Lough Sillan

Overview

Lough Sillan lies just outside the town of Shercock in the heart of County Cavan. The lake’s clear, azure‑tinted waters stretch across a gentle basin, framed by mature gardens, rolling drumlin hills and a historic glebe house dating back to 1819. Its central location – roughly an hour’s drive from both Dublin and Belfast airports – makes it an accessible retreat for travellers seeking a quiet corner of the Irish countryside.

Visitors are greeted by a blend of natural beauty and well‑kept amenities: a public playground, a mobile‑home park, a tennis court, a marina, and a thriving fishing scene. Whether you arrive for a day of water‑sport, a family picnic, or a weekend of indulgent spa‑time, Lough Sillan offers a peaceful sanctuary that feels far removed from the bustle of the city.

History

The lake is not only a picture‑perfect landscape; it bears a somber chapter of Irish inland tragedy. On 25 July 1878, schoolmaster Michael McCabe took a group of pupils on a boat trip across the lake. The vessel capsised shortly after departure, claiming 17 lives – the school principal, his wife, two staff members and thirteen children. The disaster remains one of Ireland’s worst inland drownings. In July 2004 a commemorative plaque was unveiled on the lakeshore, adjacent to the path once used by those who perished, offering a place for reflection.

The surrounding estate itself carries a rich heritage. Lough Sillan House, originally erected in 1819 as a glebe house with a £100 grant and a £900 loan from the Board of First Fruits, later served as a rectory and vicarage. Over the centuries the grounds have evolved from a modest glebe to an eight‑acre garden oasis, complete with formal planting, wild‑woodland walks and a historic mansion that now houses three lovingly restored lakeside cottages.

Geology & Landscape

Lough Sillan is part of the drumlin‑filled landscape that gives County Cavan its nickname “the Lake County”. During the last Ice Age, massive glaciers sculpted the terrain, leaving behind elongated hills – drumlins – that run parallel to the direction of ice movement. When the ice melted, water collected in the low‑lying troughs between these drumlins, creating the myriad lakes that dot the county. Lough Sillan is listed among the famed “365 lakes of Cavan”, a project that photographed every lake in the county to showcase this unique geological legacy.

The lake also marks the source of the Annalee River, which flows north‑west into Lough Tacker before joining the River Erne. This connection links Lough Sillan to the wider Erne river system, one of Ireland’s major waterways.

Nature & Wildlife

The lake supports a healthy fish population – chiefly brown trout and pike – making it popular with anglers. Birdwatchers can spot swans, ducks, herons and occasional kingfishers along the reed‑lined shores. The surrounding woodlands host native flora such as oak, ash and hawthorn, providing seasonal colour and a pleasant backdrop for walks.

What to See & Do

Lakeside Activities

• Fishing & Water Sports – Anglers can cast from the shore or a rented boat, while kayaks and small sailing craft are available for hire from the on‑site marina.
• Swimming & Wild‑Swimming – The lake’s calm surface makes it ideal for a refreshing dip, especially in summer months.
• Tennis & Playground – A well‑maintained tennis court and a public playground provide family‑friendly recreation.

The Lough Sillan House Experience

Staying at Lough Sillan House turns a simple visit into a boutique retreat. The estate offers three distinct cottages:

All cottages share premium comforts: wood‑burning stoves (fuel provided), continuous hot water, infrared heating, fully stocked bathrooms and thoughtful touches such as under‑bed storage and iron on request. The estate’s lakeside spa includes a hot tub, sauna and a relaxation room that overlook the water, with allocated time‑slots ensuring privacy.

Gardens & Walks

The eight‑acre grounds are a horticultural delight. Meandering paths wind through formal flower beds, wild‑woodland sections and towering oaks, offering countless spots for picnics, bird‑watching and sunset contemplation. The elevated spa platform provides a panoramic view of the lake, perfect for stargazing on clear nights.

Dining & Outdoor Kitchen

Guests can make use of an outdoor kitchen equipped with a BBQ and pizza oven, allowing self‑catered meals amid the scenery. Fresh local produce can be sourced from nearby markets in Shercock or Cavan town.

Nearby Attractions

Lough Sillan sits within easy reach of several other Cavan highlights:

• Annagh Lake – a short drive north, ideal for swimming and angling.
• Castle Lake – woodland walks and historic ruins.
• Cavan Burren Park – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with dolmen trails and scenic loops.
• Dun Na Rí Forest Park – a short distance east, offering marked cycling and walking routes.

These sites make for a perfect day‑trip circuit, allowing visitors to sample the diversity of Cavan’s lakes and landscapes.

Practical Information

• Admission – Free entry to the lake and public amenities.
• Parking – Free parking is available at the mobile‑home park and near the playground.
• Fishing licence – Required for anglers; licences can be purchased locally.
• Accessibility – Lakeshore paths and the playground are level and suitable for most visitors. The historic glebe house retains original staircases; guests needing assistance should contact the hosts in advance.
• Getting there – From Dublin Airport follow the M1 north to the N2, then take the Cavan‑Shercock route (≈ 80 km). From Belfast International Airport travel south on the A5 and then the N2 (≈ 90 km). Signage for Lough Sillan is clear from the main road.
• Contact & Booking
  • Website: Lough Sillan House
  • Email: hello@loughsillanhouse.com
  • Phone: 087 672 4179 / 085 859 5057

Cottages can be booked directly on the website, where you’ll also find the latest nightly rates (e.g., €950 for all three cottages). Minimum stays apply on bank holidays (2 nights); otherwise there is no mandatory stay length. Payment options include bank transfer, Revolut or credit/debit cards.

Seasonal Notes

The lake remains usable year‑round; the spa facilities operate daily during daylight hours, with allocated slots announced at check‑in. Summer is the busiest period for swimming and water‑sports, while autumn brings colourful foliage along the woodland walks.

Lough Sillan offers a rare combination of natural splendour, poignant history and upscale accommodation, making it an ideal destination for families, history enthusiasts and anyone seeking a restorative Irish lakeside escape.