Cavan Burren Park

Cavan Burren Park sits on a limestone plateau in west County Cavan, close to the village of Blacklion. Its name reflects the exposed karst landscape, which echoes the more famous Burren in County Clare. The park forms part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark (formerly the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark), which stretches across the border between counties Cavan and Fermanagh, and it lies beneath the slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain.

The park is regarded as one of the finest prehistoric relict landscapes in Ireland, having remained largely undisturbed within surrounding forestry for decades before being opened up for visitors. Scattered across the site are dozens of archaeological monuments, including megalithic wedge and portal tombs. Among the best known features are the Calf House Dolmen and the so-called Giant’s Grave, alongside hut sites, ancient field walls and a promontory fort.

The limestone setting has produced a distinctive geology of its own, with glacial erratics, sinkholes and dolines visible along the way. Several waymarked walking trails run through the park, ranging from a short, wheelchair-accessible route to the dolmen to longer loops taking in viewpoints and archaeological sites, and the long-distance Cavan Way passes through the grounds.

The park has an interpretative centre, car and coach parking, picnic areas and toilets. Admission is free of charge. Visitors are encouraged to check current opening arrangements before travelling.