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seasonal · Saturday 8 August 2026 · 7:00am 
Cuilcagh Camino 2026
At St Mary's Hall · Main Street, Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan
At St Mary's Hall · Main Street, Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan
The Cuilcagh Camino is a long-running annual charity walk that takes walkers deep into the landscape of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark, starting and finishing in the small south Cavan village of Swanlinbar. Organised by the Cuilcagh Ramblers and local volunteers, it draws participants who want a proper day out in the hills rather than a token stroll - the shortest option is 16km, the longest pushes 30km. Proceeds go to local causes and charities, which means your entry fee does real good locally. It suits experienced hill-walkers who are comfortable on uneven terrain and have a good few long distances already in the legs.
Three self-guided routes are on offer, all starting and finishing at St Mary’s Hall on Main Street in Swanlinbar. The short route (16km) follows the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain and offers sweeping views without committing to the full plateau. The medium (25km) and long (30km) routes venture further into the eastern Cuilcagh landscape, crossing the lower plateau and the foothills of Benbeg - the longer options also pass several archaeological sites along the way. Terrain varies: stretches of tarred road give way to gravel tracks, boggy hillside, and grassy trail. Route maps are provided at registration, and the course is marked with directional signage and staffed by stewards.
The entry fee (€60, plus a small booking fee) covers your map, refreshments and toilet stations on route, hot food at the finish line, and a commemorative Cuilcagh Camino T-shirt. Come in proper hiking boots, with rain gear and water packed regardless of the forecast. Extra layers, snacks, and something sugary for the final kilometres are all strongly recommended. Registration times are staggered: long-route walkers sign in from 7:00am to 8:00am, medium from 8:00am to 8:30am, and short from 8:30am to 9:30am. The event is for over-18s only and dogs are not permitted. Online ticket sales close on 4 August 2026.
Swanlinbar sits in the south-west corner of Co. Cavan, close to the Fermanagh border. From Cavan Town, follow the N87 south-west - it is roughly 30km and around 30 minutes by car. From Enniskillen in Co. Fermanagh, the village is about 20km south via the A4 and local roads. There is no practical public transport serving Swanlinbar, so a car or pre-arranged lift is the realistic option. St Mary’s Hall is in the village centre on Main Street; parking is available in the village.
Swanlinbar is a quiet village on the edge of some of the most atmospheric upland scenery in Ulster, with the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark running along its doorstep and the Cavan Way passing through the wider area. There is more to see in Swanlinbar and across Co. Cavan.
Heading to St Mary's Hall in Swanlinbar? Cavan has plenty more to see. Read the Swanlinbar area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.