Siúlán an Oileáin Dhuibh - Black Island Walk

Siúlán an Oileáin Dhuibh - Black Island Walk is a short easy loop on the wooded shores of Lough Muckno in County Monaghan. At 1.8 km / 1.1 mi with 27 m / 89 ft of climbing, it suits a gentle leg-stretcher, a family outing or an unhurried circuit before exploring more of the park. The route stays low throughout, reaching a highest point of 115 m / 377 ft, and most walkers will be around in about 24 minutes.

The route

The walk forms a loop around part of Black Island, giving a compact tour of this forested peninsula. From the Bluebell Walk trailhead, the route curves through the trees before returning to the start, with only modest ups and downs along the way. With 28 m / 92 ft of descent as well as the gentle climb, it is a straightforward outing rather than a demanding hike.

Setting and highlights

Black Island is part of the wider Lough Muckno Leisure Park, a large lakeside recreation area known for woodland walks, picnic spots and water-based activities. The island itself is well wooded and sits above the lake, so even on a very short circuit the setting feels enclosed, green and close to the water.

Getting there

The start is at Bluebell Walk on Black Island. Drivers can use the parking areas within Lough Muckno Leisure Park and walk to the bridge and trail network from there. For anyone arriving without a car, Monaghan is the nearest locality in the route record and the practical access point for reaching the trailhead.

Terrain and preparation

This is an easy route, but it is still best tackled in sturdy footwear as woodland paths can be uneven, damp or leaf-covered. Because the walk is short, it works well as a relaxed standalone outing or as one piece of a longer visit using the other waymarked trails on Black Island. HiiKER navigation is useful here if planning to link paths together.

Nature and local character

Lough Muckno is one of County Monaghan’s best-known landscape areas, with wooded slopes and drumlin scenery around the lake. Black Island is noted for spring bluebells.