Visiting Cavan County? The county in the north of the Republic of Ireland is part of the Province of Ulster (but not part of Northern Ireland). Cavan County has a number of attractions you won’t want to miss, plus some interesting attractions that are a bit off the beaten path. So why not take your time and spend a day or two in Cavan when visiting Ireland? Here are some ideas to make it worth your while.
Cavan County Basic Facts
Here’s what you need to know about County Cavan, part of the Irish province of Ulster. Ulster is sometimes mistakenly believed to be made up of counties in Northern Ireland only, but this is not true and Cavan is one of the examples of the Republic.
The Irish name for the county of Cavan is Contae an Chabháin , which can best be translated as ‘Valley’ or ‘Hollow’, a very fitting description for Cavan Town. Irish license plates for cars first registered in County Cavan show the abbreviation CN.
The county town is Cavan Town, other regionally important towns are Bailieborough and Belturbet. Cavan County spans about 746 square miles with a population of 76,092, according to the 2016 census.
The 39% population growth over the past twenty years reflects the fact that Dublin’s commuter belt began to extend into the southern parts of County Cavan. Nicknames for County Cavan are “Lake County” or “the Breiffne” (referring to a medieval kingdom), if you are talking to the people of Cavan. Outsiders are likely to add that the county is best known for being “bad” or stingy.
The saving efforts of the locals are legends and many jokes. It is also sometimes joked that it is “Pothole County” (local limestone makes road surfaces prone to cracking and disappearing. And the city council is, true to Cavan’s way, reluctant to spend money on ” minor repairs’).
The tomb of Aughrim
Aughrim’s Tomb, a monument dating back to 2000 BC, can now be found on the grounds of the Slieve Russell Hotel. The ancient stone structure was buried undisturbed for many millennia until it was discovered during the mining of an Irish mountain.
Instead of destroying it, the group responsible for mining had the monument moved at high cost and rebuilt on the hotel grounds.
The man who owns the company and the hotel was once the richest man in Ireland, but soon lost his fortune. If you believe the rumors, then Sean Quinn became homeless as a result of ill-advised interference with the ancient tomb.
Virginia Pumpkin Festival
The Virginia Pumpkin Festival, City of County Cavan, combines rural traditions, serious gardening, and Halloween. October’s holiday weekend is a city-wide party with street entertainment for all ages including some interesting live performances.
Of course, there is an emphasis on pumpkins, such as the weigh-in not to be missed for the largest pumpkin on display. Creepy, fun, and varied, this is a definite highlight on the Cavan calendar.
City of Cavan
Cavan literally means “the hole” … and driving into Cavan Town, you know the name fits. It’s downhill, whatever direction you’re coming from. But only in a geographical sense, as Cavan Town has the charms and little streets that Ireland’s traditional county towns always seem to offer.
Cavan Town has everything from a bustling shopping center with large chain stores and small local businesses to a massive Catholic cathedral with a slightly smaller church opposite the Church of Ireland.
From a cemetery with historical connections to cafes with a cozy atmosphere. From the hustle and bustle of the local university to the slow pace of life. It’s worth a stop, even if it’s just for lunch or a live music session.
Cavan County Museum
County Cavan is part of what is known as the Border Region because it shares a 43-mile border with Northern Ireland (specifically County Fermanagh).
The Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff is a hidden gem, it is not on any main road (and it is not very well signposted from the N3), it is hidden behind a modern church and it holds the key to understanding the history of the counties borderlines.
From megalithic monuments with baffling images to bold images used by semi-secret societies and fraternal brotherhoods on both sides of the sectarian divide. It’s not a great museum, but it packs a punch anyway.
Belturbet
Cavan County is said to have a lake for every day of the year. For those hoping to sail, it is worth stopping at Belturbet and braving the N3 as it travels from Cavan Town to Enniskillen through the city center.
Outside the city, on the waterfront, there is a peaceful setting where cruise ships dock and families enjoy a stroll. Here the waterways almost intersect, with the Shannon and Shannon-Erne-Waterway just a short distance away.
The now peaceful setting was once caught up in “the trouble” with Northern Ireland. The border is very close to Belturbet, and an old bridge here was blown up decades ago and then replaced by a new one during the peace process.
You can also see the modest monument next to the old post office, which commemorates two local teenagers who died in a bomb attack in the small town.
See the source of the Shannon
Both the Shannon and Erne originate from County Cavan, and the Shannon Pot, near the town of Glengavlin, is interesting enough for a short visit. An almost small (but deep) pond filled with an underground stream. Even though it looks like a simple trickle here, this is actually the source of the mighty River Shannon. The place is a great place for a picnic on a sunny day!
Virginia show
Virginia’s annual agricultural show is definitely a rural highlight. The highlight of the country’s fair is a champion cow competition, although there are agricultural competitions of all kinds. You will also see the cows that provide the cream for Bailey, and have the opportunity to shop for local food and crafts. The day is definitely fun, but dress for the changeable weather and not-so-clean terrain.
Live Irish Traditional Music Sessions in Cavan
Visiting Cavan County and not sure what to do at night? One of the most popular evening activities means going to a local pub (which, by default, will be an »original Irish pub«) and then joining a session of traditional Irish music… so why not give it a try? Most traditional sessions start around 9:30 pm or whenever some musicians get together. Here are some reliable places:
- Ballinagh – «Mary Brady’s»
- Cavan Town – «Los brazos de Farnham» y «McCaul’s»
- Killeshandra – «Dickie’s» y «The Shamrock Bar»
- Virginia – «Healey’s»
