Hwow! In the guide below you will find plenty of things to do in Cavan at any time of the year.
From kayaking and castles to live music and cozy pubs, we've rounded up the best Cavan has to offer.
Known for its famous 365 lakes, which "Another Burren“And yes, the Tully Twins from Gogglebox: Cavan has plenty of depth and character, as well as plenty of opportunity for adventure.
What you will learn by reading this guide
- Tips for LOOOOOOOOAD things to do in Cavan
- Suggestions for pubs for a post-adventure pint
- A touch of inspiration where you can dine and relax in luxury
Table of Contents
Things to do in Cavan (worth it)
The guide below contains no filler words.
We've listed the top things to do in Cavan. Places recommended by both locals and tourists.
The beauty of this being a privately owned tourist attraction is that we are not under pressure to recommend EVERYTHING to do in an area for fear of being penalized by a local tourist board.
Ready to rock? Let's dive in!
1 – Spend a morning kayaking around the fairytale castle of Clough Oughter
Photo by Tom Archer via Tourism Ireland
The fairytale castle of Clough Oughter is part of the Marble Arch Geopark and is next to the picturesque Killykeen Forest Park (next on our list).
The castle itself is located on what is known as a cranong - an artificial island - and is only accessible by boat, canoe or kayak.
If you want to see Clough Oughter Castle up close, you can hit the water with the boysCavan Adventure Center.
They offer a 3 hour kayak tour for around €35 that takes you around the lake and around the castle.
2 – And then you start a journey through the unique beautyKillykeen Forest Park
Photo by killeshandratourism.com
A little water adventure goes perfectly with a walkKillykeen Forest Park.
Encircling Lough Oughter's network of lakes, the forest has a number of paths ideal for a leisurely Sunday stroll.
There are many easy to follow, signposted trails that will take you on a hike along the lake shore and into the forest.
Exit. Straighten your legs. And breathe the fresh forest air.
3 - Treat yourself to a little afternoon tea at Cabra Castle
Photo via Cabra Castle
If you want to switch to grooming mode,Afternoon tea at Cabra Castleis imposed.
This 18th-century castle was once part of the 1,000-acre Dun Na Rí National Forest Park (we'll visit it later in the guide).
It is now nestled in 100 acres of carefully manicured gardens and parkland.
Afternoon tea here costs a fairly reasonable €20 per person.
related reading: See 13 of Ireland's most popularenchanting castle hotels.
4 – Discover the “Another Burren– Cavan Burren Park (one of the most neglected things in Cavan)
Photo by Tony Plevin
When you think,“Hey, the Burren is in CLARE! What are you with?!'Then cool your backpacks for a minute.
In fact, there is a Burren in Cavan that visitors to Ireland often overlook.
While Cavan Burren Park only opened to the public in May 2014, the area itself is a bit older.
Over 340 million years old...
Do you want to try it; Well, there isover 10 kilometers of hiking trailsin the park that takes you to some of Ireland's best prehistoric sites.
5 - After the adventure, have a drink at Gartlan's 107 year old pub
About Gartlan's Pub on Facebook
God I love thatched pubs.
You will find the Gartlan pub in Kingscourt, where it has been since it was bought by previous owner George Gartlan in 1911.
Those who visit this small pub on Thursday and Sunday nights enjoy live music (pints are optional).
An excellent old traditional pub with no tv and no wifi. bliss.
related reading: See 13+ of the bestThings to do in Fermanagh. Sure, it's just down the road from Cavan.
6 - Searching for Shannon's source (and the story behind its origin)
Photo via Welcome Ireland
The beautiful River Shannon begins at Shannon Pot.
Well, there's a nice bit of folklore behind itder Shannon Potstarted. According to legend, it is associated with the legendary Finn McCool and the Fianna - the ancient warriors of Irish mythology.
The story goes that Síonan, daughter of Lodan, came to the Shannon Pot in search of the great salmon of wisdom.
When the big salmon saw her, he got angry. So much so that the pool overflowed.
As the water rose, Síonan fell into the trap and eventually drowned.
This is how the river Shannon was formed, which is still called Síonan today.
7 - Sit back and listen to the music of falling waters at Tullydermot Falls
Photo via Marble Arch Caves Geopark
This is one of Cavan's many hidden gems.
Tullydermot Falls is a spectacular waterfall in theKilkee Mountains, not far from the village of Swanlinbar in northwest Cavan.
The waterfall is easily accessible on foot (and in a wheelchair) thanks to a path that leads from the information point to the nearby parking lot.
A great place to clear your head while listening to the music of the rushing waters around you.
related reading: See 17 of the bestActivities in Leitrim. It's a stone's throw away from Cavan.
8 - Relax at the Farnham Estate Spa
Although I am not usually a spa visitor, I spent one night thereFarnhamrecently.
The. it was. Deadly!
You can do all the usual spa things here, but the biggest draw for me was the heated outdoor pool.
There's something special about being immersed in warm water while the icy wind whips your head.
You can also enjoy a beautiful view from the water. fields await. And cows. Lots of cows.
9 - Take a walk in Dunna King Forest Park
Photo © The Irish Road Trip
I had one of the best Sundays I've had in a long time hereDunna King Forest Park.
We had spent the night before at a nearby hotel and had never heard of the place until today.
The parking lot was full the day we visited, but we still felt like we had a handle on the space. A great place to spend a morning or afternoon.
Some of the more interesting sights you'll come across on your walk include the Holy Well of Toba na Splinne, Cromwell's Bridge, the ruins of Fleming Castle and Sarah's Well.
A fascinating story: Cú Chulainn is said to have rested in this forest while fighting the armies of Queen Maeve of Connaught.
10 – County Cavan Museum
Photo via This Is Cavan
I'm sure you're looking at the image above and thinking:"What the hell is this?!"«
show understanding
Welcome toCounty Cavan Museum.
County Cavan Museum houses everything from First World War trench experiences (pictured above) and famine exhibits to medieval artefacts and a whole section dedicated to the history of the GAA. It has something for every taste.
The online reviews are top notch and entry is quite cheap at €6 for an adult and €14 for a family ticket (two adults and two children).
11 – Get a big food in it (yes,Her!)im Oak Room
Photo via Oak Room
A friend of mine stayed here about three weeks ago and hasn't kept her mouth shut since.
I looked around online and the reviews are great so here we are.
The Oak Roomserves“modern Irish cuisine”(If, like me, you have no idea what that is, you need to take a look at the menu...)
A good place to eat after a day at the lakes.
12 - Explore the magnificent Marble Arch Caves
Photo via Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark
You might be scratching your head about it. YES, we recorded itMarble Arch Cavesin our guide to Fermanagh.
The caves are part of the Marble Arch Geopark.
This is a borderless park located in both Cavan and Fermanagh and interestingly the first cross-border geopark (shared jointly by Fermanagh County Council in Northern Ireland and Cavan County Council in the Republic of Ireland). .
That's why caves were created.
Marble Arch Caves are a series of natural limestone caves near the village of Florencecourt.
At approximately 11.5 kilometers long, the caves are the largest known cave system in Northern Ireland.
13 - Take the Castle Path to Saunderson Demesne
Photo via This Is Cavan
The Castle PathSaunderson Domainlocated in the heart of the UNESCO Geopark.
This relatively new attraction (opened to the public in 2017) is also linked to Cavan Burren Park and Cavan County Museum, making it easy to get the most out of your day at the geopark by learning about local lore.
The castle itself has a turbulent and bloody history.
The original castle was acquired by the Saunderson family during the Plantation of Ulster.
Over the years it has been:
- burnt (1689)
- The site of the mass murder (in 1689, 400 King James soldiers were ambushed here, many were driven into the River Finn and drowned)
- Destroyed by Fire Again (1990)
Definitely worth a walk.
14 - Walk the Cavan Way in one day... hello
Photo via This Is Cavan
Would you like to put on your hiking boots and go for a long walk? Then the Cavan Way is just what the doctor ordered.
The Cavan Way is a long distance walking trail of approximately 14 miles.
The trek, which starts at Blacklion and ends at Dowra, can be completed in a day.
After starting your walk at Blacklion, the path takes you up the hills above the village and offers views of Upper and Lower Lough MacNean.
You then skirt the outskirts of the Cavan Burren and pass the Giant's Tomb (an ancient tomb) before descending and passing the Moneygashel junction.
A nice long walk on a hot summer day.
What things to do in Cavan did we miss?
Drivers on this site rarely sit still.
They are developed based on feedback and recommendations from readers and locals who visit and comment on us.
Have something to recommend? Let me know in the comments section below!