Ballintempo Forest: Aghanaglack Walk

(5 reviews)

Aghanaglack is part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. This circular walk within Ballintempo Forest in west Fermanagh is largely along forest tracks and passes a classic Dual Court Tomb which is managed by the NI Environment Agency. In its original state the tomb was roofed with large stone slabs and then covered with stones and possibly earth. An elevated site amongst the conifers, it was constructed when there were fewer surrounding trees, allowing for spectacular views across the area.

Ballintempo Forest forms one section of the largest continuous forestry track in Northern Ireland. This forest is steeped in geology, local myths and wildlife; so there is something for everyone. Keep a look out for upland birds such as merlin and hen harrier.

Review This Walk

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments will be reviewed and those that cause offence will be removed. This is at the discretion of WalkNI.

Report a Problem

We want everyone to be able to enjoy the walking routes listed on WalkNI safely and easily.

If you have come across any problems whilst walking a route, please let us so we can pass on any issues to the appropriate management body responsible for maintaining the walk.

Walk Route

Ballintempo Forest: Aghanaglack Walk



    Your contact details

    You don't need to give us all these details if you do not wish, but it is often helpful for route management bodies to be able to contact you if further information about the problem is required.




    Tick if you want to be kept informed of the outcome of the problem

  • The walk itself is amazing, it’s just extremely badly signposted, done the walk yesterday, got lost for hours,

    Nigel Hazelton at 10:39 am
  • Fantastic walk! Would highly recommend to anyone.

    Jayne at 5:31 pm
  • Did this walk this morning with hubby and two dogs. Lovely views, men collecting turf and so peaceful

    Kathryn at 1:45 pm
  • County Fermanagh

    Distance 7.8 miles

    OS Map Sheet 17

    Terrain All types of terrain

    Nearest Town Enniskillen

    Route Shape Circular

    Grid Reference H093430

    Route Type Forest, Woodland

    Route Description

    From the car park, follow the black route, as indicated by the way marked posts. The route takes you along forest tracks with clear views opening out along the way. The landscape throughout the first section of the walk is predominately blanket bog, previously hand cut for turf, an age old tradition on the island of Ireland. Continuing further along the track there are glimpses of Cuilcagh Mountain, Fermanagh’s highest point, with its distinctive plateau-shape and stepped profile. Soon, you will pass Brimstone Rock a large outcrop of sandstone. It is commonly held that Brimstone Rock was used as a mass rock during the seventeenth century when Catholic worship was declared illegal. This is the perfect spot to take a moment to rest on the bench provided and enjoy the forest and lakeside views. Continue downhill to skirt the reedy shoreline of Lough Blockent and visit Aghnaglack Court Tomb itself. Simply follow the meandering forest track through the remaining coniferous plantation back to the car park.

    Please note: This Forest is managed sustainably by NI Forest Service. The walk is situated in a working forest environment and may be subject to diversions and closure from time to time.

    Point of Interest

    Arguably the most intriguing feature along the walk is the dual court tomb at Aghanaglack. This ritual burial site dates from the Neolithic period between 4,000 and 2,000 years B.C.

    Getting to the start

    From Enniskillen, follow the A46 Shore road to Belleek, take the left fork onto the B81 Derrygonnelly road and proceed to the first road signed for Boho on the left. Continue up through Boho and at the crossroads turn left following the signs for Belcoo. After approximately 6km, turn right at a sign to Aghnaglack Court Tomb and follow the road until you come to the forestry car park.

    From Belcoo, head towards Enniskillen and turn left onto the road signposted for Boho. Continue until reaching a T-Junction and turn right. Then approximately 200m along this road turn left following the signs for Boho. Continue along this road for approximately 3km and then turn left at the sign to Aghnaglack Court Tomb and the car park.

    Public transport

    Translink – journeyplanner.translink.co.uk

    Facilities

    Car parking available, nearest amenities Belcoo.

    Accessibility Grade

    Grade 5

    • There may not be a formalised path, and variable, single file trails are to be expected.
    • Gradients and cross slope could be expected to be steep and not limited.
    • Obstacles and surface breaks of greater than 75mm measured across the line of the path to be expected.
    • Overhanging branches are possible. Passing places and rest areas may not be formalised or provided.