Cavan (An Cabhan)
County Cavan
One of the three non-Northern Irish Ulster counties, Cavan is both an interesting stop on the Dublin – Donegal road and a fascinating detour in its own right.
Historically linked with neighbouring Monaghan, it also acts as a crossroads for the Shannon and Erne Waterway.
The waterways of Cavan provide excellent scenic and activity-based holidays for visitors. The Shannon-Erne Waterway, a major new development in the area, links the Shannon and Erne rivers, both of which have their sources in neighbouring counties.
The proliferation of meandering rivers, gentle streams and tree-lined lakes provide the visitor with excellent opportunities for boating, cruising, fishing and swimming.
Coarse angling remains one of Cavan’s most popular visitor attractions. The county’s small towns and villages offer friendly and hospitable accommodation facilities.
West Cavan has important links on the Shannon Erne Waterway – the Cuilcagh Mountains also rise here. This part of the county is wild and wonderful, dotted with lakes and small rivers.
The Cavan Way, a highly recommended walk, starts in Blacklion and moves around the Cornagee road and Dowra, passing through the Ancient Kingdom of Breffni. The Marble Arch Caves are a fantastic sight at the mouth of the cave, where the River Cladagh forms a lovely glen.
East Cavan has many estate towns and angling lakes. Cavan’s greatest lake is Lough Oughter, which has Killykeen Forest Park on its banks.
The Killykeen Forest Park and Equestrian Centre has a number of marked trails that offer beautiful views and diversity of the wild flora and fauna. The Iron Age ring fort and Clogh Oughter Castle are in this park too.