The Lakeland County

County Cavan is a county in Ireland. It is in the province of Ulster and is part of the Border Region. It is named after the town of Cavan.

Image: Lough Oughter, County Cavan

Towns

Below you will find a list of towns within County Cavan. If a Further information link is available, please click on it to find detailed information including accommodation, restaurants, bars, pubs, shops and more...

Arva

Bailieborough

Ballinagh

Ballyconnell - Further information

Ballyhaise

Ballyjamesduff

Bawnboy

Belturbet - Further information

Blacklion

Butlersbridge

Cavan - Further information

Cootehill

Dowra

Glangevlin

Kingscourt

Killeshandra

Kilnaleck

Mountnugent

Mullagh

Redhills

Stradone

Shercock

Virginia

Geography

The county is characterised by drumlin countryside dotted with many lakes and hills and is the source of many rivers. Shannon Pot on the slopes of Cuilcagh is the source of the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland at 386 km (240 mi). The River Erne is a major river which rises from Beaghy Lough, two miles (3 km) south of Stradone in Cavan and flows for 120 km (75 mi) to Lough Erne. Other rivers in the county include the Blackwater River from Lough Ramor which joins the River Boyne at Navan; the Dee which springs near Bailieborough; the River Annalee which flows from Lough Sillan and joins the Erne; and the Cladagh river which rises from Cuilcagh and flows into Fermanagh. The Glyde and the Owenroe also source in Cavan.

Cavan is known as 'The Lakeland County' and is reputed to contain 365 lakes. At 18.8 km2 (7.3 sq mi), Lough Sheelin is the county's largest lake; it is situated in the south of the county and forms a three way border on its waters between counties Meath, Westmeath and Cavan. A large complex of lakes form in the north and west of Cavan into designated Specially Protected Areas (SPA); an example is Lough Oughter. Other important wildlife protected lakes such as Lough Gowna and Lough Ramor are in the south and east of the county. Cavan has a mainly hilly (drumlin) landscape and contains just under 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) of forested area, 3.6% of Cavan's total land area. The county contains forests such as Bellamont Forest near Cootehill, Killykeen Forest Park at Lough Oughter (a Coillte state forest concern), Dún na Rí Forest Park and the Burren Forest.

Places of interest

Below you will find a list of tourist attractions within County Cavan. If a Further information link is available, please click on it to find detailed information about each attraction.

Magh Slécht - the name of an historic plain in Ireland. It comprises an area of about three square miles.

Castle Saunderson (International Scouting Centre) - The centre provides indoor accommodation and campsites covering 34 acres (14 ha). It is open to Scouts year round, as well as to non-Scouts for most of the year.

Cabra Castle - Cabra Castle is the name given to two castles, one now ruined, the other now used as an impressive luxury hotel. They are near the hamlet of Cabra, which is very near Kingscourt in south-east County Cavan, Ireland.

Cloughoughter Castle - a ruined circular castle on a small island in Lough Oughter, 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) east of the town of Killeshandra.

Drumlane Monastery - located in Milltown. At the monastic site is an abbey, church and round tower which date back to 555.

Cavan County Museum - a museum dedicated to the history of County Cavan. The Museum is housed in the former Convent of St Clare in Ballyjamesduff.

Dún na Rí Forest Park - a place of surprising contrasts. Situated in a tranquil glen, Dún na Rí is home to stoat, hare, mink, rabbit and otter, as well as red and grey squirrel along the banks of the River Cabra. It is a peaceful place with a lake and many attractions. Many people come to see the park each year.

Killykeen Forest Park - Further information

Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark - straddles the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It is centred on the Marble Arch Caves and in 2001 it became one of the first Geoparks to be designated in Europe. The Geopark features various sites which demonstrate the geological and wider natural heritage of the area, as well as the cultural heritage relating to 7,000–8,000 years of recorded human occupation since the last ice age. It is managed by Fermanagh District Council.

Lough Sheelin - a limestone freshwater lough (lake) in Ireland located in County Westmeath, County Meath and County Cavan near the villages of Finnea (also spelled Finea) and Mountnugent and the town of Granard, (County Longford).

Cuilcagh - is a mountain on the border between County Fermanagh and County Cavan.

Shannon-Erne Waterway - a canal linking the River Shannon in the Republic of Ireland with the River Erne in Northern Ireland.

Recommended accommodation in County Cavan

MacNean Townhouse, Blacklion - Experience the best food and hospitality Ireland has to offer at Neven Maguire’s award-winning MacNean House & Restaurant. Blacklion is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Cuilcagh Mountains, Co. Cavan, near to the MacNean Lakes that give the restaurant its name. Neven Maguire is one of Ireland’s best loved chefs - Visit website

The Olde Post Inn, Cloverhill - The Olde Post Inn is a fine dining restaurant with accommodation which is located in an agricultural hub in the heart of the Cavan’s lakelands. Accommodation consists of newly refurbished six double rooms, all with ensuite facilities. The Olde Post Inn has been added to the “One Fab Day” list of Top 100 Wedding Venues in Ireland (2015 & 2016) - Visit website

Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club - The Slieve Russell Hotel Cavan provides luxury 4* hotel accommodation in a tranquil setting. Set in 300 acres, including 50 acres of lakes, the Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club with Ciúin Spa & Wellness Centre offers a unique experience in relaxation and leisure to their guests. Very popular for weddings - Further information

Recommended restaurants in County Cavan

MacNean Restaurant, Blacklion

The Olde Post Inn, Cloverhill, Butler’s Bridge