The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Lough Arrow

Our guide features 9 easy, family-friendly hiking trails around Lough Arrow, perfect for enjoying the beautiful scenery with children.

The trails around Lough Arrow often feature gentle paths through dry woodlands of ash, blackthorn, and hawthorn, as well as unique 'Alder carr' woodlands. You'll find varied terrain with views of the lake and surrounding mountains, including the Bricklieve, Curlew, and Braulieve ranges.

Yes, many of the family-friendly routes are circular. For example, the Drumman's Island – Lough Key loop offers a pleasant circular walk, allowing you to return to your starting point without retracing your steps.

The Lough Arrow region is rich in history and natural beauty. While hiking, you might encounter views of the ancient Carrowkeel Neolithic Cemetery in the Bricklieve Mountains, or the massive Heapstown Cairn. The eastern side of the lake is also associated with the mythological "Second Battle of Moytura."

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Lough Arrow, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 52 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil natural beauty, the well-maintained paths, and the suitability of the routes for families looking for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

For younger children, routes like the Lough Key Nature Trail loop and Drummans island are excellent choices. These trails are generally shorter, have minimal elevation gain, and offer engaging natural surroundings to keep little ones entertained.

Most family-friendly hikes around Lough Arrow range from 4 to 6.5 kilometers in distance and typically take between 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops. For instance, the Kilronan castle loop is about 4.6 km and takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.

While specific parking details vary by trailhead, many popular starting points for trails around Lough Arrow, especially those near Lough Key Forest Park, offer designated parking facilities. It's always a good idea to check the individual tour details on komoot for the most accurate parking information.

Lough Arrow is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for family hikes, with milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. Autumn also provides stunning scenery with changing foliage. The area is a designated Wildlife Sanctuary, so you might spot wintering waterfowl if visiting in colder months.

While many trails are easy, not all may be perfectly smooth for strollers, especially those with natural forest paths. Routes within well-maintained parks like Lough Key often have more stroller-friendly sections. We recommend checking the detailed route descriptions and photos on komoot for specific trail conditions.

Absolutely! The Lough Arrow area, particularly near Lough Key, offers opportunities to combine hiking with other family activities. You can explore the natural beauty of the lake, which is known for its crystal-clear waters, or visit historical sites like Drumman's Island, which is accessible via some of the loop walks.