Things to do in Cavan, where to start? A county famous for its lakes, angling, love of music, very friendly people, all set in a county of rolling hills and heritage.
Where To Go In Cavan – Cavan Burren Park
Absolutely one of the best places to visit in Cavan is to visit the source of Ireland’s longest river and then travel a few miles from the Shannon Pot to Cavan Burren Park, this is a prehistoric park located in the UNESCO Geo Park which is a UNESCO site that covers both Cavan and Fermanagh.
The site is rich in history, and featuring megalithic tombs and glacial erratics (different size and type of rock).
The park is free and there are 4 trails looping around the park. The trails around Cavan Burren Park have lots of archaeological sites including prehistoric walling, dwelling site, wedge tombs and many more.
All sites are very well labelled and accessible. Go to the top of the hill in the centre of the park for a 360-degree view of the neighbouring counties and features.
On the top of the hill there are 3 large story boards which describe all the features you can see from this vantage point.
There is a good interpretive centre on site, but all maps are downloadable to your phone. There is a children’s playground, along with picnic benches, there are no bins here so you must bring your rubbish home with you.
There is not a café here so it is vital you bring your own drinks and snacks along with good shoes and a warm jacket as it can be quite cold on the top of the mountain. Toilets are onsite and very hygienic.
Things to do in Cavan, Visit Forest Park Walking Trails
Dun Na Ri, Forest Park, Mullantra, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan. Dun a Ri is part of what was once known as the Cabra Estate. The ruins of the castle built by Thomas Fleming in the 16th century can still be seen here.
There is a wide diversity of wildlife, along with some large native trees. Along your walk you will see many well-placed sculptures
There are 4 trails here and trail maps can be downloaded to your phone. Bring your picnic as there is a picnic site, toilets, and a car park. The car park is barrier operated and a fee is payable.
The Cavan Way
The Cavan way is a 26k long walk, usually completed in a day. It starts at Dowra and ends in Blacklion.
If you start in Dowra you will travel along country paths and quiet roads to reach the Shannon Pot (roads can be a lot busier) where the great river rises.
The route then goes upwards into the limestone region of the Cuilcaghs before going back down to the village of Blacklion.
Note that you will walk alongside the beginning of the River Shannon, across open moorlands. You will need good footwear as you can come across some muddy patches. Do not forget to bring your jacket as the weather can be unpredictable.
Places To Go in Cavan – Killykeen Forest Park
KIllykeen lies on the shores of Lough Oughter. The park consists of approximately 240 hectares.
There are 4 signposted walks and a family cycle trail here. Lots of people use the lake for boating and fishing activities.
The trail map here can also be downloaded to your phone. There are no refreshments on site so you will need to bring your own.
There are picnic benches and a car park on site. You will get some amazing photos here especially in Autumn.
MORE THINGS TO DO AROUND CAVAN
Cavan County Museum, Virginia Road, Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan.
Cavan Museum is housed in a beautiful Georgian building. There are a number of galleries here with a variety of exhibitions. Exhibitions include Clough Oughter Castle, Farnham Gallery, Folk Life gallery and G.A.A. Gallery.
The museum also hosts two very famous pieces of Celtic Art, The Killycluggan stone and Ralaghan Figure. In the boat house you will see a 25-foot-long Lough Errill log boat which is over 1,000 years old.
At the back of the museum you will see the largest outdoor replica trench from the Battle of the Somme in WW1. The trench is built to specifications from the Irish Guards Battallion.
Over 350 metres long and also includes communications devices from the frontline and support trenches. It took over 6,000 sandbags to construct.
Belturbet Railway Station opened in 1885. It was built and operated by the Great Northern Railway company of Ireland. The station was built with locally sourced stone and is the only grade 1 station constructed of cut stone.
After going out of use, the station lay derelict until 1995 when it was purchased and restored to its original state, using original plans drawn on silk. This restoration is credit to Belturbet Community Development.
The main building today is home to a museum which has an interesting collection of memorabilia and audio-visual footage of Cavan and Leitrim railway and the restoration of the Belturbet station. Tours can be arranged by contacting the Railway Museum.
Woodford Horse Riding Stables
Woodford Horse Riding is only a few minutes drive from Belturbet in a quiet country setting.
Here you can enjoy a horse-riding lesson, learn about grooming and the care of horses, how to put on a bridle and saddle plus much more.
Woodford house caters for everyone from beginners, who can have a trek on the immediate farm to more experienced riders who can avail of a trek through other parts of the farm and further afield.
On Yer Bike Tours and Bike Hire, Michael Cropp, Portrua, Belturbet, Co. Cavan.
Bikes can be hired by the day or week. Each bike comes equipped with helmet, pump, pannier bag for emergency repairs. Different sized bicycles are available for Gents, Ladies and Children.
Belturbet Trout Angling
Belturbet is surrounded by the River Erne and is considered one of Ireland’s best fishing destinations.
Do you know how many lakes in Cavan? A lot, 365 lakes, that’s a lot of water and a lot of potential fishing spots.
The club’s waters stretch from Kilconey Bridge to the Railway Bridge in Belturbet. Artificial fly fishing only for wild brown trout. Along the tree lined banks there are ample picnic tables.
Day permits are available to purchase, or if you are visiting during the August bank holiday, there is an Open Fly-Fishing Competition. They also have a boat specially adapted for disabled anglers.
Where To Go In Ireland – Clogh Oughter
Lough Oughter, an example of a flooded drumlin is home to 3% of the European population of Whooper Swans as well as being home to a massive concentration of Great Crested Grebes.
Lough Oughter is also a very popular angling lake as well as being used for canoeing and boating.
Lough Oughter along with Killykeen Forest Park, is a designated Natural 2000 habitat, Special Area for Conservation (SAC), and Special Protection Area (SPA) under EU legislation.
Things to do in Cavan – The Shannon Pot
The Shannon Pot is where the mighty Shannon rises, Ireland’s longest river. Steeped in folklore it is believed that Sionnan, the daughter of Lodan, came to the Shannon Pot in search of the great Salmon of Wisdom.
The great salmon is said to be angered by the sight of Sionnan and caused the pool to overflow, drowning Sionnan.
In Irish mythology this is believed to be where the great river Shannon was created and still bears her name till this day.
The site provides ample parking, along with a children’s play area and interpretation is available both in the car park and at the Shannon Pot itself.
Things To Do In Cavan With Kids – Erica’s Fairy Forest
This magical Fairy Forest is dedicated to the memory of Erica Ni Draighneain. The fairy forest was built by Erica\s parents to honour her memory and her unshakeable belief in fairies.
Open from sunrise to sunset admission is free. Young children especially will love it here, with lots of fairy houses among the trees. You will also see the fairy washing lines weaving amongst the trees.
There are large fairy doors where you can take photographs of your children. You will also get to see a wishing chair and fairy wings.
There are a few picnic benches, but you are asked nicely to remove your rubbish.
Things to do in Cavan – Eating and Drinking in Cavan
McNean House and Restaurant, Main Street, Tuam, Blacklion, Co. Cavan.
Popular television chef, Neven McGuire, owns and runs this spectacular establishment.
McNean house and Restaurant in Blacklion is nestled in the foothills of the Cuilcagh Mountains. On site there is also a cookery school which caters to all skill levels.
Neven’s Chef’s table in the Restaurant is the ideal venue for special occasions. The world renowned McNean Tasting Menu is served with specially selected wines, while Neven and his team are always on hand to answer any questions. Give yourself a treat and stay for Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.
Olde Post Inn, Knockateery, Cloverhill, Co. Cavan
Fine dining at its best, with a small amount of luxury accommodation, which is located in the heart of Cavan’s Lakelands.
This 1800s building in a unique setting, with Chef Gearoid Lynch catering to all with small private dining rooms for 8 or more guests.
Garland’s Pub, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan
A blast from the past, this quaint thatched pub is one for you to visit. The interior is a throwback to days gone by. It is a very well-maintained pub with Irish music sessions every Sunday from 6.30.
You will definitely get a warm welcome here from the owners and if you are lucky enough to meet one of the locals you will be entertained with stories and history of the area.
A small bar in a country town, but this bar will give you an idea of what pubs in Ireland were like in the past.
the counties that border County Cavan also have a lot to offer and you can check out these other places to visit in Ireland.