Overview
Cavan County Museum sits in the historic town of Ballyjamesduff, housed within the beautifully restored 19th‑century Convent of St Clare. Since opening in 1996, the museum has become the principal repository for County Cavan’s archaeological and social heritage, offering visitors a vivid journey through more than six millennia of Irish history.
History
The building was originally a convent for the Poor Clare nuns. Its stone walls and cloistered garden provide an atmospheric backdrop for the collections. In 1996 the museum was established with a clear mission to collect, conserve and display the material heritage of County Cavan, and it now serves as a designated collecting repository for the National Museum of Ireland.
What to See & Do
Archaeological treasures
- Killycluggin Stone – the reconstructed 2.5‑metre limestone monolith, displayed with detailed panels explaining its La Tène spirals and links to the pre‑Christian deity Crom Cruach. A replica stands near Ballymagauran Castle about 250 m from the museum.
- Three‑faced Corleck Head – a rare Iron Age bronze sculpture.
- Lavey Sheela‑na‑gig and other medieval stone carvings.
- Medieval dug‑out boat recovered from Lough Errill.
- Great Famine artefacts, GAA paraphernalia and a collection of historic costumes.
Cultural galleries
- Percy French Gallery – original sketches, lyrics and personal items of the county’s celebrated songwriter.
- Poor Clares exhibition – the story of the convent’s monastic community.
- Folklife Gallery – a recreation of rural life in the late‑19th and early‑20th centuries.
- Eden Gallery – rotating shows of local and national artists.
Interactive experiences
- World War I Trench Experience – Ireland’s largest outdoor replica trench (350 m). Sandbags, sound‑scapes and visual effects bring the harsh realities of trench warfare to life. The trench is open to the public during museum opening hours and does not require advance booking.
- Indoor displays complement the trench with artefacts from the 1916 Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme.
Family‑friendly spaces
- On‑site playground and tranquil peace garden.
- Nun’s Walk, a shaded promenade winding around the former convent grounds.
- Cosy tea room serving hot drinks and light bites.
- Gift shop offering locally made souvenirs.
Events & Programs
The museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions in the Eden Gallery, covering topics from contemporary art to local history. Educational programmes for schools include guided tours, hands‑on archaeology workshops and history talks. Group bookings for families, clubs or corporate visits can be arranged via the museum’s website.
Practical Information
- Location: Convent of St Clare, Virginia Road, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan.
- Opening hours: Tue‑Sat 10:00‑16:15 (last entry 16:15); closed Sun & Mon.
- Admission: Adults €6; Children/Students/Seniors €4; Family ticket €14.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair‑accessible exhibition spaces and gardens; contact the museum for specific assistance.
- Facilities: Restrooms, free on‑site parking, café (open 10:00‑16:00), gift shop.
- Group bookings: Available through the museum’s website.
Nearby Attractions
- Cavan Burren Park – a short drive away, offering a dolmen trail and wedge‑tomb walk.
- Clough Oughter Castle – medieval island fortress on Lough Oughter, reachable by a scenic lakeside drive.
- Cavan Way – a long‑distance walking route that passes close to the museum, ideal for hikers looking to extend their visit.
Plan a visit to Cavan County Museum to walk among ancient Celtic monoliths, step into a WWI trench, and soak up the rich tapestry of County Cavan’s past and present.