Cootehill: Rivers, Forest and History

Cootehill lies between the Dromore and Annalee rivers and is considered a popular fishing destination. There are 26 lakes within a 13-kilometre radius of the town. Dromore River Tours, the Cootehill Loop Trail and a historic town trail give your stay different focuses: water, forest and local history.

River route, boat options and forest trail

In Cootehill, Dromore River Tours offers guided canoe or boat tours, as well as the option to rent a boat for a day. The canoe tour lasts about three hours and ends at Halton’s Park in Cootehill. It first follows the Dromore River through the drumlin landscape along the Cavan–Monaghan border. The route then passes through Dromore Lough between the wooded estates of Bellamont and Dartrey. Confirm the tour duration and route with the operator in advance.

For planning purposes, you can distinguish the approximately three-hour canoe tour from a full-day boat rental. On land, the Cootehill Loop Trail winds through the historic Bellamont Forest in Cootehill. This gives you two different types of outing: a water route and a forest trail.

The Haltons Amenity Area on the outskirts of Cootehill has changing facilities and serves as a starting point for several walking trails. If you need the changing facilities, it is advisable to confirm their current condition before your visit.

Town history and remembrance

Cootehill is a historic town with a historic town trail. In the 18th century, it was an important centre of the linen industry. The town trail and the former linen industry offer different ways to explore local history: a route to follow and the economic significance Cootehill had during that period.

Erica’s Fairy Forest in Fairgreen is dedicated to the memory of Erica Ní Draighneain (2010–2016). This personal tribute adds a distinct commemorative element to the town’s broader historical themes.

Events and when to visit

Cootehill Parkrun is a free weekly 5 km event held every Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Halton’s Amenity Park on Monaghan Road in Cootehill. You can walk, power walk, run, volunteer or spectate. Check the event details before your trip.

The Cootehill Arts Festival brings well-known artists and performers to Cootehill every summer. The Cootehill Championship Fishing Festival is an annual five-day event in September that attracts more than 100 anglers to Cootehill. These events offer different opportunities: the weekly Saturday Parkrun, the summer Arts Festival and the September Fishing Festival. If your trip depends on an event, check the specific dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Corlough, Loch Gowna, Arvagh, Kingscourt, Blacklion, Cavan, Lavagh, Virginia.

For the broader travel guide: County Cavan.