Co. Cavan – Ireland’s Lake Country
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Wonderful water-based activities and much more
Discover the mystery and magic of this ancient county with a colourful heritage. Explore its marvelous landscape, take to the water or lose yourself in its forests. There's something interesting around every corner.
County Cavan is, indeed, full of shimmering lakes - one for every day of the year, locals will tell you - but there's much more to this magical county!
The gentle drumlin landscape will delight you. Cavan's many charms reveal themselves unhurriedly... a winding river here, an ancient oak forest there and a welcoming traditional village behind the brow of the next hill.
The county is rightly famous for being the source of two great Irish rivers. The 215km- long River Shannon, the longest in Ireland or Britain, has its source at the mystical 'Shannon Pot', just north of the village of Dowra. The 84km-long Erne also has its origins in the county at Lough Gowna before heading north-westwards. Both rivers combine to form one of the great leisure channels in Europe - the Shannon Erne Waterway which links the Republic with Northern Ireland.
What a great setting for watersports of all kinds, from excellent fishing all year-round to adventure sports and pleasure cruising.
Even if a holiday close to water doesn't suit, there's a whole host of ways to enjoy this peaceful county. Try trekking on horseback through the charming countryside, playing a round of golf at a scenic course, or walking through the hills and valleys in one of the North West's most scenic spots.
When you visit Cavan, you are in an ancient part of Ireland which has been inhabited for over 5,000 years. As you traverse the county, you will come across many reminders of this great heritage - the West Cavan area, in particular, is a rich source of archaeological sites.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
The fishing
This is one area where the angler doesn't need to exaggerate! The maze of lakes, rivers and streams teem with fish all year-round. Long famous for its coarse fishing, Cavan has played host to some of the most popular fishing events in Europe. Lough Sheelin is the jewel in the crown of Irish trout fisheries and has become famous the world over.
Experience rural charm in luxurious surroundings
You can choose from a number of international-standard country houses and luxury hotels when you visit Co. Cavan. Among the options are stately Cabra Castle with its impressive grounds in Kingscourt, the stunning 16th Farnham Estate in Cavan Town, and the award-winning Slieve Russell Hotel & Country Club also in Cavan Town.
A taste of heaven in Blacklion
Sample culinary skills at their very best - at the McNean Bistro in the tiny border village of Blacklion. Celebrity chef Neven Maguire turns out truly memorable food, using local produce and ingredients. You might even like to linger a little longer in this beautiful part of the country by staying at his homely Town House.
Steer your boat!
With the 63km stretch of Shannon-Erne Waterway in North-West Ireland on your doorstep, why not decide to captain your boat along placid waters? What a perfect way to take in the sights and explore this magical territory. Wonderful towns and villages and wonderful people await. Belturbet is an ideal base from which to hire your cruiser.
Get close to the real Ireland
From one end of the Lake Country to the other, the towns and villages express Cavan's unique charm and heritage. The very names suggest a wealth of character and history... Blacklion, Swanlinbar, Ballyjamesduff, Virginia, Arva, Cootehill, Kingscourt, Bailieborough and Killeshandra. Let the old-world conviviality and quaint warmth of these colourful villages take over your spirit.
PLACES TO VISIT
Cavan Town
Noted for being the only mediaeval town in Ireland founded by the native Irish, Cavan retains much of its historic character today. Explore its narrow streets, which still follow the same pattern set down seven centuries ago. Many fine buildings from earlier times are present, including a classical Courthouse built in 1825, the Town Hall and remnants of a Franciscan Friary that dates from 1300 AD.
Belturbet
Built on a strategic location beside the River Erne near the border with Co. Fermanagh, Belturbet was founded by the Butlers in the early 1600s. With a major marina, Belturbet is an ideal base from which to explore the magical waterway. Take time too to follow some beautiful riverside walks and delve into the town's rich history. Watch out for the features of a defensive fortification built by the Anglo-Normans in the early 13th century on nearby Turbet Island.
Kingscourt
A busy market town, Kingscourt was founded in 1762 by Mervyn Pratt, a local landowner. Cabra Castle and Dun na Ri Forest Park are nearby. Watch out for superb stained glass windows by the renowned Irish artist, Evie Hone, in the local Catholic Church.
Cootehill
A planned garrison town built during the great Georgian era, Cootehill is a significant angling centre. Hear how the town was home to Richard Coote, first Earl of Ballamont, who later became Governor of New York State, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Ballyjamesduff
The town is forever associated with the 19th century songwriter, Percy French. French, who lived in Cavan town for five years and met his first wife, Etty while in the county, immortalized the place through his timeless classis 'Come Back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff'.
LOTS TO DO
As the name suggests, Ireland's 'Lake Country' is a haven for all kinds of water-based activities but there's a great deal more to do and see in this intriguing part of North-West Ireland.
Take to the water! Whether it's fishing, cruising or various watersports that takes your fancy, this is the place to be. Wherever you go in Cavan, there's great fishing waters... the great Shannon and Erne River systems, bountiful lakes and inviting rivers and streams. Hire a cruiser craft at Belturbet and be in charge of your destiny on the waterways. Or try out canoeing or sailing.
Enjoy a round of golf on one of many courses - you are never more than a half an hour away from the first tee in Cavan. Have a relaxing game in beautiful surroundings, with backdrops ranging from imposing castle hotels to great scenery. Courses include the noted championship course at the Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club.
Cavan was made for the walking enthusiast. Plenty of lakes, rivers and interesting landscapes, not to mention forests, make for appealing treks. The Cavan Way walking trail, which starts out in Blacklion and winds its way through the north of the county to Dowra, offers an attractive 26km route through the ancient kingdom of Breffni. Along the way, take in the Shannon Pot in the Cuilcagh Mountain - the source of the great River Shannon.
For cycling enthusiasts, the county has much to offer, with its uncrowded roads and many byways. Part of the popular Kingfisher Cycling Trail passes through the area.
Cavan's beautiful and rugged countryside can also be enjoyed from the saddle. There are a number of excellent horse riding facilities throughout the county offering a range of opportunities, from trekking to hourly lessons.
ATTRACTIONS TO SEE
Explore Dun na Rí Forest Park
Head off on an adventure trek through this 230 ha Forest Park along the banks of the River Cabra just outside Kingscourt close to Cabra Castle. Follow a variety of marked walking trails and see for yourself the dramatic gorge. You can also go horse riding and enjoy other outdoor sports in the park.
St. Kilian's Heritage Centre
The era when Ireland was known all over Europe as the 'isle of saints and scholars' is recalled at St. Kilian's Heritage Centre in Mullagh. St Kilian, a 7th century saint, was born in the area. Find out about his life and times, including his martyrdom in Wurzburg, Germany where he is now the patron saint. Artefacts and an audiovisual presentation are included. Watch out for an ancient Ogham stone displayed at the centre - one of the few in Cavan.
Go back in time at Killykeen Park
Close to Lough Oughter near Killeshandra, this delightful 243ha park is home to many historical sites that will take you back through the millennia. See the reconstructed Clogh Oughter Castle, crannogs (lake dwellings) and an Iron Age ring fort. With a mixture of lakes, islands, deciduous woodland and marked walking trails, the area is full of birds and wildlife. You can also enjoy many sports, such as sailing, canoeing and orienteering.
Maudabawn Cultural Centre
If you want to learn all about the great heritage of Co. Cavan and surrounding regions, then head to Maudabawn Cultural Centre near Cootehill. On your arrival, first take time to marvel at the delightful stone walled, thatched building which houses the centre. Display boards and a superb 20-minute audiovisual presentation interpret the landscape and history. From here, you can also avail of informative and entertaining guided tours of the area.
County Cavan Genealogical Research Centre
For those who think they may have ancestral links to Cavan, this is the place to check out the details. Located at Cana House, Farnham Street, Cavan Town, the Centre has computerised records of almost one million people who lived in County Cavan before 1901!
HOT TIPS
Check out the well-preserved Cohaw Court Cairn (or tomb), located 5km south of Cootehill, which is reputed to be at least 4,000 years old. Marvel at its elaborate structure... one of many fine historical remains that you can see on a visit to the county.
If you fancy a spot of shopping, what better place to go than the Cavan Crystal Showrooms, just minutes from Cavan Town on the Dublin Road. See the impressive range of traditional and contemporary designs.
Find the source of the great River Shannon. What a great feeling as you track down the 'Shannon Pot', where the mighty river rises just north of the village of Dowra, in the Cuilcagh Mountains. Imagine how the river gains momentum from this source on its 386km journey to the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland's west coast!
Watch out for the amazing 1,000 year old Lough Errol dug-out boat at Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff... just one of the many fascinating exhibits at the attractive museum.
Lovers of rail transport and indeed visitors generally will be fascinated by the restored Belturbet Railway Station. First opened in 1885, this beautiful cut-stone building has a rich history. It was the connecting point for two railway lines - the Great Northern Railways broad gauge and Cavan & Leitrim narrow gauge companies - until its closure in 1959. Find out all about its great past. View the varied collection of rail memorabilia and an audiovisual that includes original footage from the 1950s.
FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on any of the items featured above, or on the county in general, please contact:
Fáilte Ireland North West
Aras Reddan
Temple Street
Sligo
Tel: 00353 (0) 7191 61201
Fax: 00353 (0) 719160360
Email: northwestinfo@failteireland.ie
Web: www.irelandnorthwest.ie
Cavan Tourism
www.cavantourism.com
