This is Cavan! - “The county has proven a particular hit among those with a grá for the great outdoors – whether that means a high-octane activity, a scenic hike, or family fun in the sun”

Home to stunning expanses of rolling drumlins countryside and picturesque lakes – as well as unforgettable adventures on land and on water – it’s no wonder Cavan has built up a reputation as a top staycation destination.

Located less than a two hours’ drive from both Dublin and Belfast, the county has proven a particular hit among those with a grá for the great outdoors – whether that means a high-octane activity, a scenic hike, or family fun in the sun.

Check out the myriad of activities to be found at the Cavan Adventure Centre at Butlersbridge. Kayaking, bike trails, archery, yoga and other wellbeing sessions, orienteering, swan pedalos, paddle boarding, fishing, summer camps, bushcraft workshops, guided tours to Clogh Oughter Castle and the splashtastic Erne Island Water Park with its inflatable obstacle course are just some of the reasons why it’s a massive attraction for all ages. (cavanadventure.ie).

For some more much-needed mindfulness, try out forest yoga with The True You Life Project (trueyoulife.ie). Cavan is also home to some impressive walks, hikes and cycle routes to suit every fitness level, such as the 12km Killykeen Way, the 26km Cavan Way and the 30km Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway.

With a trailhead in Kingscourt, the Greenway passes through or close to the villages of Kilmainhamwood, Nobber, Kilpatrick, Castletown, Wilkinstown and Kilberry before ending up across the county border in Navan. With numerous stop-offs along the way, it’s an idyllic escape for walkers and cyclists.

Ballyhaise Amenity Park is the starting point for the 2.8km Annalee River Trail and 5.3km Oakwood Forest Trail, which both wind their way through some of Cavan’s most picturesque countryside and are rated easy/moderate. (thisiscavan.ie).

For hardier hikers, the 6km Bruse Hill Walkway starts at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Coronea in Glebe near Arvagh and climbs to the top of Bruse Hill where on a clear day it’s possible to see ten counties and three provinces. (thisiscavan.ie).

Multiple trails also await you in the megalithic landscape of Cavan Burren Park, and there’s no shortage of winding forest tracks, breath-taking mountain walks or lakeshore paths in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark (cuilcaghlakelands.org). While you’re in the area, make sure to ‘do’ the Cuilcagh Boardwalk, aka The Stairway To Heaven, and take in the awesome landscapes this part of the world is famous for.

Cuilcagh Boardwalk.

Of course, Cavan is also famed as the home to 365 lakes – or, a lake for every day of the year! As such, it’s no surprise that the county is considered one of Europe’s finest fishing landscapes. There are plenty of guides to help you plan your day, with tailored trips, guided service, tackle, food, boats, and transport.

History buffs can step back in time at one of Cavan’s many heritage sites – including Drumlane Abbey & Round Tower, Castle Saunderson and Belturbet Heritage Railway where you can experience their lovingly restored Narrow Gauge 3ft and Broad Gauge 5ft 3” trains.

Unique in that it was built entirely out of cut-stone, Belturbet Railway Station was the Northern terminus for the famed Cavan-Leitrim line which sadly closed in March 1959 but is fondly remembered by all those who rode it in their younger years. Thanks to a series of ambitious renovation projects, the station has been restored to its former glories. See belturbetheritagerailway.com for details of the special summertime events they have planned.

Belturbet Railway Station.

The unique St Kilian’s Heritage Centre (stkiliansheritagecentre.ie), meanwhile, explores the life and influence of St. Kilian, who was born in Mullagh in 640.

You can also visit the largest outdoor replica trench in Ireland and learn about the area’s unique history through a visit to the captivating Cavan County Museum and WW1 Trench Experience (cavanmuseum.ie) in Ballyjamesduff. Tremendous value at just €4 for children, students and seniors, €6 for adults and €14 for a family ticket, the museum has many other fascinating artefacts dating from the Stone Age through to the 20th Century.

Cavan County Museum.

Its Percy French Gallery pays tribute to the Breffni County’s greatest songwriter while the Nun’s Walk is great for a leisurely stroll before relaxing with a hot drink in their tea rooms.

There is great excitement with opening in July 2025 with the Bailieborough Bridewell visitor Centre officially opening its doors to the general public. Constructed in 1833 and closed at the turn of the century, the imposing building was originally used to house petty criminals, vagrants, those awaiting trial and sometimes children.As such, the Bridwell experience offers a compelling insight into life behind bars in Ireland during the 1800s.

If it’s gorgeous flora and fauna in a relaxed setting you’re after, look no further than Carraig Gardens which are free to visit Friday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm in picturesque Mount Nugent. Tel: 086 212 6265. Listen out if it’s wet for the rain drums and enjoy some delicious cakes, quiches and other nibbles in their café.

Carraig Gardens

A great day out is also to be had at Crafts Of Ireland, the Knocknaveagh, Virginia centre which demonstrates and teaches traditional skills and crafts to people of all ages.

From flax growing and wool spinning to antique sock making and the rearing of Ireland’s oldest recognised sheep bread, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the Cavan of yesteryear. You can also marvel at the restored 1906 Ford Model N and a 1909 Ford Model T cars outside their cheery tea rooms. craftsofireland.ie.

Meanwhile, you can join Bear Essentials as they celebrate their 25th birthday in Bawnboy.

One of Ireland’s leading suppliers of teddy bears, their shop and bear hospital – they’ve had patients from as far afield as the US, Singapore, Australia and the UAE – are a must-visit for children of all ages. bearessentials.ie.

The county is home to many of Ireland’s finest producers of food and drinks (createdincavan.ie), as well as The Cottage Market Summer Street Market, a foodie festival that takes place in June every year.

Cavan is also renowned for traditional music, and has a rich cultural heritage – plus two theatres (cavanarts.ie), and a host of arts, comedy and music festivals every year (thisiscavan.ie/events).

Cavan Arts Festival (cavanartsfestival.ie) takes place in May, and features visual arts, contemporary circus, street art, music and experimental performances across the weekend.

Cavan Arts Festival.

Whether it’s a family break, a golfing getaway, a fishing trip, a pampering package, a special reunion or simply an escape to the great outdoors, there’s no shortage of brilliant reasons to visit Cavan this summer. So, embrace the discovery, adventure and luxury that the county has to offer, and start planning your perfect staycation today!

• Ready to start planning your staycation to Cavan? Visit thisiscavan.ie

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