Lough Navar Forest Drive is a pretty 7-mile road in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It shows you amazing views from the Magho Cliffs. This article tells you about the forest, its paths, animals, and history. It helps you plan a fun trip. My name is Douglas Baltes. I’m a marine biologist who loves nature. I’ve studied places like this for five years, so I know a lot.
Why Visit Lough Navar Forest Drive?
Lough Navar Forest is very big. It covers 2,600 hectares. It sits above a big lake called Lower Lough Erne. The Magho Cliffs are the best part. The 7-mile drive goes through green forests, past lakes, and to high lookouts. On sunny days, you can see Donegal Bay, the Sperrin Mountains, and even the Atlantic Ocean. The forest is part of a special place called the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. It’s great for nature and rocks. People love driving, walking, and seeing animals here.
This guide is easy to read. It gives you clear facts about the forest’s story, nature, and tips for a great visit. It’s better than other guides because it has more details and is simple to understand.
How to Find Lough Navar Forest Drive
To get there, drive on the A46 road from Enniskillen to Derrygonnelly. Look for signs that say “Forest Drive” on Glennasheevar Road. The entrance is about 7.5 miles from Derrygonnelly. You’ll see a small car park with a sign. Follow brown scenic signs, not Google Maps, because Google can take you to the wrong spot. The drive is open every day from 10:00 AM until the sun sets. You can park, eat a picnic, and use toilets at the Lough Shore Road car park.
What’s the 7-Mile Drive Like?
The Lough Navar Forest Drive is a one-way road. It goes up through the forest to the Magho Cliffs Viewpoint. The road is narrow but smooth. There are spots to stop and look around. You’ll see lakes, paths, and old places. The drive takes 30–45 minutes if you don’t stop. But take 1–2 hours to see everything.
Main Stops on the Drive
- Forest Entrance: A car park and picnic spot by the Sillees River. In summer, you can see pretty butterflies called silver-washed fritillaries.
- Lough Achork: A 1.8-mile path goes around this lake. You might see swans or otters.
- Magho Viewpoint: The best stop. You can see Lower Lough Erne, Donegal Bay, and the Sperrin Mountains.
- Blackslee Waterfall: A 4-mile path from Aghameelan Viewpoint takes you to a quiet waterfall.
- Sweat House: A tiny old stone building. People used it long ago to feel better when they were sick.
Each stop has signs. But some signs are hard to see. Bring a map or get the Lough Navar Forest Drive leaflet from the Enniskillen Tourist Information Centre.
The Magho Cliffs: A Wonderful Lookout
The Magho Cliffs are 300 meters above Lower Lough Erne. This long limestone cliff is the star of the drive. From the Magho Viewpoint, you can see the lake’s islands, the Blue Stack Mountains, and even Slieve League on clear days. The cliffs have special plants like heather and rare crowberry bushes. You might see butterflies or fast birds called peregrine falcons.
A short path lets you walk along the cliff edge. Some parts are steep, so wear strong shoes. There are benches to sit and look at the view. The cliffs are made of limestone, like the nearby Marble Arch Caves.
Animals and Plants in the Forest
Lough Navar Forest has many trees, like oak, birch, and pine. Some areas are open because trees were cut down. This helps animals live there. The Largalinny National Nature Reserve, near the entrance, has rare plants and almost all of Ireland’s butterflies. You can see flowers like wild garlic and bluebells on paths. Lough Meenameen and Lough Achork have fish like brown trout. You need a permit to fish.
You might see foxes, hares, or otters in the forest. Birds like buzzards fly in the sky. The cliffs have special plants that grow in the limestone soil. I’m a marine biologist, so I know how places like this help animals and plants. The forest’s different areas are a great home for wildlife.
Walking Paths for Everyone
Lough Navar has paths for all kinds of walkers. Here are the main ones:
- Magho Cliffs Walk (2.9 km, hard): A steep path with great cliff views. It takes about 1.5 hours. Start at the Lough Shore Road car park or the cliff top.
- Lough Achork Trail (1.8 miles, medium): A flat path around the lake. It’s good for families and seeing animals.
- Blackslee Waterfall Trail (4 miles, medium): A calm walk through old forest to a waterfall. Look for willow sculptures on the way.
- Correl Glen Nature Trail (0.5 miles, easy): Across from the entrance, this path follows the Sillees River. It’s great for new walkers.
Paths have signs, but some are old and faded. Check the WalkNI website for new information. Follow safety signs, as parts of the forest may close for work.
Old Places in the Forest
The forest has cool old sites. The sweat house, near the drive’s exit, is a small stone building. Long ago, people lit fires inside to heat stones. This made a hot room to help with body aches. The Aghameelan Viewpoint shows you Fermanagh and Leitrim. The forest is near old places like the Crannog at Carrick Lough. That’s an island made by people long ago.
I’ve studied nature in oceans and forests. These old sites show how people lived with nature in Fermanagh for many years.
Tips for a Great Trip
- Best Time to Go: Spring and summer have flowers and butterflies. Autumn has colorful leaves. Winter has clear views but is cold.
- What to Bring: Strong shoes, water, a map, and a camera. Bring picnic food for the tables at Magho Viewpoint.
- Weather: Check the weather. Sunny days are best for views. Bring raincoats, as it rains a lot.
- Accessibility: The drive is good for all ages. But paths like Magho Cliffs are steep. The viewpoint has a flat path for people who can’t walk far.
- Nearby Places: Visit the Marble Arch Caves, 12 miles away, or Enniskillen Castle for history and fun.
Why the Forest’s Nature Is Important
The forest has bogs, open land, and woods. These help rare animals and plants. The Magho Cliffs’ limestone lets special plants like butterwort grow. Cutting some trees made more room for animals. My work with groups like the Australian Marine Conservation Society shows how protecting places like this helps nature. Lough Navar’s care keeps its animals and plants safe.
The Largalinny National Nature Reserve is a special spot. It has almost all of Ireland’s butterflies. This makes it great for people who love nature. You can fish at Lough Meenameen with a permit, which helps keep the lake healthy.
Planning Your Day at Lough Navar
A full trip takes 3–4 hours. Start with the 7-mile drive and stop at the main spots. Walk the Magho Cliffs path for views or the Lough Achork path for a calm walk. Bring a picnic to eat at the viewpoint. If you have time, see the Marble Arch Caves or Enniskillen’s shops and cafes.
For a quick trip, drive to the Magho Viewpoint. Spend 30 minutes looking at the view and walking a bit. Early mornings are quiet and good for seeing animals.
Why Lough Navar Is Special
Lough Navar Forest Drive is wonderful. It has nature, history, and great views. The Magho Cliffs show you one of Ireland’s best lookouts. The paths are good for all walkers. It’s part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, which is cool for rock lovers. Unlike busy places, Lough Navar is calm and natural.
My work in marine biology and studying nature helps me explain why this forest matters. Its animals, plants, and care make it a great example of protecting nature. Whether you like walking, fishing, or looking at views, Lough Navar has something for you.
Conclusion
Lough Navar Forest Drive is a 7-mile trip through a beautiful place. The Magho Cliffs give you amazing views of Lower Lough Erne and more. With paths, animals, and history, it’s a great day out. Use this guide to plan your trip. Get a map from the Enniskillen Tourist Information Centre. Enjoy the forest’s beauty and calm!
Disclaimer: This article about Lough Navar Forest Drive is for informational purposes only. It provides details about the scenic loop, trails, wildlife, and history based on research and the author’s knowledge. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, information such as trail conditions, accessibility, or opening hours may change. Always check with official sources, like the Enniskillen Tourist Information Centre or WalkNI, before visiting. The author and publisher are not responsible for any errors, injuries, or damages that may occur during your visit. Follow all safety signs and guidelines at Lough Navar Forest.
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Douglas Baltes is a writer who loves the ocean! He has worked for five years to learn about it. He writes fun stories about the Great Southern Reef in Australia, a big place with giant kelp forests under the water. Douglas has a degree in Marine Biology from the University of Tasmania, so he knows a lot about sea life! He works with nice groups to save the kelp forests. Douglas writes easy and exciting stories about them. He also leads happy projects to help the forests grow again. The Australian Marine Conservation Society loves his work!
