Often celebrated as the “Lake County”, Cavan offers a tranquil escape into the heart of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. With a water-rich landscape woven together by a sprawling network of interconnected lakes and rivers, it is a natural playground for anglers, canoeists and nature enthusiasts. The serene environment sets a distinct, unhurried pace of life that moves to the gentle rhythm of lapping water.
Beyond its aquatic allure, the county is steepled with ancient mysteries. The Cavan Burren Park features a fascinating prehistoric landscape where megalithic tombs and ancient rock art tell the stories of civilizations long vanished. From kayaking across mirror-like waters to exploring verdant drumlins, County Cavan is the perfect antidote to the rush of modern life.
Cavan’s deep-rooted heritage echoes through the ages, with the landscape dotted by the legacy of the O’Reilly clan and striking mediaeval ruins. History enthusiasts can explore the fascinating Cavan County Museum, which houses extraordinary artefacts ranging from the 2,500-year-old Killycluggin Stone to a breathtaking World War I trench replica. Out on the water, the hauntingly beautiful Clough Oughter Castle stands proudly on an artificial island, offering a fairy-tale sight that is best appreciated from a kayak. Whether you are stepping into the stately elegance of Cabra Castle or discovering the prehistoric wonders of the Burren Park, the county invites visitors to immerse themselves in a rich historical tapestry.
As part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, the county presents a mesmerising outdoor playground. Adventurers can hike the rugged trails of the Cuilcagh Lakelands Global Geopark or wander through the enchanting woodlands of Killykeen and Dún na Rí Forest Parks. The region is also the proud guardian of the Shannon Pot, the legendary source of Ireland’s longest river. The vibrant local community brings the landscape to life with lively traditional music in historic thatched pubs and energetic Gaelic football matches at Breffni Park. With an array of engaging arts festivals and spirited walking events, County Cavan promises a truly captivating and memorable escape.
Butlersbridge, cavan
Annagh Lake sits off the N3 between Cavan town and the Fermanagh border, one of the easier lakes to reach in Cavan's Lakes Country. It has free parking, a stone BBQ and picnic area, a compost toilet and a lakeside cabin, plus a 6 km loop walk. Angling is boat-only, May to September, with a six-trout daily limit; swimming is unsupervised year-round.
Arvagh, cavan
Arvagh (or Arva) is a small Cavan town of about 420 people, set on Garty Lough below Bruse Mountain near the point where three provinces – Ulster, Leinster and Connacht – almost meet. Its name means 'place of slaughter', from old border battles. The draw now is quiet: coarse fishing on a ring of small lakes, the July agricultural show, and a September international fishing tournament.
Bailieborough, cavan
Bailieborough sits at 146 m, one of the highest towns in Ireland, a Plantation market town founded by the Bailie family in the 1600s. Its best walk loops Castle Lake through the demesne of a castle demolished in the 1940s, passing the ruins, a memorial to the 1798 rebels of Rebel Hill and the graves of the Marist brothers who once lived in the castle.
Ballyconnell, cavan
Ballyconnell won the national Tidy Towns title twice in the 1970s and has kept the trim look ever since. Walk the easy 4.8 km canal loop from the bridge, then visit Bear Essentials, where vintage teddy bears share a room with fossils and a meteorite.
Ballyhaise, cavan
Ballyhaise is a rare planned estate village in County Cavan, its streets radiating from an octagonal market square laid out by Colonel Brockhill Newburgh in the early 1700s. At its heart is Ballyhaise House, a brick mansion of around 1730 with what is reckoned one of the earliest oval rooms in Ireland, now the Teagasc agricultural college. The River Annalee runs past, with a riverside park and good game fishing for those with a permit.
Ballyjamesduff, cavan
The Cavan County Museum, in a former Poor Clare convent, holds the Killycluggin Stone, the three-faced Corleck Head and the largest replica World War I trench in Ireland or the UK. The town around it is the one Percy French sent Paddy Reilly back to in song – which he wrote while working as the county's Inspector of Drains.
Ballymagauran, cavan
Ballymagauran 'Castle' is the base of a fortified Jacobean house built around 1613 by Phelim Magauran, chief of the McGovern clan, on a rise above Ballymagauran Lake. Lived in for barely thirty years before the Cromwellian wars, it now survives mainly as a footprint on private land beside the Shannon-Erne Waterway.
Magh Slecht, cavan
Magh Slecht is a three-square-mile plain in west County Cavan with one of the densest concentrations of ancient monuments in Ireland and a long mythological past as the cult centre of Crom Cruach. It gave its name to the 1256 battle in which the O'Rourkes broke the O'Reillys and the kingdom of Breifne split permanently into east and west.
Bawnboy, cavan
Bawnboy sits at the foot of Slieve Rushen, blending a medieval cattle-stronghold past with a striking 18th-century Italianate house. Explore the village's historic bawn and workhouse ruins, or take the forested loop trail for views over Brackley Lake.
Cootehill, cavan
Bellamont House crowns a sweeping 1,000-acre drumlin estate just outside Cootehill. The 1730 Georgian villa and its surrounding native woodlands offer striking architecture, peaceful lakes and clearly marked walking routes for heritage enthusiasts and nature lovers.
cavan
Set on the River Erne, Belturbet blends a lively market town atmosphere with exceptional angling and waterway access. Just steps away, Turbet Island offers a fully accessible loop trail, an Anglo-Norman double motte and quiet birdwatching spots.
Blacklion, cavan
Blacklion is a village of fewer than 200 people on the Cavan–Fermanagh border, but it punches above its size. The source of the River Shannon is a short walk away on the Cavan Way, Neven Maguire’s celebrated MacNean House sits on the main street, and the megalithic landscape of the Cavan Burren Park is on the doorstep.
Near Bawnboy, cavan
Brackley Lake (Brackley Lough) is a 400-acre coarse fishery west of the N87 near Bawnboy in west Cavan, feeding the River Blackwater. It holds bream, skimmers, roach, hybrids, perch, pike and eels, is free to fish with no permit, and is reached by a narrow lane down to a waterside car park at Prospect Point.
Northwest Ireland, leitrim
Bréifne was a Gaelic kingdom that split in two after the 1256 Battle of Magh Slecht, becoming the modern counties of Leitrim and Cavan. Its remains are scattered across the drumlins: Clogh Oughter Castle on a crannog, Drumlane's round tower, the Marble Arch Caves. The 500 km Beara-Breifne Way ends here, and Cuilcagh's 'Stairway to Heaven' boardwalk climbs the mountain.
Butlersbridge, cavan
Murmuring waters of the Annalee River flow beneath Butlersbridge’s historic stone bridge, setting a peaceful tone for this rural village. Explore its limestone church, cast a line at nearby Annagh Lake, or paddle the calm waterways of the Erne catchment.
Cabra, cavan
Set within 100 acres of parkland and woodland, Cabra Castle combines Georgian heritage with modern hospitality. Guests can enjoy fine dining, horse riding, and direct access to Dún a Rí Forest Park, all within easy reach of Dublin and Belfast.
Bailieborough, cavan
Just south of Bailieborough, Castle Lake offers clearly marked, car-free forest trails through ancient oak woodlands and spring bluebells. The route passes the ruins of Bailieborough Castle, a 1798 uprising memorial and quiet fishing stands, making it a straightforward, free outdoor escape in east Cavan.
Belturbet, cavan
Where the River Finn meets Upper Lough Erne, the weathered stone walls of Castle Saunderson overlook 34 acres of broadleaf woodland and meadow. Once the seat of the Anglo-Irish Saunderson family, the site now operates as a vibrant International Scout Centre, offering easy circular walks, historic interpretive panels, and purpose-built camping and hostel facilities for visitors of all ages.
Killeshandra, cavan
Step back in time at Castlehamilton Estate, where a derelict 17th-century courtyard has been carefully restored into a collection of luxury self-catering cottages. Set amid County Cavan’s famous lakelands, the grounds feature private fishing lakes, ancient ring forts, and wooded walking trails, making it an ideal base for angling, outdoor recreation, and quiet countryside escapes.
Inishmore, cavan
Set on the islands of Inishmore beside Lough Oughter, Cavan Adventure Centre combines hands-on outdoor activities with serious environmental stewardship. Paddle to Clough Oughter Castle, join guided bushcraft sessions, or unwind on the lakeside yoga platform, all within a Sustainable Tourism Network Gold-rated site.
Cornagee, cavan
Step onto a limestone plateau where sea, ice and Neolithic hands have left their mark. Walk the Calf House Dolmen loop, discover the Tullygobbin wedge tomb and soak up 360° mountain vistas – all for free.
Ballyjamesduff, cavan
Three floors of a former Poor Clare convent in Ballyjamesduff hold 6,000 years of Cavan's story, from the spiral-carved Killycluggin Stone and the three-faced Corleck Head to bog butter and a medieval dug-out boat. Outside, a 350-metre replica First World War trench, built to the Irish Guards' own manual, is the largest open to the public in Ireland or the UK.
Altachullion Lower, cavan
From the sweeping Altachullion Viewpoint to the 21 km Cavan Way linking Dowra and Blacklion, this trail cuts through drumlins, peatlands and limestone uplands. Walk, birdwatch and explore the geology of Ireland’s Marble Arch Caves Geopark.
Cavan, cavan
Cavan town was laid out by the O'Reillys in the early 1300s, which makes it the earliest Gaelic-founded town in Ireland. Its centre still works for a living: William Farrell's 1824 courthouse doubles as the county council chamber, the Town Hall runs a year-round arts programme, and Killykeen Forest Park and Lough Oughter are fifteen minutes out.
cavan
Traverse the heart of County Cavan on the Cavan Way, a 21.7 km National Waymarked Trail connecting the mystical Shannon Pot to the historic village of Blacklion. This moderate route winds through the Cavan Burren's limestone karst, past ancient passage tombs, and offers sweeping vistas over Lough MacNean.
Lough Oughter, cavan
Perched on a tiny island in the shimmering waters of Lough Oughter, the circular ruin of Clough Oughter Castle offers a striking blend of medieval drama and natural beauty. Visitors can paddle up to the keep, soak up tales of Gaelic resistance and hidden treasure, and watch swans and otters glide past the ancient stone walls.
Cavan, cavan
Golden heather and rugged quartzite define the Breifne Mountains, a quiet upland range straddling the Cavan–Fermanagh border. Walk the Beara-Breifne Way, summit Benbrack, or follow the Cuilcagh Boardwalk to discover Ireland’s longest river source and centuries of O’Rourke heritage.
Derrylahan, cavan
Derrylahan is a quiet Cavan townland with one famous feature: the Shannon Pot, the traditional source of Ireland's longest river. It's a 16-metre-wide dark pool fed from underground, a few minutes' walk from a free car park on the Cavan Way. A long-planned Discovery Centre is being built at the site but has not yet opened.
Dowra, cavan
Dowra sits at the headwaters of Ireland’s longest river, offering a quiet crossroads where County Cavan meets Leitrim. The village is a launchpad for the Cavan Way, the source of the Shannon, and the remnants of the ancient Black Pig’s Dyke.
Cavan/Monaghan border, cavan
Glide along the gentle Dromore River on a three-hour guided canoe tour that winds from Erica’s Fairy Forest to the historic market town of Cootehill. The route crosses the Cavan–Monaghan border through rolling drumlin fields before opening into the forested shores of Dromore Lough, framed by the 18th-century Bellamont and Dartrey estates.
Milltown, cavan
Rising above the tranquil waters of Garfinny Lough, Drumlane Abbey is a striking medieval complex featuring an 11.6-metre round tower and a buttressed church ruin. A short walk from Milltown, the site offers free year-round access, interpretive signage, and a quiet graveyard that remains in active use.
Halton's Amenity & Forest Park, cavan
Erica's Fairy Forest opened on what would have been Erica Ní Draighneain's sixth birthday, in a corner of Halton's Amenity & Forest Park on the shore of Dromore Lough. Local volunteers fill the trees with handmade fairy doors and figures, and the whole thing is free and open all day.
Cavan, cavan
The River Erne runs 120 km from the Cavan hills through Upper and Lower Lough Erne to the Atlantic at Ballyshannon, spreading into a maze of more than 150 islands rather than a single channel. Monastic ruins, crannogs and Enniskillen Castle line the water, and since 1994 the Shannon–Erne Waterway has linked it to the Shannon for boats.
Arvagh, cavan
A peaceful coarse-fishing venue at the southern edge of Arvagh, Garty Lough draws anglers for its pike and bream. Walk the reed-lined banks, launch a small boat, or use it as a quiet base while exploring the three-province crossroads of County Cavan.
Glangevlin, cavan
Where myth meets limestone, Glangevlin is a remote Cavan village surrounded by the stark Cuilcagh Mountains. Explore the traditional source of the River Shannon, walk the permanent West Cavan Camino, and discover sweat houses, historic bridges, and a landscape that held Ireland’s last glacier.
Cootehill, cavan
Haltons Park on the Cavan-Monaghan border blends rolling drumlins with whimsical woodland trails. Visit Erica’s Fairy Forest, paddle the Dromore River, or enjoy a quiet picnic in this free, family-friendly amenity area.
Killeshandra, cavan
Set against the shimmering waters of Lough Oughter and the ruins of a 17th-century Jacobean church, this County Cavan village is a hub for anglers, walkers and history lovers. Reachable by boat, the nearby medieval castle island adds a dramatic touch to a landscape defined by drumlins, forests and traditional Irish music.
Templeport, cavan
Rising from the drumlin fields near Templeport, the Killycluggin stone circle and its famous carved monolith offer a direct connection to Ireland’s Iron Age rituals. Follow the field paths to see the remaining standing stones, then trace the story of the shattered idol to the Cavan County Museum.
cavan
Set against the shimmering waters of Lough Oughter, Killykeen Forest Park offers a peaceful escape into mixed woodland and ancient landscapes. Wander accessible forest trails, spot red squirrels and wintering waterfowl, and discover the legacy of nearby crannóg islands and Clough Oughter Castle.
Kingscourt, cavan
Tucked in County Cavan’s south-east corner, Kingscourt blends market-town charm with striking Gothic architecture and lush forest parks. Walk the leafy trails of Dún na Rí, explore the grounds of Cabra Castle, or catch a world-class handball match in this welcoming border town.
Shercock, cavan
Vicar's Bridge (also known as Knappagh Bridge), built around 1760, remains a working crossing over the River Knappagh on the Cavan-Monaghan border. Set among rolling drumlins and quiet lakes, the area serves as a peaceful base for walking, cycling, and trout fishing near Shercock.
Legavreagra, cavan
A remote and atmospheric townland on the Cavan–Fermanagh border, Legavreagra offers walkers and nature lovers a peaceful escape into peatlands, mountain streams and ancient limestone landscapes. Part of the Slieve Rushen Bog Natural Heritage Area, it remains one of County Cavan’s most tranquil off-the-beaten-track destinations.
Kells, cavan
The Leinster Blackwater’s dark, tannin-rich waters carve a peaceful route through the borderlands of Cavan and Meath. From the broad shallows of Lough Ramor to the historic streets of Kells and the confluence at Navan, the river draws walkers, anglers, and history enthusiasts seeking a quiet escape.
Bailieborough, cavan
Rising above the east Cavan plains, Lough-an-Leagh is a protected ridge of heather, ancient stone cairns, and sweeping views across multiple counties. Managed by a local heritage trust, it offers free walking trails, historic Mass Rocks, and a living link to Irish folklore and seasonal traditions.
Longford, longford
Lough Gowna’s sheltered bays and historic Inchmore island draw anglers and walkers, while the nearby Sonnagh Fort crowns a drumlin ridge with sweeping lake views and a tangible link to early medieval Ireland.
Border of County Fermanagh (Northern Ireland) and Counties Cavan & Leitrim (Republic of Ireland), fermanagh
Straddling the border of County Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim, Lough MacNean’s sparkling waters are dotted with historic islands and crannogs. Visitors can cast for pike, wander foot-bridged islands, or set off on the Cavan Way, all from a well-equipped amenity area near Blacklion.
cavan
Glowing with biodiversity, Lough Oughter juxtaposes the ruined 13th-century Norman keep of Clough Oughter Castle against a protected wetland of international importance. The lake’s islands host rare bird colonies, while low-impact recreation coexists with ongoing conservation efforts.
Virginia, cavan
Set in a shallow, turquoise basin just south of Virginia, Lough Ramor is a tranquil haven for walkers, birdwatchers and boaters. Explore its network of small islands, follow peaceful forest trails, or hire a boat to reach the historic ruins of Woodward’s Island.
Ballyconnell, cavan
More than 100,000 brown trout call Lough Sheelin home, making it Ireland’s most densely stocked trout fishery. The limestone-rich waters, framed by rocky bays and sandy islands, also shelter wintering waterfowl such as goldeneye and tufted duck.
Shercock, cavan
Clear waters and mature gardens frame Lough Sillan, a peaceful retreat just an hour from Dublin and Belfast. Visitors enjoy free shoreline access, wild swimming, and a poignant historical plaque, while couples can stay in restored adult-only cottages with dedicated spa time.
Templeport, cavan
Magh Slécht, 'the plain of prostrations', is a basin in the parish of Templeport, Cavan, with more than 80 recorded monuments in eight square kilometres, from Neolithic tombs to early church ruins. Medieval texts make it the national centre of the cult of Crom Cruach, a stone idol that St Patrick is said to have toppled with his crozier. There is no ticket desk: the sites sit in working farmland, read from field boundaries and minor roads.
Virginia, cavan
A quiet drumlin landscape on the southern shore of Lough Ramor, Munterconnaught is well-known for its rare surviving 1821 census records and well-preserved 19th-century churches. Walk ancient ring forts, trace family roots, and enjoy unhurried rural scenery just minutes from the County Meath border.
cavan
The River Annalee winds through north-central Cavan, offering excellent brown trout fishing, tranquil walking routes, and a rich local heritage. Follow its course from Lough Sillan to the Erne for a peaceful day out in the Irish countryside.
cavan
Rockfield Lake sits quietly on the border between County Cavan and County Leitrim, where the Cullies River winds through calm waters surrounded by rolling drumlins. Known for reliable coarse fishing and peaceful shoreline walks, it’s a straightforward stop for anglers and visitors seeking a quiet slice of midlands lake country.
Derrylahan, cavan
Stand at the edge of the dark, oval basin where Ireland's longest river begins its journey. Shannon Pot blends ancient Celtic mythology with fascinating karst geology, offering a peaceful stop on the Cavan Way with a new Discovery Centre opening in 2026.
Shercock, cavan
Lakeside serenity defines Shercock, where the calm waters of Lough Sillan reflect the surrounding drumlins. The town blends 17th-century history with modern outdoor pursuits, offering anglers, walkers and families a quiet retreat in the heart of Cavan.
Bawnboy, cavan
Rising between County Cavan and County Fermanagh, Slieve Rushen blends ancient heritage with modern renewable energy. Visitors can wander past prehistoric wedge-tombs, cross protected blanket bog, and reach the summit for sweeping views over the Lakelands.
Bawnboy, cavan
Rising from the calm waters of Templeport Lough, St Mogue’s Island is a peaceful monastic ruin steeped in early Irish legend. Reachable only by boat, the site offers a quiet retreat to explore ancient graveyards, hear tales of a miraculous flagstone, and immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of the Cavan lakelands.
Swanlinbar, cavan
Once a fashionable 18th-century spa destination, Swanlinbar now serves as a quiet base for exploring Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Walk the Hawkswood Loop, sip historic sulphur waters, or head north to tackle the famous Cuilcagh Boardwalk.
Town Lough, cavan
Mist curls over the glassy surface of Town Lough as pine and birch leaves rustle along the 5.5-mile woodland circuit. The well-marked loop, graded easy, offers families chances to spot native red squirrels darting through the trees.
Cavan Town, cavan
Tullymongan Hill rises just north of Cavan Town, where Bronze Age earthworks and the legacy of a medieval O’Reilly stronghold meet sweeping valley views. Public footpaths lead to the summit in under half an hour, offering a quiet, free walk steeped in local history.
Blacklion, cavan
Carved by Ice Age meltwater, White Fathers Cave is a three-section river-driven karst system beneath the N16. Guided water-trek tours explore its limestone chambers and active underground river, while a seasonal closure safeguards resident Daubenton’s bats.
Ballyconnell, cavan
The Woodford Canal offers a flat, traffic-free loop through County Cavan’s quiet countryside. Walk or cycle past 19th-century stone bridges, slow waterways, and the edge of Annagh Lake, with Slieve Rushen visible on the horizon.
