Cavan County Introduction
County Cavan is a breathtaking piece of paradise in Ireland's border region. Formidable mountains, a multitude of forest parks and a countryside dotted with drumlins make it every nature lover's haven. But it's perhaps best known for its abundance of shimmering lakes – it's said that there are as many lakes here as there are days in a year. With so much water around, it's the ideal place for sailing, fishing and swimming. County Cavan's cultural landscape is just as entrancing, with arts and music festivals held throughout the year.
Hotels in Cavan County
Several villages and towns make up Cavan County, many of which are home to various kinds of hotels. If you're seeking upscale accommodation, there are resorts and luxury hotels in Cavan – from chic internationally known brands to elegant castle hotels where you're treated like royalty. They feature opulent air-conditioned guestrooms, fine dining and on-site bars, swimming pools and amenities for pampering like massage and treatment rooms. Some also boast business facilities such as conference centres. A smattering of charming B&Bs can also be found in Cavan, featuring well-appointed guestrooms and free perks such as full Irish breakfast and Wi-Fi. Picturesque gardens and cosy terraces give these B&Bs a home-away-from-home vibe.
Where to stay in Cavan County
A good number of luxury and budget hotels are situated in the county town of Cavan, which was granted a charter in 1610 by King James I. The tranquil Swellan Lough, elegant Georgian houses and remnants of a medieval past all contribute to Cavan's charm. The town of Ballyconnell is another interesting place to stay. Lying in the shadow of Slieve Rushen mountain, it has a history dating as far back as 3,500 BC. Today it's home to urbane restaurants, lively pubs, and arts and culture centres. You could also consider the market town of Cootehill, which boasts premier fishing spots, Palladian-style architecture and serene wooded hillsides.
Things to see in Cavan County
It's possible to spend an entire day in
Killykeen Forest Park and not run out of things to do. Located about 5 kilometres from Cavan town, the park surrounds the Lough Oughter lake system and its bounty of fish. Explore lush woodland forests filled with oak, spruce and beech trees, go canoeing or follow scenic biking and hiking trails. While you're in the area, take a short boat ride to an island housing the ruins of Cloughoughter Castle, a 13th-century fortress that was the last stronghold to fall in the Irish Rebellion. Another historic site that's worth seeing is Cavan Burren Park. Perched on a limestone plateau near
Cuilcagh Mountain, it's where you'll find prehistoric rock art, impressive megalith tombs and immense boulders deposited by Ice Age glaciers. If you can't get enough of history, drop by
St Kilian's Heritage Centre in Mullagh town and view exhibitions not only about the martyr but also about Irish church history.
How to get to Cavan County
Folks flying in to visit County Cavan will usually pass through Dublin Airport or Belfast Airport, which are both less than a 2-hour drive away. A daily service from Dublin Airport to Cavan Town is conveniently available. Buses operated by Bus Éireann go every hour from Dublin and Donegal to the towns of Cavan and Virginia, and there are also regular bus services from Sligo and Galway. For travellers coming in by sea, the ferry ports in Dublin and Belfast are the points of disembarkation. Traveling by train to Cavan isn't possible since all rail lines and stations were shut down in 1959.
