emy Lough. The River Blackwater also features prominently in areas like Benburb Valley Park, adding to the scenic beauty.
Yes, several easy hiking routes offer nearby attractions. The Benburb Valley Park trail features the scenic Blackwater River Weir. You can also explore the grounds of Benburb Priory, which has a small footpath leading to the river. Brantry Lough and Emy Lough themselves are beautiful focal points for lakeside walks.
Ballyboy's easy trails are enjoyable year-round due to their generally gentle terrain. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural colors, while summer is ideal for lakeside picnics. Even in winter, the well-maintained paths provide accessible options for a refreshing walk, though appropriate gear is always recommended.
Absolutely. For shorter, easy walks, consider the Brantry Lough – Brantry Lough loop from Lough Macronan, which is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and takes around 40 minutes. Another short option is the Caledon Beam Engine loop from Caledon, which is 1.3 miles (2.1 km) and can be completed in about 30 minutes.
The easy hiking trails in Ballyboy are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.0 stars. Hikers often praise the accessible paths, the serene environment of the woodlands, and the picturesque views around the loughs and rivers.
Yes, the Benburb Priory, which is near the Benburb Valley Park trail, features a cafe on its grounds. This makes it a convenient spot to enjoy refreshments before or after your hike.
Emy Lough, which is featured in the Emy Lough loop from Emyvale ED, is described as an ideal spot for a swim on sunny days. While not officially designated for wild swimming, its clear waters make it a popular choice for those looking to cool off after a walk.
Yes, many of Ballyboy's easy hiking trails are well-suited for families. The gentle terrain and accessible paths, such as those found at Brantry Lough and Wood or Benburb Valley Park, make them ideal for outings with children. Picnic areas are also available in places like Benburb Valley Park.
While specific regulations can vary, many easy trails in Ballyboy, particularly those through woodlands and parks, are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors and to protect local wildlife.
Many popular easy hiking spots in Ballyboy, such as Benburb Valley Park and areas around Brantry Lough, typically offer dedicated parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific route details for parking information before your visit.
Access to some easy hiking trails in Ballyboy by public transport may be limited. While local bus services might connect to larger towns nearby, reaching specific trailheads often requires a short taxi ride or personal vehicle. For routes like the Emy Lough loop from Emyvale ED, checking local bus schedules to Emyvale would be the best approach.


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