Dowra is a beautiful little village, which has the advantage of being in two counties, both Cavan & Leitrim and therefore is a central location for people who wish to enjoy the beauty of both Counties. Dowra is also connected to many of the walking trails of both Cavan and Leitrim. Part of the Leitrim Way and the Cavan Way, both join the Ulster Way and the historic Arigna Miners Way. Dowra is also part of The Kingfisher cycling trail and the Shannon Erne Drive.

For those wishing to explore the local area there are numerous walks, which take visitors to locations such as the Court Tomb, the Sweat House, Kilbride Church and Corry Strand. On the Cavan Way you can visit the Shannon Pot, the source of the river Shannon which begins in Glangevlin. Visitors to the area can enjoy the beauty of the lakes, rivers and outstanding scenic views from the mountains overlooking Lough Allen.

The area plays host to an annual Hill Walking Festival held in August, which is run by the neighbouring parish of Ballingalera in the beautiful Sliabh an Iarainn mountains that overlook Lough Allen. The festival runs for over a week and the celebrations flow over into the village of Dowra. It is a time of great fun and celebration for both visitors and natives alike! There are maps located at different points along the walks and brochures are available in local stores along the routes. It is also the first village on the river Shannon.

Clan Name

Dowra is part of the ancestral home of the McGoverns and forms a stage of the Beara-Breifne Greenway which is based on the historic march of O'Sullivan Beara in 1603.

Greenways Festival 2003

Dowra is talking part in the Greenways Festival in summer 2003 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the legendary 1603 march of O’Sullivan Beara from the Beara Peninsula to the Breifne area. Click here for info on the events