Days Out NI
Greenway & cycle trail Enniskillen

Kingfisher Cycle Trail (Northern Loop)

Ireland's first long-distance cycle trail, on quiet roads around the Lough Erne lakes.

5 photos
Open accessRide it any time — best in daylight
FreeNo ticket needed
EnniskillenGreenway & cycle trail
Get directionsOfficial website
155kmDistance
An afternoon for a short waterside section; 2 to 4 days for the full loopHow long
FreeCost
TarmacSurface
Bikes bestBest for

Kingfisher Cycle Trail (Northern Loop) — Ireland's first long-distance cycle trail, on quiet roads around the Lough Erne lakes.

  • Distance: Northern Loop approx 155km (full figure-of-8 trail is far longer); ride it in sections.
  • Surface: Almost entirely tarmac (country roads); only a small share is traffic-free.
  • Gradient: Fairly flat with some gently undulating hills.
  • Traffic-free: No — mostly on quiet country roads, not a segregated greenway.
  • Bike hire: Not available on the trail; bring your own bikes.
  • Buggy / scooter: No — this is a long road-cycling route, not a flat greenway path.
Plan your visit

A waymarked loop on the back roads of the lakelands

The Northern Loop is about 155km in total and almost entirely on tarmac, following quiet country lanes rather than a closed path. The surface is good and the terrain is fairly flat with some gently undulating hills, so it reads as moderate over a 2 to 4 day ride. You pass Castle Coole on the edge of Enniskillen, skirt the water around Lower Lough Erne, and head west toward the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. Because it is on open roads, only a short fraction is fully traffic-free, so it is best for road-confident riders. Cars are infrequent on these lanes, but they do appear, which is the key thing parents need to weigh.

Free Mostly quiet roads Tarmac Fairly flat 155km loop Lough Erne views
Good to know before you go:

Greenways and cycle routes host seasonal sportives, family cycle days and ranger events; check listings for dates.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🚲Bikes (or hire on the day)Check whether you bring your own or can hire at the start.
  • 🪖Helmets for everyoneEspecially the kids — a comfy helmet makes the whole spin better.
  • 💧Water and snacksNot every route has a café on it, so pack a little something.
  • 🧥A light layerYou warm up cycling but cool down at stops — easy to peel on and off.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Cost
Free to ride
Start / parking
Suggested start at Enniskillen Visitor Centre; the route can be joined anywhere
Distance
Northern Loop approx 155km (full figure-of-8 trail is far longer); ride it in sections
Surface
Almost entirely tarmac (country roads); only a small share is traffic-free
Gradient
Fairly flat with some gently undulating hills
Traffic-free?
No — mostly on quiet country roads, not a segregated greenway
Bike hire
Not available on the trail; bring your own bikes
Buggy / scooter friendly
No — this is a long road-cycling route, not a flat greenway path
Toilets / food
Toilets, cafes and shops in Enniskillen; sparse along the rural loop
How long to allow
An afternoon for a short waterside section; 2 to 4 days for the full loop
Address
Enniskillen Visitor Information Centre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh
Questions

Before you go

Is it free?
Free to ride
How long is the route?
Northern Loop approx 155km (full figure-of-8 trail is far longer); ride it in sections
Is it traffic-free?
No — mostly on quiet country roads, not a segregated greenway
Can I hire a bike?
Not available on the trail; bring your own bikes
Is it buggy and scooter friendly?
No — this is a long road-cycling route, not a flat greenway path
Getting there

Kingfisher Cycle Trail (Northern Loop) starts at Suggested start at Enniskillen Visitor Centre; the route can be joined anywhere. Tap below for directions to the start.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

More days out around EnniskillenSee what else is close by More greenways & trails across NITraffic-free routes to walk and cycle
The story

About this trail

The Kingfisher Cycle Trail holds the title of Ireland's first long-distance cycle trail. It is laid out as a 'figure of 8' linking the border counties of Fermanagh, Leitrim, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan, on quiet country roads chosen for their low traffic.

The Northern Loop is the Fermanagh half of that figure, looping out from Enniskillen around Lower Lough Erne and the surrounding lakes. Along the way it threads past landmarks including Castle Coole and the Marble Arch Caves, connecting the waters of Lower Lough Erne in the north with the lakes to the south.