The sun is shining, the kids are off school, and its time to plan the perfect summer break full of fun and adventure in Ireland. If you are looking for that perfect destination with fun activities, scenic walking trails, epic golf courses, peaceful fishing spots, open water swimming and plenty of history and heritage- then Cavan is the place to be. Here are our top ten summer bucket list activities to enjoy in the county.
Kayak out to Clough Oughter Castle
A unique site set in the heart of Lough Oughter, the castle is only accessible by water. Hire a Kayak from Cavan Adventure Centre and set off on a beautiful paddle to this majestic island with a picnic! If you don’t want to get on the water, then take in all the beautiful tracks and trails around Killykeen Forest Park and sneak a peak of the Castle from one of the lookouts.
Cycle the Killykeen Greenway
An off road 12km cycle taking in the beautiful landscape of Killykeen Forest Park and the town of Killeshandra. Start at the footbridge in Killykeen Forest Park and follow the signs towards Killeshandra via the upper trail on the Gartanoul peninsula. Stop for lunch by the town lake before you return to the start. Bike hire is available from Killykeen by calling Cavan Adventure Centre in advance.
Visit the WW1 Trench at Cavan County Museum
Visitthe largest outdoor replica trench in Ireland or the UK, complete with visual and sound effects in Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff. Other exhibitions that are worth seeing at the museum include the Great Famine, Percy French, the Lords Farnham, the Pig-House Collection and The Women of Influence Exhibition. Tea rooms, Nun’s Walk and playground for kids all onsite.
Go on a gastronomic adventure!
Cavan is well known for our amazing local producers and delicious, homely restaurants. Why not book a cookery class at MacNean House with Nevin Maguire, enjoy a homemade afternoon tea at Crafts of Ireland, experience amazing hospitality at The Olde Post Inn and so much more. View all our amazing eateries and foodie experiences on our website here.
Play a round of Golf at the home of our golfing hero.
Our golf courses are gorgeously challenging in Cavan. Amongst the 8 courses in County Cavan, are three magnificent, mature 18-hole parkland courses of national renown including the PGA National Slieve Russell Golf Club- the home course of the amazing Leona Maguire. Cavan is the perfect place to visit for a golfing trip away with friends and family with many of our hotels offering packages across several courses. Find out more on our website here.
Visit Drumlane Abbey
Just one of many historic sites in Cavan is Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower outside Milltown. Founded in 555 AD by Saint Columba, the tower stands near an abbey and church and remains an enduring tourist attraction in Cavan today. Situated close by, and worth a visit is Castle Saunderson. Follow the short loop around the castle, taking time to read the panels on the fascinating history of this historic building. Find out more about other heritage sites on our website here.
Rent a boat and go fishing on the Erne.
Make the most of your visit to the lake county and hire a boat from Belturbet Boat Hire. Experience the beautiful River Erne and take in some fishing along the way. You will also find plenty of fishing guides in Cavan who are ready and willing to take you out on the water if its your first time. Find out more on our website here.
Take in a show at one of our theatres.
The newly reopened Ramor Theatre in Virginia is hosting several events this summer. From orchestras to plays and music events. Cavan Townhall Theatre also offers a full schedule of events over the summer. Learn more on our website here.
Relax in Farnham Estate Spa
If you dream of a summer break just chilling out and relaxing, then you must visit one of the tranquil spas in Cavan. Experience the infinity pool and list of treatments available at Farnham Estate Spa. Ciúin Spa & Wellness Centre at the Slieve Russell Hotel will help you destress from the outside world, and The Riverside Spa in Stradone will leave you feeling revived and rejuvenated. Read more here.
Discover Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark
Ranging from rugged uplands, lakes and forests through to gently rolling drumlins, the landscapes of the Geopark represent a complex Earth history dating back as far as 895 million years ago. No visit to Cavan is complete without a visit to Cavan Burren Park for a walk along one of the many megalithic trails. Discover dolmens dating back thousands of years, bog bridges, old farmsteads and more. Climb the Cuilcagh Boardwalk trail, take a stroll on the Turbet Island looped walk and so much more. Find out more about the Geopark here. Whether you are travelling as part of a family, couple or group of friends, Cavan has something for everyone. You will find a full list of useful maps and guides on our website here to help you with your planning. This is your perfect summer bucket list….. This is Cavan!
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