Cavan Tourism Brochure

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“WELCOMING · VIBRANT · MUSICAL
NEOLITHIC · THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY
GOLFING · ACCESSIBLE · ENGAGING
FOODIE · ENDLESS LAKES · UNSPOILED
FORTS & FORESTS · DRIFTING · HORSEY
MEANDERING · GENEROUS · HISTORIC
SURPRISING · FAMILY-ORIENTED
RAMBLING · FRIENDLY & DRUMLINY”
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Lough Ballymagauran, Shannon Erne Waterway, Ballymagovern, County Cavan
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Chef Neven Maguire and Musician Martin Donohoe cooking reels in the kitchen
COUNTY CAVAN
is the beautiful land of lakes
in the middle of our island.
This is a place away from it all - but
not that far away. The people here are
down-to-earth and welcoming. The only
residents who won’t be glad to meet you
are our fish… that’s just how they are.
Our restaurants rank among the best
in the country and our love of music is
known to continue into the early hours..
“An Cabhan” is an old Irish word meaning
“The Hollow” – and in a simple way that
says a lot about this place. Cavan is a
refuge, a place to rejuvenate, a shelter
from stress.
Many visitors note that once you get
here, the pace of things seems to slow
down a bit. Whatever the reason for this
change of pace, you’ll be surprised by
just how many great attractions and
activities we have here to fill all that
wonderfully slowed-down Cavan time.
Cavan Burren Park
ARTS & CULTURE
THE ARTS
really has found a good home
in Cavan. Music and drama like
to take to the streets.
Art Gallerys and studios, culture centres,
sculpture gardens, concerts, sessions,
artist residencies and Cavan County
Museum’s calendar of exhibitions,
lectures and cultural exchanges ensures
a vibrant year-round calendar of art
and culture in County Cavan.
Cavan presents three drama festivals
annually: Shercock, Cavan and
Maudabawn, indeed many of the
world’s finest actors found their stage
in County Cavan. Literature too and
a love of the spoken and written
word is evidenced as Cavan is home
to award-winning publishing houses,
magazines and writers.
Here in County Cavan we know that
great things happen when we celebrate
the arts and encourage more people
to participate.
Image courtesy of Aoife Geary
Rite of Spring, Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim, Cavan
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See the index for more about arts and culture
in Cavan or visit: www.thisiscavan.ie
MUSIC
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Cavan Musician Clare McDermott
The county has a rich musical scene
with dance, music and singing festivals.
Events such as NYAH, Virginia Pumpkin and the
annual County Fleadh, have all added to our growing
reputation as one of Ireland’s richest music, song
and dance destinations.
Cavan is open to new and innovative arts and practice,
particularly evidenced in the visual arts, youth arts and
new media. As a film destination Cavan is ripe with
contrasting locations and startling landscapes.
So now you’ve been warned; music and the arts have
an infectious and powerful effect on people in Cavan...
Sculptures in Dun a Rí Forest Park, Kingscourt
Tá an-meas ar an nGaeilge i gContae an Chabhán.
Tá pobal mhór ag labhairt agus ag usáid í go rialta
ar fud an Contae uilig.
For more about music in Cavan visit: www.thisiscavan.ie
GOLF
The championship course at Slieve Russell, Ballyconnell.
...AND OTHER EXCUSES
In Cavan a wise golfer is always prepared for
the inevitable with a few extra balls.
It’s almost a tradition for first-time visitors to blame the
views for adding six shots to their card… And if your drives
keep finding those ancient woods along our lush fairways…
just blame the fairies.
Why all the excuses? Well our golf courses are gorgeously
challenging. Amongst the 8 courses in Co. Cavan, are
magnificent, mature 18 hole parkland courses of national
renown, and charming 9 hole courses where every hole
deserves to be played twice. So try to ignore the beautiful
views and let us know how that goes for you.
See the index for a listing of our beautiful golf
courses or visit: www.thisiscavan.ie
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
“RELISH THE
TRANQUILITY ”
A HOLISTIC
EXPERIENCE
Cavan people and visitors to the county
have for years enjoyed the health
benefits of the tranquil landscapes
of the Lakelands, Burren and Cavan’s
famed rolling drumlin hills.
Enjoyment is the art of living in the
moment and these days visitors can
experience holistic therapies from
all over the world, allowing the mind
and body to re-balance and revitalise.
Amidst the numerous alluring lakes
that lie among the drumlins and
lakelands, visitors are immersed
in a wide array of treatments and
relaxation techniques in a lush land
with no end of enjoyable moments.
The unspoiled uplands of West Cavan and the Geopark
Wellness Spa at the Radisson BLU Farnham Estate Hotel, Cavan
See the index for a listing of our health and relaxation
facilities or visit: www.thisiscavan.ie
LOWER LOUGH ERNE
GLOBAL GEOPARK
ENNISKILLEN
MANORHAMILTON
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28
22
BLACKLION
FERMANAGH
27
25
BURREN
R2
07
SHANNON POT
FLORENCE COURT
R 206
29
26
UPPER LOUGH ERNE
24
CUILCAGH
23
N8 7
GLANGEVLIN
DOWRA
BRACKLEY LOUGH
CROM CASTLE
45
19 BAWNBOY
31
30
SLIEVE
RUSSELL
9
18
46 18
R 202
ARIGNA
M
SWANLINBAR
21
R 200
36 BELTURBET
BALLYCONNELL
LOUGH ALLEN
20
32
17
9
37
N 87
16
L. GARADICE
KILLESHANDRA
01
R2
43
R
11
10 41
19
9
COOTEHILL
TULLYVIN
R 188
34
CAVAN
0
21
09 CROSSDONEY
CARRIGALLEN
STRADONE
N3
R 165
06
8
R 19
BALLINAGH
ARVAGH
LEITRIM
N55
4
15
RIV
ER E
RNE
R
CARRICK-ON-SHANNON
08
COUNTY CAVAN 18
GOLF CLUB
R
SHANNON-ERNE WATERWAY
FARNHAM 18
07
ESTATE
15
N3
LOUGH
35 OUGHTER
40
R 199
BALLINAMORE
BALLYCONNELL CANAL NEWTOWNGORE
REDHILLS
CLOVERHILL
BUTLERS BRIDGE
BALLYHAISE
13
RIVER SHANNON
4
12
MILLTOWN
BALLINAMORE
N5
33
GOWNA
BALLYJAMESDUFF
N3
KILNALECK
05
LOUGH GOWNA
R
4
19
CROVER HOUSE HOTEL 9
14
MOUNTNUGENT
LOUGH SHEELIN
LOUGH RAMOR
FINEA
TO AT
HLON
E
GRANARD
0
4
15
N55
LONGFORD
9
R
38
OLDCASTLE
LONGFORD TOWN
ARDAGH
LOUGH CREW
ATTRACTIONS
DÚN A RÍ FOREST PARK
KILMORE CATHEDRAL
MUSEUM OF THE MASTER SADDLER
THE WESLEYAN CHAPEL ARTS
CULTURAL & TOURISM CENTRE
KILLYKEEN FOREST PARK
TULLYDERMOT FALLS
ST. KILIAN’S HERITAGE CENTRE
RAMOR THEATRE
CAVAN COUNTY MUSEUM & WW1 TRENCH
FLEMING’S FOLLY
JOHNSTON CENTRAL LIBRARY
GENEALOGY & TOURISM
TANAGH OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE
CORNAFEAN 9 – HOLE GOLF COURSE
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CAVAN CANOEING, CARRATRAW
MARKET HOUSE VISITOR INFORMATION
DRUMLANE ABBEY & ROUND TOWER
CAVAN WAY
DEERPARK FOREST
THE SHANNON POT
CAVAN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
FLORENCE COURT HOUSE
BALLYHUGH ARTS & CULTURAL CENTRE
MARBLE ARCH CAVES
SHANNON ERNE WATERWAY
CAVAN BURREN PARK
BEAR ESSENTIALS
NEVEN MAGUIRE COOKERY SCHOOL
ODD GAMESPARK
MONEYGASHEL CASHEL
FORE ABBEY
WESTMEATH
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DONEGAL AIRPORT
DERRY
LETTERKENNY
LARNE
DERRY
STRABANE
BELFAST
DONEGAL
BELFAST
OMAGH
BUNDORAN
ENNISKILLEN
SLIGO
CASTLELESLIE
ARMAGH
MONAGHAN
CAVAN
KNOCK
ARDEE
CARRICK
ON SHANNON
SLANE
DROGHEDA
NAVAN
MONAGHAN TOWN
MULLINGAR
GALWAY
DUBLIN
MAYNOOTH
DUBLIN DUN LAOGHAIRE
MONAGHAN
SHANNON AIRPORT
R1
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GETTING HERE
L. SILIAN
SHERCOCK
R1
91
CARRICKMACROSS
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R 17
62
R1
CABRA CASTLE
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39
9
01
BAILIEBOROUGH
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02
LOUTH
KINGSCOURT
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R1
Located on the main N3 DublinDonegal road, Cavan town is
centrally located between Belfast
and Dublin, approximately a two
hour drive from the main ferry
ports and airports in both cities.
By Car
Dublin - Cavan 123 km
Belfast - Cavan 142 km
Galway - Cavan 170 km
Derry - Cavan 156 km
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VIRGINIA
MULLAGH
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N3
TO
DU
IN
BL
H
By Bus
MEATH
ST. MOGUES ISLAND
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CON SMITH PARK
BAWNBOY WORKHOUSE
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CAVAN WATER MILL
WOODFORD STABLES
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CASTLE SAUNDERSON
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DERRYHAM STABLES
RIVERSDALE J STABLES
CORRAVAHAN HOUSE
44
ROCK EQUESTRIAN FARM
45 CROM DEMESNE
CLOUGH OUGHTER CASTLE
46 JAMPA LING BUDDHIST RETREAT
TURBET ISLAND
BELTURBET HERITAGE RAILWAY MUSEUM
ROSS HOUSE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
KILLINKERE VISITOR FARM
GOLF COURSE
Regular buses from Dublin and Donegal
service Virginia and Cavan town. Cavan
town is also serviced regularly from
Belfast, Sligo and Galway. Blacklion and
West Cavan can be accessed by bus
from Dublin to Enniskillen and from there
by taking the local service to Blacklion
(twice daily). Blacklion is also serviced
from Sligo. In addition, there is a daily
direct service from Dublin airport to
Cavan town.
For further information visit: www.buseireann.ie
or Cavan office of Bus Eireann:
t: +353 (0) 49 433 1353 or +353 (0) 49 433 2533
e: info@buseireann.ie
Bus Eireann operates a wheelchair accessible
service on the Dublin – Cavan bus route. Booking
essential. To book call t: +353 (0)1 8366 111
FOOD
“FOOD
HEAVEN”
LOCAL FLAVOUR
Our passion for food runs deep.
Enjoying and tasting food in Cavan
is pure indulgence - from meeting
farmhouse foodies who invite
you to taste their home made recipes
to culinary experts that show you
how to make the perfect boxty
and of course to the corner tables
of our world-renowned restaurants.
THE TASTE
OF CAVAN
Taking place annually in August in
Cavan Town, the Taste of Cavan has
become the regional food event of
the summer. Food stalls, local
produce, demonstrations and family
fun all under one roof!
Experience the Taste of Cavan
St Kyrans Country House, Hotel & Restaurant, Virginia, Co Cavan
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Corleggy Cheese
EATING & DRINKING
There is something for every taste
in County Cavan
Afternoon tea at the Slieve Russell Hotel
You can enjoy excellent food and drink in a variety of
ways and from all corners of the world – restaurants,
bars, hotel dining rooms, cafes, Farmers’ Markets,
specialist food shops, cheese makers, farmhouses,
guesthouses and much much more.
See the index for some fine dining suggestions
or visit: www.thisiscavan.ie
ACCESSIBLE
“ACCESSIBLE
CAVAN”
Enjoying a coffee
Using the reader at Johnston Central Library
Enjoying the Cavan sunshine in Con Smith Park
WE TRY TO INCLUDE
EVERYBODY
All ages, all sizes, all abilities.
We’re not perfect but we’re trying to be. In Cavan,
we care about inclusivity. Our goal is for everyone
to feel welcome. We now have accessible trails,
playgrounds, walks, buildings, accommodation
and streetscapes. Not to mention the fact that,
uniquely in Ireland, detailed access information
on almost all our public buildings is available
online at www.disabledgo.com
Cavan Town is now an Age Friendly Business
Town and many of the businesses have
undertaken training and made changes to
their businesses to ensure they are catering
to the needs of older people.
Have a look at the facilities at the award-winning
Johnston Central Library, Cavan County Museum
and our Leisure Centre for proof of our commitment
to accessibility. The European Commission
recognised our efforts by awarding us with the
EDEN European Award for Accessibility in 2013 and
then in 2014, we picked up a World Responsible
Tourism award for our work in making Cavan Town
accessible to visitors with disabilities.
We’re not fully there yet but are working hard to
ensure that everybody can participate fully and
enjoy all that Cavan has to offer.
See the index for more about our Accessible tourism
facilities or visit: www. thisiscavan.ie or visit
www.disabledgo.com for information on County Cavan.
HERITAGE
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“HISTORY HERE
JUST STARES YOU
IN THE FACE”
Clough Oughter Castle
Cavan County Museum, Ballyjamesduff
HAND-ME-DOWNS
from history. Before this place was called
Cavan it was called Breifne, and before that
it was called something else.
This land has been home for Neolithic, Bronze Age,
Celtic, Norman & Early Christian peoples. They all
built here and left their mark for us to admire.
Clough Oughter Castle was built by the Normans
in the 12th century. The locals were so impressed
by the new place that they quickly captured it for
themselves. The O’Reillys fought hard to retain
this roof over their heads until Cromwell’s
forces finally blasted through the walls in 1653.
The breached walls lie where they fell, and for
hundreds of years the castle has belonged to no
one but its painters, poets and curious visitors.
So what was all the fuss about this place? The
same as it ever was - location, location, location!
See the index for some of our heritage sites
or visit: www.thisiscavan.ie
FISHING
A fine catch, Trinity Island
TAKE THE BAIT
Unfortunately for our fish, Cavan is widely
regarded as Ireland’s finest fishing destination.
If fishing is your thing, Cavan is definitely your place.
For coarse and game fishing, we have a peaceful spot for
you. Surrounded by celebrated landscapes with the water
at your toes and the sounds of nature your only distraction,
there’s no better place to wait it out.
Famous for pike, the boats of many a hopeful pike angler
can be seen on the wild waters lakes of Cavan. And as if
that’s not enough, there are many fine game angling river
stretches and brown trout lake fisheries, including the
renowned Lough Sheelin brown trout fishery.
Visit Inland Fisheries Ireland website
www.fishinginireland.info for updates, news and
information on angling in County Cavan.
See the index for some Cavan fishing tips
or visit: www.thisiscavan.ie
Carefully releasing a pike
“OUR BEST DAY OUT THIS YEAR.”
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WALKING
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WHERE TO BEGIN
Cavan is a walker’s place. Here we have
a great range of places to pace through.
Walk along the river and canal paths between
towns with a flask of soup and a companion
or three. Try gently rolling drumlins one day
and upland blanket bogs the next. Enjoy the
tranquility of forest walks in Kingscourt, Virginia
and Bailieborough.
Dún a Rí Forest Park, Kingscourt, Co. Cavan
Find your own path on one of the five marked
trails (inc. multi-access trail) of Cavan Burren
Park. Whether it’s Cavan Burren’s wide open
landscapes, intriguing visitor centre, the perfectly
preserved glacial erratics, spectacular dolmens
or encyclopaedic local guides, a visit to Cavan
Burren Park is an opportunity to experience a
world of natural and manmade history.
Or walk the Cavan Way from Dowra to Blacklion
past the Shannon Pot – the source of the
Shannon – a place of rich folklore.
Visit the Marble Arch Caves Geopark – a UNESCO
protected site – a special place spanning the
uplands of Cavan and Fermanagh. By foot, neolithic Ireland reveals itself quietly as you stroll
along. In ancient woods you get a feeling for
why our ancestors picked this place over others.
See the index for some suggested walks
or visit: www.thisiscavan.ie
Walking in West Cavan
Entrance to Cavan Burren Park
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Johnston Central Library
Genealogy & Tourism
Farnham Centre, Farnham St, Cavan
Free wi-fi, internet access,
year-round lectures and exhibitions.
t: +353 (0)49 437 8500 /1
e: library@cavancoco.ie
www.cavanlibrary.ie
Cavan County Museum
Virginia Road, Ballyjamesduff,
Award-winning museum housed
in beautiful Georgian building.
Features World War 1 trench
experience, peace gardens,
children’s playground, tea
rooms and shop.
t:+353 (0)49 854 4070
e: ccmuseum@eircom.net
www.cavanmuseum.ie
Ramor Theatre
Virginia
t: +353 (0)49 854 7074 (Box Office)
t: +353 (0)49 854 8270 (Reception)
e: ramortheatre@cavancoco.ie
www.ramortheatre.com
The Moth Studio & Art Gallery
8 Church Street Cavan
t: +353 (0)49 4362677
www.themothstudios.com
Keep up to date with all events on
www.cavanarts.ie
www.thisiscavan.ie/arts
Slieve Russell Hotel Golf
& Country Club
Ballyconnell
18 holes | Par: 72 | Yards: 7053
t: +353 (0)49 952 6444
e: slieve-golfclub@quinn-hotels.com
www.slieverussell.ie
Farnham Estate Golf Club
Farnham Estate, Cavan
18 holes | Par: 72 | Yards: 7047
t: +353 (0)49 437 7700
e: info@farnhamestate.com
www.farnhamestate.ie
Ross House Equestrian Holidays
Mountnugent
t: +353 (0)49 854 0218
www.ross-house.com
Mount Prospect Stables
Mount Prospect, Cavan
t: 086 248 3721
www.mountprospectstables.com
Cavan Equestrian Centre
Latt, Cavan
t: +353 (0)49 433 2017
www.cavanequestrian.com
County Cavan Golf Club
Drumelis House, Cavan
18 holes | Par: 70 | Metres: 5632
t: +353 (0)49 433 1541
e: info@cavangolf.ie
Woodford Stables
Lecharrownahone Lane, Ballyconnell
t: +353 86 8269892
www.woodfordstables.com
Crover House Hotel & Golf Club
Mountnugent
9 holes | Metres: 3306
t: +353 (0)49 854 0206
e: crover@iol.ie
Derryham Stables
Killinkere, Virginia
t: +353 (0)86 319 3769
www.derryhamstables.com
Blacklion Golf Club
Toam, Blacklion
9 holes | Par: 72 | Metres: 5785
t: +353 (0)71 985 3024
Riversdale J Stables
Drumcase. Killeshandra
t: +353 (0)86 387 2222
Belturbet Golf Club
Erne Hill, Belturbet
9 holes | Par: 68 | Yards: 5347
t: +353 (0)49 952 2287
Rock Equestrian Farm
Stonewall, Bailieborough
t: +353 (0)82 966 5970
www.bailieboroughequestrian.com
Cabra Castle Golf Course
Kingscourt
9 holes | Par: 68 | Length: 5261metres
t: +353 (0)42 9667030
Virginia Golf Club
Park Hotel Virginia
9 holes | Par: 64 | Metres: 4139
t: +353 (0)49 854 8066
McSeain’s Golf and Pitch & Putt
Cornfean
t: +353 (0)49 43 7138
ACCESSIBILITY
Johnston Central Library, Genealogy & Tourism
Farnham Street, Cavan
Multi-award winning accessible building
t: 049 437 8500
www.cavanlibrary.ie
Con Smith Park
Cathedral Road, Cavan town
Play area for children with disabilities
and adults outdoor fitness area, accessible trail
Cavan Leisure Centre & Swimming Pool
Drumalee, Cavan
Parking, ramps, lifts, website, wheelchair
access fitness equipment, swimming
pool hoist, hydraulic changing table.
t: 049 4362 888
www.cavanleisure.ie
Killykeen Forest Park
Cavan
Accessible paths and cycle trails
Bike Hire
Johnston Central Library, Cavan
Dun a Rí Forest Park
Kingscourt
Free bike hire including a wheelchair
adaptable bike
Access for all trail
www.coillteoutdoors.ie
t: 087 7802049
Castle Saunderson All Ireland Scouting Facility
Castle Saunderson, Belturbet
Cavan Burren Park
Blacklion
Online access audit: www.DisabledGo.com
1km multi-access trail from visitor centre to
megalithic tombs with interpretation along
the way.
Bus Eireann Transport
To book wheelchair accessible space
on Dublin – Cavan bus route
Green Lough Eco Amenity Area
Dublin Road, Cavan
t: +353 (0)1 8366 111
Insect hotel, animal footprints,
paths and picnic area.
Cavan County Museum
Ballyjamesduff
t: 049 854 4070
www.cavanmuseum.ie