There are a number of beauty spots in Newtowncashel worth visiting and taking a leisurely amble around, such as Barley Harbour and Saints Island. Culnagore Wood (Wood of the Oak) consists of ancient woodland and covers and area of 90 acres along the edge of Lough Ree. It contains many fine species of woodland flowers and at the northern end there is a colony of Garden warblers, a small secretive bird rarely found or seen in Ireland. The wood is the perfect place for amblers and walkers who can enjoy its peace and tranquility.
Located just a short distance from Newtowncashel is the lovely Lough Slawn which is surrounded by meadows and bog lands. This lake provides the local or the visitor the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll around its shore and to discover the richness of the bog plants and flowers.
In Lanesborough there are two marked trails, approx. 4km each. One is Commons North Woodland Walking Trail, starting at Lanesborough Car Park, featuring illustrated history and nature information boards.
The other is the Pound Bog Walking Trail, in Tullyvrane, off the Ballymahon Road. Both of these trails afford a wealth of unique habitats for wildlife, such as quarry rock for bats and reedbeds, callowlands, bog and woodlands for insects, birds and small mammals. Wild flora in the area include Basil Thyme, Marsh Pea, Fen Violet and native orchids such as the Common Spotted and Marsh Orchid. The lakeshore plays host to the Water Germander, a scarce species, confined to Lough Ree and Lough Derg.