KINGFISHER ROUTE DESCRIPTION

The Kingfisher Cycle Trail, at 230 miles, was the first fully signposted long distance cycle trail in Ireland, running through the counties of Fermanagh, Leitrim, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan. This is a beautiful rural area of quiet country roads well suited to cycling, where the traffic density is low. It is designed to enable visitors to uncover the secrets and attractions of this unspoiled region for themselves.

The project was originally conceived in 1995 and is the result of a cross border effort involving communities groups, tourism providers and state agencies from all the counties involved.

The trail travels through territory that is dotted with rivers and lakes. The route is fairly flat with some gently undulating hills (despite its proximity to mountains) and is ideal for cycling, and the area is rich in heritage. You can visit the Lough Scur dolmen, Belleek Pottery, National Trust houses like Castle Coole or Florence Court, visitor centres at Crom Estate and Drumshanbo, the Marble Arch caves, Fenagh Abbey and many other places of interest. As you travel south you will ride along the Shannon-Erne Waterway, and pass close to the Shannon Pot, source of the River Shannon.

The trail has been named after the kingfisher, a bird long associated with the lakes, fishing and tranquility of this rural setting. The trail is designed in a figure of eight shape to allow for both long and short cycling holidays. It is suitable for all abilities from seasoned cyclists to family groups.

Information courtesy of Sustrans