MY FAVOURITE WALK
I am sure a lot of people don’t realise that there are two Burrens in Ireland. I have often enjoyed hours in the one in Co Clare — but the Burren that is part of my regular walking is much nearer to home in Blacklion.
The Cavan Burren Park is just down the road in Gowlan and it is a favourite at all times of the year. It’s part of the Marble Arch Caves Global Geo Park and this is where Stone Age kids played. Well, my two children love it too.
It is literally 10 minutes from the restaurant and we often go there after a breakfast of porridge, sliced bananas, honey and cranberries. We’re usually joined by Amelda’s father, Brian Maguire, who walks every day and is a very fit man.
In no time after paths and hilly walking you have views of Fermanagh, West Cavan and can see Sligo in the distance. You can do as little as 20 minutes if you like — but we would usually do at least an hour. Sometimes we even pack a picnic.
I was delighted to see that it is now part of Ireland’s Ancient East. The more tourists we see here the better.
Back home in the village of Blacklion we will stop in to our neighbour Roy Street’s Cafe afterwards and enjoy a bowl of hearty chowder with brown bread. And this is all on our doorstep. Celebrity chef Neven Maguire is the proprietor of MacNean House and Restaurant in Blacklion, Co Cavan. www.nevenmaguire.com