Lough Sillan

📍 Shercock, Cavan

🏛️ Attraction

Last updated: 21 June 2026

Overview

Lough Sillan sits just outside Shercock in the heart of County Cavan, offering a quiet escape roughly an hour’s drive from both Dublin and Belfast airports. The lake’s clear waters carry a distinct azure tint, a feature noted by writers and visitors for over a century. While the shoreline remains free and open to the public for walking, swimming, and fishing, the adjacent estate has been carefully restored to offer a more immersive lakeside experience. Today, the grounds blend 200-year-old heritage with modern comfort, making it a practical base for exploring Ireland’s Ancient East and the Hidden Heartlands.

History & Heritage

The area’s story is as layered as its landscape. Lough Sillan House was originally built in 1819 as a glebe house, funded by a £100 grant and a £900 loan from the Board of First Fruits. It later served as a rectory and vicarage in the Diocese of Kilmore, home to the Reverend Frederick Fitzpatrick, who planted many of the mature trees that still frame the grounds.

The lake also bears the memory of a profound local tragedy. On 25 July 1878, a school boat capsized shortly after departing the shore, claiming 17 lives including the school principal, his wife, two staff members, and thirteen children. It remains one of Ireland’s worst inland drowning disasters. A commemorative plaque was unveiled in July 2004 on the lakeshore, adjacent to the old path used by those who perished, providing a quiet spot for reflection.

The lake’s beauty has long been celebrated in print. In 1856, the Reverend Randall McCollum wrote in Sketches of the Highlands of Cavan: “Lough Sillan is a fine sheet of water. There is a tinge of azure over its surface, that to my eye, heightens the effect its placid waters are well calculated to produce.” Decades later, an 1891 poem compared its shores favourably to the Glens of Wicklow and the Cliffs of Moher, cementing its reputation as a cherished local retreat.

The Gardens & Grounds

The estate spans 9.5 acres of mature planting that slopes gently toward the water. Originally established over two centuries ago, the gardens were carefully rejuvenated in the early 2000s by renowned garden designer and botanist Daphne Shackleton. Her work preserved the veteran trees planted by Rev. Fitzpatrick while introducing structured borders, ornamental groves, and a small pond.

The grounds change character with the seasons. Spring brings carpets of bluebells beneath copper beeches, followed by vivid displays of azaleas and rhododendrons. Summer fills the air with the scent of rambling roses and hydrangeas, while autumn turns the mixed collection of native and Asian trees into a tapestry of red, gold, and brown. Winter strips back the canopy to reveal sweeping lake views that remain hidden during the growing months, with evergreens and occasional snow providing stark, peaceful scenery.

Accommodation & Spa Experience

For those looking to stay overnight, the estate offers three beautifully restored adult-only cottages, each with its own layout and character:

  • Linden Lodge – A converted 200-year-old stable that sleeps up to four. It is the only dog-friendly cottage and overlooks a private walled courtyard.
  • The Little Gem Stone Cottage – Designed for couples, featuring original stonework, a private courtyard, and a wood-burning stove.
  • Copper Cove Cottage – Another two-person retreat with sunny courtyard access and carefully preserved traditional details.
  • All Three Cottages – Can be booked together for groups of six to eight, granting exclusive use of the courtyard, outdoor kitchen, and kayaks.

Guests share access to a lakeside spa platform built over the water. The facility includes a hot tub, sauna, and a dedicated relaxation room, all positioned to catch the sunset and evening stars. To maintain privacy, spa access operates on allocated time slots arranged at check-in. The shared outdoor kitchen is equipped with a Weber BBQ and an Ooni pizza oven, making it easy to prepare meals using local produce.

Activities & Nature

Lough Sillan caters to both active visitors and those seeking quiet recreation. The public shoreline offers free access for walking, picnicking, and wild swimming. A nearby tennis court, playground, and mobile-home park provide additional family-friendly facilities. Kayaks are available for guests to explore the lake’s calm waters and reach quieter coves. Anglers can fish for brown trout and pike, though personal tackle must be brought along.

Birdwatchers will find reed-lined banks that attract swans, herons, ducks, and occasional kingfishers. The surrounding woodlands and gardens support native flora, creating a rich habitat that changes noticeably throughout the year. For extended outdoor exploration, the estate serves as a convenient starting point for nearby trails and waterways.

Nearby Attractions

Positioned close to the border, Lough Sillan is well placed for day trips across the region:

  • Annagh Lake – A short drive north, popular for swimming and angling.
  • Castle Lake – Offers woodland walks and historic castle ruins.
  • Cavan Burren Park – A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty featuring ancient dolmens and scenic driving loops.
  • Belfast – Easily accessible for cultural and historical excursions across Northern Ireland.

Practical Information

  • Admission: Free entry to the lake, public paths, and playground. Cottage and spa access require a booking.
  • Parking: Free parking is available near the mobile-home park and estate entrance.
  • Fishing: A valid fishing licence is required. Anglers must bring their own gear.
  • Accessibility: The lakeshore path and playground are level and suitable for most visitors. The historic cottages and spa platform involve steps; guests with mobility requirements should contact the hosts in advance.
  • Getting there: From Dublin, follow the M1 north to the N2, then take the Cavan-Shercock route. From Belfast, travel south on the A5 and join the N2. The estate is clearly signposted from the main road.
  • Booking & Contact: Cottages are booked directly via email or phone, with some dates also listed on Airbnb.
  • Spa & Cottage Details: Wood for stoves is provided. A first aid kit and fire extinguisher are kept in the shared kitchen. Minimum stays apply on bank holidays (two nights), with flexible booking otherwise.

Lough Sillan combines public accessibility with private comfort, making it a practical choice for anglers, garden lovers, and couples looking to disconnect. Booking the cottages guarantees dedicated spa time and quiet mornings on the water, while the free shoreline remains open year-round for walks and swimming.