DESTINATION: Ireland’s county Cavan

County Cavan, located in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands within the province of Ulster, is a serene destination known as the “Lake County” for its reputed 365 lakes, one for every day of the year. Part of the Border Region, Cavan offers a tranquil escape with its drumlin-dotted landscapes, ancient sites, and vibrant cultural scene. Often overlooked compared to Ireland’s coastal counties, Cavan’s rolling hills, glassy lakes, and rich history make it a hidden gem for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. In 2026, new festivals, attractions, and sustainable initiatives enhance its appeal. Cavan is Ireland’s 19th largest county by size (1,891 sq km) and eighth smallest by population (81,704).

Cavan Town, with its name meaning “the hollow” (Contae an Chabháin), is a charming market town founded by the O’Reilly clan between 1300 and 1330. Key attractions include:
Cathedral of Saints Patrick and Felim: This Catholic cathedral, built in 1938, features stunning architecture, stained glass, and a peaceful ambiance, ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Cavan County Museum: Located in Ballyjamesduff, this museum in a 19th-century Georgian building houses Ireland’s largest outdoor replica WWI trench, exhibits on the Irish War of Independence, and Celtic artifacts like the Killycluggin Stone and Corleck Head. Admission is €6 for adults or €14 for a family ticket (two adults, two kids). The museum’s peace garden and tearoom add to the experience.
Cavan Central Library and Heritage Centre: A hub for genealogical research, specializing in surnames like O’Reilly and O’Neill, perfect for tracing Irish ancestry.
Ramor Theatre: In Virginia, this venue hosts local and international plays, music, and cultural events, named after nearby Lough Ramor.

Historic Sites:

Clough Oughter Castle: A 13th-century circular ruin on a small island in Lough Oughter, accessible by boat or kayak. Known as the “Silent Stone Watchman,” it was a medieval prison and the site of Owen Roe O’Neill’s death in 1649. Guided tours highlight its turbulent history.
Castle Saunderson: Near Belturbet, this castle offers insights into Cavan’s Plantation history and is a hub for scouting activities.
Drumlane Abbey: Near Belturbet, this 6th-century monastic site features a round tower and 18th-century graves, offering a peaceful historical walk.
Aughrim Tomb: Relocated to the Slieve Russell Hotel grounds, this 2000 BC megalithic tomb is a testament to Cavan’s prehistoric past.
Cultural Heritage: Cavan’s Gaelic roots trace back to the O’Reillys of East Breifne, with the phrase “life of Reilly” linked to their wealth from the town’s marketplace. The county’s history includes resistance to Anglo-Norman rule, the Ulster Plantation (1610), and the 1641 uprising. Notable figures include Charlotte Brooke, who preserved Irish poetry, and General Philip Sheridan, a Cavan-born US Civil War hero.

Natural Attractions

Lakes and Waterways: Cavan’s 365 lakes, formed by the Ice Age, include Lough Oughter, Lough Sheelin, and Lough Ramor. Lough Oughter is ideal for kayaking and fishing, while Lough Sheelin is renowned for brown trout. The Shannon-Erne Waterway connects Cavan to Ireland’s navigable network, boosting boating tourism.
Cavan Burren Park: Near Blacklion, this limestone plateau features megalithic tombs, glacial boulders, and rock art, Europe’s largest such settlement in one area. Five walking trails offer stunning views over Lough MacNean.
Dún na Rí Forest Park: In Kingscourt, this 565-acre park along the River Cabra includes trails, the ruins of Fleming’s Castle, Toba na Splinne Holy Well, and legends of Cú Chulainn. It’s a walker’s paradise with a multi-access trail.
Killykeen Forest Park: Near Cavan Town, this park offers walking trails, wildlife, and serene lake views, perfect for families.
Shannon Pot: The source of Ireland’s longest river, the River Shannon, in West Cavan’s Cuilcagh Mountains. Local folklore ties it to Síonnan and the Salmon of Wisdom.
Tullydermot Falls: A spectacular waterfall in the Cuilcagh Mountains near Swanlinbar, a hidden gem for nature lovers.

Outdoor and Active Pursuits

Hiking and Walking: The Cavan Way (26 km from Dowra to Blacklion) traverses forested uplands, while the Castle Lake Loop in Bailieborough and Canal Walk in Ballyconnell offer shorter routes. Cavan Burren Park and Dún na Rí provide trails for all levels.
Water Activities: Cavan Adventure Centre in Butlersbridge offers kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boat rentals on Lough Oughter, with 3-hour kayak tours to Clough Oughter Castle costing around €35.
Fishing: Cavan is a coarse fishing paradise, with lakes like Lough Oughter teeming with bream, roach, perch, and pike. Lough Sheelin is famed for game angling.
Cycling: The Beara-Breifne Way and rural roads offer scenic cycling routes, with rentals at Feel Good Bicycles in Cavan Town.
Golf: Belturbet Golf Club and the Slieve Russell Hotel’s course provide scenic fairways for enthusiasts.

Food and Drink

MacNean House: In Blacklion, celebrity chef Neven Maguire’s award-winning restaurant offers modern Irish cuisine and cookery classes, requiring advance booking due to popularity.
The Oak Room: In Cavan Town, this restaurant serves modern Irish dishes using local, organic produce, ideal for post-lake dining.
People’s Restaurant: Run by cousins Lubomir Kosturik and Daniel Kavecky in Cavan Town, this spot offers high-quality dishes with a focus on local ingredients, like slow-cooked beef cheek.
Cottage Market Cavan: A family-friendly market in Cavan Town with local produce, crafts, and food stalls, held regularly.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Getting There: Cavan lacks a railway but is accessible via Dublin Airport (DUB, 110 km) or Belfast International Airport (BFS, 130 km). Expressway Bus 30/X30 connects Dublin to Cavan Town, Belturbet, and Donegal. Ferries from Rosslare or Dublin are viable for UK visitors.
Getting Around: A rental car is ideal for rural areas, though buses serve Cavan Town, Virginia, and Bailieborough. Cycling and walking are popular along lake trails.
Sustainability: Cavan promotes eco-friendly tourism through initiatives like Cavan Adventure Centre’s biodiversity tours and the carbon-neutral Fleadh Cheoil (2010). The county’s UNESCO Global Geopark status (Cavan Burren and Marble Arch Caves) emphasizes conservation.

What’s New for 2026 in County Cavan

Cavan County Fleadh Cheoil (May 31–June 3, 2026): Held in Killeshandra, this festival celebrates traditional Irish music and dance with competitions, performances, and workshops. Expect over 20,000 musicians and vibrant street displays, organized by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Cavan Arts Festival (May 16–19, 2026): In Cavan Town, this event showcases local and international artists through art fairs, gallery shows, street art, and live performances, with family-friendly workshops.
Sunset Paddle to Clough Oughter Castle (June 21, 2026): A new guided kayak tour at sunset, offering a magical way to experience the castle’s island setting, organized by Cavan Adventure Centre.
Killeshandra Camino Calling (June 15, 2026): A new guided walking event showcasing Cavan’s scenic trails, attracting hikers to Killeshandra’s lakelands.
Summer Cottage Market (June 15–16, 2026): An expanded market in Cavan Town with local crafts, food stalls, and live music, ideal for families.
Global Wellness Day at Marble Arch Caves (June 8, 2026): A new wellness event in the UNESCO Global Geopark, offering guided tours and activities to promote health and relaxation, suitable for all ages.
Shannon Pot Discovery Centre: Announced in 2021, this new visitor centre near the River Shannon’s source is expected to open in 2026, offering exhibits on the river’s folklore and ecology, enhancing West Cavan’s tourism appeal.
Tourism Growth: Cavan ranked 18th of 26 Irish counties for visitor numbers in 2024, but 2026 projections show growth due to new festivals and improved infrastructure, like enhanced trails in Cavan Burren Park.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: May–June for festivals like the Cavan Arts Festival and Fleadh Cheoil, with mild weather (15–22°C). September–October offers autumn colors and fewer crowds. Winter (December–February) is ideal for Northern Lights and cozy pub sessions, though temperatures can drop to -15°C.
Accommodation: Book early for festivals, especially in Cavan Town. Options include Farnham Estate and Spa (luxury, 1,300 acres), Slieve Russell Hotel (golf and spa), Cabra Castle (historic), and Virginia Park Lodge (lakeside). B&Bs and camping pods are budget-friendly.
Local Cuisine: Enjoy modern Irish fare at MacNean House, The Oak Room, or People’s Restaurant. Cottage Market Cavan offers local produce.
Safety: Cavan is safe, but rural roads (nicknamed “Pothole County”) require cautious driving. Wear sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing for trails due to frequent rain.
Language: English is universal, with some Irish language used in cultural settings. Common surnames like Reilly and Brady reflect the O’Reilly clan’s legacy.

County Cavan in 2026 is a haven of natural beauty and cultural richness, with its 365 lakes, historic sites like Clough Oughter Castle, and vibrant festivals like the Cavan County Fleadh Cheoil. Visitors can explore Cavan Burren Park’s prehistoric tombs, kayak to medieval ruins, or enjoy traditional music in cozy pubs. New for 2026, the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre, Sunset Paddle tours, and wellness events like Global Wellness Day enhance Cavan’s appeal, alongside growing festivals and sustainable initiatives. Easily accessible from Dublin or Belfast, Cavan offers an authentic Irish experience for those seeking tranquility and adventure in the Hidden Heartlands.