Lough Navar Forest

What You'll Find

Lough Navar Forest stretches across the hills above Lower Lough Erne, and the drive through it is one of the best things to do in Fermanagh with children who don't mind a car journey.

The Forest Drive runs about seven miles, climbing through conifer woodland to the Magho Cliffs viewpoint. That's the moment everyone remembers: the ground simply drops away and the lough opens out below you in islands and inlets, with hills beyond.

There are car parks, picnic areas, viewpoints and short waymarked walks dotted along the route, so you can stop as often as you like rather than doing it all in one go. It's part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, which tells you something about the landscape you're driving through.

Check the current opening times before you set off.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Counting how many islands they can spot from the Magho Cliffs viewpoint
• ✓A picnic at one of the forest stops along the drive
• ✓Watching the lough appear and disappear between the trees as you climb
• ✓Trying one of the short waymarked walks on the route

Before You Visit

Free to enter. Opening times are worth checking before you travel.

The drive is a narrow forest road with steep drops below some of the viewpoints, so keep little ones close once you're out of the car.

The weather up here can be very different from down at the lough shore, so bring layers even if it's mild when you set off.

Toilets at the Magho Cliffs car park haven't been confirmed, so plan a stop before you head up.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Go on a clear day, the whole point of the drive is the view
• ⭐Stop at more than one viewpoint, the drive rewards taking your time
• ⭐Combine it with Castle Archdale Country Park, already on the site, for a full Erne day