Cavan Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Cavan

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Overview

Things to do

Suitability

Country Info (Ireland)

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Cavan, the most southerly of the Ulster counties, is greatly diversified in surface. Its highest point is Cuilcagh Mountain (2,188 feet) in the mountainous projection of the county which reaches northwestwards between Counties Leitrim and Fermanagh. Ireland's longest river, the Shannon has its source on the southern slopes of Cuilcagh. Most of the county is undulating land, with low round hills and myriad lakes.

The River Erne, rising in Lough Gowna and flowing northwards through the centre of the county, spreads itself in a maze of small sheets of water separated by promontories and islands of every shape and size. Many of the Cavan lakes are very beautiful and offer first class coarse angling.

Cavan Town, with its beautiful cathedral, is home to the popular Cavan Crystal brand of hand-cut glass, and also to Killykeen Forest park, on Lough Oughter, one of the finest coarse fishing lakes in Ireland.

In song, Cavan is most famous because of Percy French's song, 'Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff'. Cavan is dotted with numerous lakes, and small picturesque villages and is very popular with visitors.

Cavan County Museum - Located in a superb nineteenth Century building at Virginia Road, Ballyjamesduff, the Museum houses the material culture of Cavan and surrounding districts. Exhibition galleries feature unique Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Medieval artefacts. Interesting displays include the pre-Christian Killycluggin Stone and Corleck Head, the 1,000 year old Lough Errol Canoe, eighteenth Century Cavan Mace and Lavey Sheela na Gigs. The GAA Gallery was recently opened and has attracted a wealth of Sports Enthusiasts.

Lifeforce Mill - Located at Millrock, Cavan, a beautifully restored, fully working flourmill powered by Ireland's oldest waterturbine, Macadam 1846. A tour of the mill begins with each visitor making and baking his or her own loaf of brown bread which is baked while the tour takes place. All the original equipment is still used to produce Lifeforce stoneground wholemeal flour. After the tour you will return to the impressive stone coffee shop to collect your bread, hot out of the oven!

Drumline Monastic Site - Located at Milltown, an idyllic setting between Lakes Drumlane and Derrybrick. A round tower and church mark the sixth century monastic site. The church building dates from thirteenth or fourteenth century and is located half a mile form Milltown village.

The Cavan Way - Starting from Cavan County Council Library Services in Cavan Town, The Cavan Way provides a pleasant hill and valley walking connection between the Leitrim Way at Dowra, a small village community near the source of the River Shannon and the Ulster Way at Blacklion village.
Following generally the course of the young river to its source at the mystical "Shannon Pot", the walk follows quiet valley and river-side landscapes to the more unenclosed uplands section between the "Pot" and Blacklion, which includes the forested Burren area and its cemetery of ancient tombs, stone megaliths and monuments. Fine views are obtained from these elevated upland areas.

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Population: 4.015.700
Languages: English, Irish (Gaelic) (both official)
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Ireland - Dublin

Country Dialling Code: +353
Voltage: 220 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
3 large flat prongs

Ireland is situated in the Atlantic Ocean and separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. Ireland occupies the entire island except for the six counties that make up Northern Ireland. The Irish landscape has a mythic resonance, the country's history is almost tangible. And while it may be small, Ireland packs a big holiday punch. There are windswept, deserted beaches to discover, a rugged coastline, mountains and lochs, the stark landscape of the Burren and lush countryside that dazzles the eye with so many shades of green you understand at once why the tourist brochures call this the Emerald Isle.

Ireland's main cities include:

Dublin (Baile Átha Cliath) - the capital and the country's largest city. With excellent pubs, fine architecture and good shopping, Dublin is a very popular tourist destination and is the fourth most visited European capital.
Cork (Corcaigh) - second largest city in the Republic of Ireland - located on the banks of the River Lee. Founded c.600 by St. Finbarre and known for good food, pubs, shopping and festivals.
Galway (Gaillimh) - a city on the river Corrib on the west coast of Ireland. Famous for its festivals and its location on Galway Bay. Known as the City of Tribes, Galway's summer is filled with festivals of music, food, Gaelic language and culture. Galway hosts over fifty festivals a year, including the Galway Oyster Festival. The locals seem to give off a positive Bohemian vibe. Galway is split between two types of beautiful landscape: the gorgeous mountains to the west, and the east's farming valleys.
Killarney - Possibly (at least until recently) the most popular tourist destination in Ireland. A pleasant town in its own right, it is also the start of most Ring of Kerry trips.
Kilkenny (Cill Chainnigh) - attractive medieval town, known as the Marble City - home to the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival, held annually in early June.
Letterkenny - Main town in County Donegal, designated gateway status and reputed to be the fastest growing town in Europe. Good base for traveling in Donegal.
Limerick (Luimneach) - a city on the river Shannon in the south-west of the country.
Sligo (Sligeach)- Home to W.B. Yeats, internationally renowned poet. Mountains and beaches, scenery in general are the best points of Sligo.
Waterford (Port Láirge) - Ireland's oldest city. In the south-east and close to the ferry port at Rosslare. Waterford is a popular visit for those who want to learn more about the most ancient history of Ireland. It is quite possibly one of the best cities in the country as it is not too large and is full of history. Many festivals take place throughout the year including ((Spraoi)). The food is good and the Granary Museum is the best for ancient Irish history in the country. Don't forget to try a blaa before you leave. (A floury bread bun peculiar to this area of Ireland).

Cavan Travel Guide

Cavan Suitability Profile