Explore the heritage of County Cavan - This is Cavan (original) (raw)

Hand-me-downs from history

Before this place was called Cavan it was called Breifne, & before that it was called something else.

This land has been home for Neolithic, Bronze Age, Celtic, Norman & Early Christian peoples. They all left their mark. Clogh Oughter Castle was built by the Normans in the 12th century. The locals were so impressed by the place that they quickly captured it for themselves.

The O’Reilly fought hard to retain this roof over their heads until Cromwell’s forces finally blasted through the walls in 1653. The breached walls lie where they fell, and for hundreds of years the castle has belonged to no one but it’s painters, poets and curious visitors. So what was all the fuss about? The same as it ever was – location, location, location!

Stunning views. Located on the R200 between Derrynacreeve Junction and Glangevlin. – a Geopark site.

Mountain View, Swanlinbar, County Cavan, Ireland

The Bailieborough Bridewell, built in 1833 and closed in 1900, showcases the dark history of Bridewells, used in the 17th and 18th centuries to house petty criminals, vagrants, and others awaiting trail, offering a chilling glimpse into Ireland’s past.

Courthouse Building, Main Street, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan, A82 P6X0

Mullaghboy, Milltown, County Cavan, H14 X458, Ireland

Corrasmongan, Corville, Bawnboy, County Cavan, Ireland

Historic cut-stone station on the famed narrow gauge railway line. Open Fri – Sun 12pm – 5pm Closed, reopening on 3rd of April 2026. Any group enquiries to call Tony on 087 2639764

Railway Road, Belturbet, County Cavan, H14 E276, Ireland

The trail begins in the centre of the town, known as the Diamond, across from the historic Town Hall.

Church Street, Belturbet, County Cavan, Ireland

The Breffni Gallery celebrates the history of Cavan GAA, with information, imagery and memorabilia.

Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan, County Cavan, H12 HX02, Ireland

Distance: 750m Terrain: Footpath. The trail tells the story of the Demesne including Col. Edward Saunderson, the ‘father of modern unionism’

Cloverhill, Belturbet, County Cavan, H14 X650, Ireland

Historic cathedral completed in 1860 by William Hague with 12th century Romanesque door.

Kilmore, Cavan, County Cavan, H12 FK10, Ireland

Distance: 1km – 5km. Spectacular megalithic landscape, with four trails, overlooked by majestic Cuilcagh Mountain. Free entry. Visitor centre, toilets and parking.

Unnamed Road, County Cavan, Ireland

One of the most impressive buildings in Cavan town. Completed in 1942, the vast interior is like a basilica with different colours of marble.

45 Farnham Street, Cavan, County Cavan, H12 FD71, Ireland

Award-winning museum. WW1 Trench Experience, 1916 Rising Experience, Peace Garden, shop, cafe, playground, exhibitions and Nun’s Walk.

Virginia Road, Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, A82 YP70, Ireland

Unearth your Cavan connections at Cavan Genealogy Centre. Appointment required.

16 R212, Cavan, County Cavan, Ireland

A self-guided walking tour of historic Cavan town.

1 Main Street, Cavan, County Cavan, H12 VY47, Ireland

The largest outdoor replica trench in Ireland or the UK – includes visual and sound effects. On the grounds of Cavan County Musuem.

Stradone Street, Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, A82 YP70, Ireland

Dramatic 13th century Norman Castle in the middle of Lough Oughter accessible by water only.

Lough Oughter, Inishconnell, County Cavan, Ireland

A well-preserved double chamber tomb, c. 2000 BC. -3 miles southeast of Cootehill on the R181.

100 year old family run business, the perfect place for gifts, toys, crafts, Cavan food products and souvenirs to take home

1 Main Street, Cavan, County Cavan, H12 VY47, Ireland

Listed 1840s Georgian-style house and gardens with majority of its period features. House and gardens open to the public.

OPENING DAYS 2026 – -8th to 30th Jan, 5th to 27th Feb, 5th to 13th Mar (Thu-Fri); 7th to 24th May, 6th to 14th Aug (Thu-Sun); Heritage Week 15th to 23rd August (daily); 27th to 30th Aug, 3rd to 13th Sep (Thu-Sun). 2pm to 6pm. Tours on the hour. Last admission 1 hour before closing. Groups, and other opening times, by appointment.

Drung, Ballyhaise, County Cavan, H12 D860, Ireland

Demonstrations and classes in wool spinning, butter making, bread making, crochet, embroidery and knitting. Booking by appointment.

Knocknaveigh, Virginia, County Cavan, A82 P2C2, Ireland

Recognised by UNESCO for unique geological landscapes, the Geopark spans the uplands of Cavan and Fermanagh. Year round programme of events.

Main Street, Blacklion, County Cavan, Ireland

Overlooking Garfinny Lough, the abbey was founded by St. Colmcille and boasts fine stonework and a 10 metre high round tower

A stunning national trust property, on the Cavan / Fermanagh border near Blacklion.

Florencecourt, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT92 1DB, United Kingdom

Once the home of the Franciscan Friary in Cavan town. The Bell Tower remains – likely the oldest building in Cavan town.

24 Bridge Street, Cavan, County Cavan, H12 W866, Ireland

Thatched 18th century famous pub with old world charm. Trad music Thursday night 8pm-10.30pm and Music on Sunday From 7.30pm. Open Thursday to Sunday every week and on Bank Holiday Mondays

5 Lower Main Street, Kingscourt, County Cavan, A82 A0D9, Ireland

A Buddhist meditation and retreat centre on a beautiful 19th century estate. Accommodation available.

Owendoon House, Bawnboy, County Cavan, H14 E286, Ireland

Experience a time of Knights & Conquests. An interactive and fun journey through time.

1 Saint Joseph's Terrace, Granard, County Longford, N39 DE06, Ireland

Distance: 7 km | Grade: Moderate Terrain: Mountain and forest paths. Incredible views.

R165, Kingscourt, County Cavan, Ireland

The inauguration site of the Maguire clan in medieval times.

An early Christian fort with circular thick stone wall and two small staircases. Beautiful views. A UNESCO Geopark site

2km family friendly walk in the grounds of Cavan County Museum. Children’s playground, coffee shop, WW1 Trench Experience and GPO outdoor experience also available.

Virginia Rd, Kilmore, Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, A82 YP70, Ireland

Restored 17th Century plantation castle, picturesquely situated on the shores of Lough Gill in County Leitrim. Guided tours available. Reopening in March 2026. 35Km from Blacklion.

Dedicated to the life of St. Kilian who was born in Mullagh and went on to become patron saint in Wurzburg, Germany

Mullagh, County Cavan, A82 HW77, Ireland

A picturesque, mysterious island around which many legends swirl. It is said that on this island, St. Mogue was born.

Templeport Lake, Bawnboy, County Cavan, Ireland

Atmospheric graveyard with ancient origins. One of the few Jacobean style churches remaining in Ireland.

1 Church Street, Killashandra, County Cavan, H12 KN30, Ireland

The source of the mighty River Shannon. Short marked trail and play area.

Glangevlin, Blacklion, County Cavan, Ireland

6km southwest of Swanlinbar.
Beautiful, serene waterfalls –a UNESCO Geopark site.

Tullydermot Falls, Glangevlin, County Cavan, Ireland

A neogothic castle, tearooms and world famous gardens

Tullynally Castle, Castlepollard, County Westmeath, N91 HV58, Ireland

1km walking trail along the River Erne. Picnic benches. Home to the Dreamscape outdoor art exhibition.

1 Sean Lee Drive, Belturbet, County Cavan, H14 FN23, Ireland

An excellent example of an active river forming a cave.

Sligo Road, Blacklion, Co. Cavan