Kilnavart_Standing_Stone

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Top heritage attractions in County Cavan

Immerse yourself in thousands of years of history in County Cavan.

1. Dramatic landscapes, megalithic tombs and your heritage at your fingertips. Visit Cavan Burren Park outside Blacklion in West Cavan. Visit the ‘Giants’ Leap’, the ‘Lost Valley’, get up close to ancient megalithic tombs and wander along one of five marked (short and long) walking trails throughout the Park. A must-visit. Free admission. Call to the Market House Visitor Centre in Blacklion on your way to find out more and plan your trip! Tel: 00353 49 985 3941

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2. Take a wander through the eons of time at Drumlane Monastic Site located just outside the village of Milltown overlooking picturesque Garfinny Lough. The only remaining round tower in the diocese of Kilmore.

Drumlane Abbey [Photo. Paddy Ronghan

3. Make your way to Cavan’s most iconic heritage attraction – Clogh Oughter Castle. Extraordinarily beautiful in its isolation, Clough Oughter stands like a silent sentinel on an island in the centre of a vast and charming waterway. This Norman castle has witnessed fire and bloodshed but has quietly stood the test of time. Visit www.cavancanoeing.com for information on boat hire, guided trips and canoe / kayak hire.

Oughter Castle

4. Bring history to life at the award-winning Cavan Musuem in Ballyjamesduff where an outdoor World War 1 Trench Experience, a life-size replica of the GPO and many other exhibitions make it very easy to while away a few hours. Kids will enjoy the on-site playground and dress-up area in the museum. Coffee shop and gift shop also available. €6 admission adults and €4 for children & OAPs. Family rate €14 (2 adults & 2 children).  Group rates available. Open Monday – Saturday all year round. Also open Sundays June – Sept.

WW1_Trench_Cavan_Museum

5. Lovers of the old Railways will enjoy a visit to Belturbet Heritage Railway once the Northern Terminus for the famed Cavan – Leitrim Railway Line. Located in the village of Belturbet, on the banks of the River Erne. Guided tours available. Booking essential by calling 00353 87 6894808. €5 per person.

Belturbet Station, Cavan

6. Explore the life and times of St. Kilian at St.  Kilian’s Heritage Centre, on the Virginia Road in Mullagh. St. Kilians was born in Mullagh and martyred in Wurzburg in Germany, where he is now patron saint.

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7. Castle Saunderson Demesne. Located just outside Cloverhill and originally owned by the Gaelic clan of the O Reilly’s of Breffni in the 14th Century, the imposing castle was acquired in 1573 by the Saunderson Family. The Saunderson’s were the founders of the Ulster Unionist Party and went on to live dramatic and illustrious lives. A new marked walking trail around the castle was recently launched, which sits in the middle of a 74 acre scenic estate rich in biodiversity.

Castle_Saunderson

8. Templeport in the Northwest of the County is very proud of its rich heritage. The area boast St. Mogue’s Island, Bawnboy workhouse, standing stones, Kilnavart Church, St. Patrick’s Well and many more besides. Check out the local website for a map and directions to all these wonderful sites.

Kilnavart_Standing_Stone

9. ‘One of the finest of its kind in South Ulster’, Moneygashel Cashel, consisting of three stone cashels, is located in West Cavan in the heart of the Geopark. Find out more here

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10. Choose one of four woodland walks through historic and spectacular Dun a Ri Forest Park. Legend has it that Cuchullain himself rested in this woods while fighting the armies of Queen Meave of Connaught. Dun a Ri is located just outside Kingscourt on the Carrickmacross Road. Click here for more
Photo: Lorraine Teevan
11. The Shannon Pot. Where the might River Shannon rises, the Shannon Pot’s fame can be traced back to the legendary Finn MacCool and the Fianna, the great warriors of Irish mythology. Located in West Cavan only minutes from Cavan Burren Park, Moneygashel Cashel and the Marble Arch Caves. Click here for more. The Shannon Pot
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