Walking Trails
Walking Trails
(Distance: 2.5 km)
This 2.5 km self-guided trail follows the lakeshore at Lough Gur through a landscape rich in history, folklore and archaeology. Combining scenic views with some of Ireland's most significant ancient monuments, the route offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the country's most important heritage sites at your own pace.
The trail passes a variety of archaeological features, including The Spectacles, a medieval farming settlement over 1,000 years old, and the remains of a Crannóg on Bolin Island, an ancient lake dwelling that once stood above the water. Along the way, visitors can enjoy peaceful lakeside scenery and discover the layers of history embedded within the landscape.
A short climb via the 110 Stone Steps leads to elevated viewpoints overlooking Lough Gur and the surrounding countryside, providing some of the best panoramic views of the site. From ancient settlements to striking natural scenery, the Magical Lough Gur Trail offers an enjoyable and accessible walk for families, history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
(Distance: 4.5 km)
The Legendary Lough Gur Trail explores some of the area's most significant archaeological monuments and legendary sites. Following quiet country roads and scenic viewpoints, the trail takes visitors to Carraig Áille Stone Forts, the Giant's Grave, Knockadoon, New Church and the magnificent Grange Stone Circle. Along the way, discover the myths, folklore and ancient history that have shaped Lough Gur for thousands of years.
The trail offers spectacular views across the Golden Vale and provides a deeper insight into one of Ireland's richest archaeological landscapes, culminating at the largest and most complete stone circle in Ireland.
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What Our Visitors Say
Our student’s group had a great trip to Lough Gur on Monday. We listened an interesting talk about this place’s history from Stone Age to modern times at Lough Gur Visitor Center. After with tour guide Brian we had short walk around area. It was gorgeous! It’s a one of the most beautiful places Ireland! There is a lake, hills, small forest, castle’s ruins. Finally, we visited Great Stone Circle, which was built several thousand years ago. I’m really grateful to Kate and Brian for this amazing day! My classmates and I had a great time and have taken a lot of pictures.
Lough Gur is an amazing archaeological site where people have lived for over 6,000 years. It is well maintained and offers an excellent Visitors' Centre describing the periods of occupation in fascinating detail as well as local history. Replicas of artefacts discovered here are also on display. Advisable to Google in advance to grasp the magnificence of this site. The largest Stone Circle in Ireland is in the area. Coffee and biscuits are available but no cooked meals. Go to Reardon's pub restaurant nearby for that.
Lough Gur is just the most amazing place to visit it's wheel chair accessable and just excellent for kids lots of picnic benches lots of walks and loads to explore you could spend the day here easily and time will fly there's a small playground also and a little shop on site and toilets at entrance well worth a visit highly recommend for a lovely family day out.
A wondrously tranquil spot, which would be worth visiting for its beauty even if it had no archeological significance. But its unique role in the history of human colonisation of Ireland is a fascinating tale, brought alive to our group by a young local volunteer who, while obviously immensely knowledgeable about the area, wore his learning lightly as he told his tale with panache and humour. In my view, one of Ireland's must-see experiences.
What a beautiful, non commercialised, tranquil heaven with well maintained pathways, wheelchair friendly. Free ample parking, plus an information centre which is non intrusive to the ambient nature 😀 Rest rooms are positioned at the (entrance, exit) and are well maintained. Monitored security is clearly evident providing a level of comfort even for solo visitors. Please never allow any "profit body" marshal this sanctuary of peace as has been done with the "Cliffs of Moher" to name just one. Well done to the custodians of this natural Treasure.
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