Cavan

Co. Cavan is located in the northern province of Ulster, and is named after the county town of Cavan itself. Often described as “The Lake Country”, it is reputed to feature 365 lakes, set in a beautiful, yet natural landscape. Breathtaking panoramas mixed with a rich history make it a wonderful destination to experience, as it features something to suit just about everyone. Buzzing with lively towns and villages, award-winning restaurants, a vibrant arts and theatre scene, spectacular scenery, championship golf courses, angling, canoeing, walks, cycle routes, museums, heritage and cultural centres, cruising and many more activities - Cavan is a really popular destination.

Major Visitor Attractions

The Ballyconnell area has many sites of archaeological interest, including the promontory fort at Ballyhugh, 5km east and Killycluggin, 6.5km south-west, where the decorated Killycluggin Stone was discovered.

Ballyjamesduff is home to the Cavan County Museum, which showcases archaeological finds from the Stone Age, to the Middle ages and includes a 1,000 year old dug-out boat. There is also a fine display of 18th - 20th Century costumes here.

Bawnboy is a picturesque village in West Cavan, set in the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark – and there are many events for children, families and walkers. Geology and archaeology enthusiasts will find much to discover here at any time of year, as Bawnboy is a treasure trove steeped in heritage and culture.

St. Mogue's Island in Templeport Lake was an important monastic site during the middle ages. The island was said to be the birthplace of St. Mogue, an Irish saint. The island contains early Christian monastic ruins and a graveyard, and was a place of pilgrimage for many centuries.

The Burren Forest is a fascinating complex of megalithic tombs, ancient hut sites, walks and field walls. A key site in the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, Burren Forest provides an intriguing insight into the lives of our prehistoric ancestors.

Magh Slécht is an historic plain in Ireland. It comprises an area of about three square miles (8 km²) situated to the south-east of Templeport. The ancient Irish prayed here by supplicating on both knees and touching their foreheads against the earth. The plain is not flat, but consists of little drumlin hills. However as it is surrounded by mountains, it is a plain in comparison.

Cavan Crystal factory and showroom - This is the second oldest crystal factory in Ireland and was founded in 1969 by six visionary business people from Cavan. The showroom is open to the general public (enquire locally for opening times, etc).

Drumlane is located in a peaceful setting of picturesque small drumlins and a chain of small lakes. Situated beside the village of Milltown are the Abbey/Monastery, Church and Round Tower of Drumlane, which date back to the year 555. The founder of Drumlane is believed to be Saint Colmcille.

The Shannon-Erne Waterway invites visitors to enjoy cruising, angling, walks, cycling, canoeing, golf and horse riding along Europe's longest navigable inland waterway.

Killykeen Forest Park is a beautiful mixed woodlands park, comprising 600 acres, woven around the lake and islands of Lough Oughter.

Lifeforce Watermill offers guided tours that begin with the experience of visitors mixing their own loaf of bread which is then baked while they complete the tour, which explains the workings of the mill.

What can only be described as one of Ireland’s hidden gems, Cavan offers plenty for visitors. With stunning scenery and so much to see and do - can you afford not to take a look?