10 reasons to visit Cavan this year

Located just outside the village of Blacklion, this stunning prehistoric landscape is set against the magnificent backdrop of Cuilcagh Mountain and West Cavan. The park is filled with fascinating Neolithic monuments, and features an interpretive centre and accessible walks, with handy information posts to guide you. Taking place on 10th and 11th August 2018 in Cavan Town, this is the biggest and best food event in the north-west, attracting tens of thousands of food lovers and families each year. Top celebrity chefs, over 120 stalls providing tasty samples of local food and drink, and lots of great family friendly activities too. See www.tasteofcavan.ie.

One of three UNESCO Geoparks in Ireland, and the world’s only crossborder Geopark, it covers most of Counties Fermanagh and Cavan, stretching from Cavan Town in the centre all the way to Dowra in the west of the county. Geoparks are areas with geological heritage of international significance, which contain sites of archaeological and historical significance, areas with interesting flora and fauna and also sites that have an interesting folklore behind them. Notable Geopark sites include Moneygashel Cashel, Tullydermot Falls, and The Shannon Pot, the source of the Shannon.

Housed in a beautiful 19th century building in Ballyjamesduff, Cavan County Museum is home to the WW1 Trench Experience, the largest replica trench anywhere in the UK and Ireland. Painstakingly constructed to the specifications of a Somme trench, it’s brilliantly evocative. Opened in 2016 were the 1916 Rising Experience, a walk-through exhibition bringing the experience of the Rising to life, complete with replica GPO facade, and a Battle of the Somme exhibit. Named in the Irish Independent’s 20 must-visit attractions for 2018. See www.cavanmuseum.ie.

One of the last Irish outposts to hold out against the forces of Oliver Cromwell, it was here that the great Ulster General Owen Roe O’Neill lost his life. Its walls still blasted by cannon-fire, it stands like a lone sentry in the middle of the beautiful and isolated Lough Oughter. Cavan Canoe Centre hire canoes and rowing boats and can arrange guided boat tours, which are highly recommended.

Home to the nation’s best-loved chef, Neven Maguire, and set in the stunning little West Cavan village of Blacklion, this multi-award winning restaurant is on every foodie’s bucket-list. Demand is understandably high, but it’s always worth checking to see if there’s a last-minute cancellation. See www.nevenmaguire.com. Stretch your legs

Cavan is a walker’s paradise with stunning trails dotted across the county from east to west. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing lakeside stroll, or you’re a seasoned hillwalker, there’s nowhere better to stretch your legs, breathe in and savour your surroundings. Cavan Walking Festival, which takes place each May, is an ideal introduction to a county that’s ‘made for walking’. See www.thisiscavan.ie/walking.

They say there are 365 lakes in Cavan, one for every day of the year. Truth is, that’s probably a conservative estimate; rivers and lakes are everywhere, and they’re teeming with course and game fish. Lough Sheelin, in particular, is one of Europe’s best trout fisheries. It’s no wonder English and German tourists have been enjoying Cavan hospitality for decades. See www. thisiscavan.ie.

If you go down to Bawnboy today, you’re in for a nice surprise...Bear Essentials is a magical and spacious place which is home to Ireland’s largest selection of teddy bears and also hosts an array of build-your-own-bear workshops, events, crafts and parties. The Silver Bear Centre also showcases old and famous Teddy Bears, Irish artefacts, and even a Teddy Bear Hospital, where your old furry buddy can be made good as new! See www. bearessentials.ie.

Located at Inishmore, just 10 minutes from Cavan Town, Cavan Canoe Centre is the perfect place to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air and fun activity. Whether it’s a boat trip to Clough Oughter Castle, or more high-octane activity, Cavan Canoe Centre has it all, from stand up paddling, canoeing and splash and dash, to cycling and pony trekking. During the summer months, Cavan Canoe Centre also operates out of the scenic Killykeen Forest Park with canoe and bike hire available. www.cavancanoeing.com