Start: Enniskillen Visitor Centre (recommended starting point)
Distance: 300 miles / 480km
Terrain: Quiet roads
Bike Types: Mountain bikes, Hybrid, Road Bike
Grading : Moderate / Challenging
The Kingfisher Cycle Trail was the first long-distance cycle trail in Ireland and takes the cyclist through Fermanagh, Leitrim, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan in roughly a figure of 8. It got its name as kingfishers can be seen along the rivers and lakes along its route. The route is almost entirely on quiet roads / country lanes but a number of short routes / loops can be cycled. The two main loops are the Northern and Southern loops.
The Southern Loop (227 km) starting in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim
The Northern Loop (155km) starting in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh
There are also a number of shorter loops at vairious locations along the way suitable for beginners include
The Drumshanbo Loop (38 km) starting in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim
The Clones Loop (25km) starting in Clones, Co. Monaghan
The Ballyshannon Loop (21km) starting in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal
In general the Kingfisher trail is relatively flat (except for the Bencroy Pass) with some undulating hills and due to the number of smaller loops available it is suitable for all cycling abiltiies. For cyclists of moderate ability the route could be done in 4 days but to give time to visit some of the towns and attractions along the way 6-8 days would be more comfortable.
Kingfisher Trail Route Map and GPX
