Cavan Town
What the town offers
This is Cavan Town
Cavan Town is nestled between two drumlins which gave rise to the name Cavan or An Cábhan meaning ‘the hollow place’. Cavan is unique in being the only Irish town established by a Native Irish family; the O’ Reillys and not Anglo-Norman or Norse settlers.
Located just 90 minutes’ drive from Dublin (123km) and Belfast (142km), Cavan is the perfect base for exploring Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. Attractions such the WW1 Trench Experience at Cavan County Museum, Cavan Burren Park, the Cuilcagh Boardwalk (Stairway to Heaven), Killykeen Forest Park, Clogh Oughter Castle and Cavan Adventure Centre are within an hour’s drive or less. Cavan has many pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, a leisure complex, cinema and the world class Cavan Equestrian Centre. The Library, Genealogy Centre and tourist office are located on Farnham Street.
The stylish Farnham Estate Spa & Golf Resort is just outside the town. The superb Cavan Crystal Hotel on the Dublin Road is contemporary in outlook but traditional in warmth and welcome. The long-established Hotel Kilmore also on the Dublin has an excellent reputation for service and quality.
The Farnham Arms Hotel (3*) on Main Street offers homely accommodation and regular entertainment in the hotel bar. In addition there are several B&Bs and guesthouses. Restaurants include The Oak Room, Peoples, Shades, Luso and Ko’s. Many pubs serve food and there are some excellent cafes in the town.
Cavan Arts Festival takes place in May while both the County Drama Festival and the NYAH Arts Festival take place annually in March. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade draws large crowds and many heritage events take place throughout the town and county during Heritage Week in Aug/Sept. The ever popular Ed Reavy Trad Festival takes place in October and sees sessions all over the town. And don’t miss Cavan town at Christmas when the festive atmosphere of the Christmas Market lights up the town.
History & Heritage
Cavan town is rich in history. Among Cavan’s fine buildings are the Town Hall and the Roman Catholic cathedral. The Town Hall was built in 1909 and was Cavan’s first movie house. The Cathedral of SS Patrick and Feidhlim was completed in 1942 with a 68m spire. The vast interior is styled like a basilica with different colours of marble and fine examples of ecclesiastical art.
Located on Abbey Street, St. Mary’s Abbey was built in 1300. Only a three-storey bell tower and a graveyard remain. A plaque commemorates Eoghan Roe O’Neill, commander of the Catholic forces in Ireland, interred here 1649. Many prominent members of the O’Reilly family are also buried here, including Myles ‘The Slasher’ and Primate Hugh. Visit www.cavanwalkinghistory.ie for more on the history of Cavan town.
Cavan Tourist Information Office: Johnston Central Library and Farnham Centre, Farnham Street, Cavan t: 049 4331942
Co. Cavan Genealogical Centre, Johnston Central Library and Farnham Centre, Farnham Street t: 049 4361094 e: cavangenealogy@eircom.net
Perfect for a special occasion, family get-together or business dinner.
Irish music session every Thursday from 9.30pm, Live Music on Saturday night from 10pm and the last Friday of every month
The Breffni Gallery celebrates the history of Cavan GAA, with information, imagery and memorabilia. By appointment only.
Cavan’s newest microbrewery. Brewed with pride. Guided tours with tastings. Information and bookings on www.breifnegaelbrewing.ie
Intro to fishing for children and adults. Professional guide for experienced anglers. Boat trips on the River Erne.
Unique luxury hideaway on the shores of Lough Oughter, in the woods of Killykeen Forest Park a few miles outside Cavan town.
French style patisserie and coffee shop. Serves Breakfast and Lunch. Also open in Belturbet.
Historic cathedral completed in 1860 by William Hague with 12th century Romanesque door.
Land and water adventures – kayaking, tours, inflatable waterpark and more in the Hidden Heartlands on the stunning waterways of Cavan.
One of the most impressive buildings in Cavan town. Completed in 1942, the vast interior is like a basilica with different colours of marble.
ODEON Cinemas Ireland for all of the latest films
Takes place in the Imperial Bar once per month or thereabouts. Keep an eye on the Club’s social media for news and events.
Contemporary excellence, but traditional in its sense of warmth and welcome. Award-winning leisure centre.
Specialising in International Sales. Also stages weekly show jumping and international events.
Unearth your Cavan connections at Cavan Genealogy Centre. Appointment required.
Stockists of beautiful Irish crafts such as Cavan Crystal, Newbridge Silverwear, Genesis, Newgrange and more.
A self-guided walking tour of historic Cavan town.
Swimming pool with slides and fun
Beautiful cafe and lifestyle store on outskirts of Cavan town
Elegant B&B within walking distance of Cavan town centre.
Multi-award winning Indian restaurant in the centre of Cavan town
Dramatic 13th century Norman Castle in the middle of Lough Oughter accessible by water only.
Playground (inc. accessible play area), park, adults outdoor gym, walks, coffee dock – all within walking distance of Cavan town centre
100 year old family run business, the perfect place for gifts, toys, crafts, Cavan food products and souvenirs to take home
Showcasing small producers, crafters and artists. Hosts markets in July and December. A member of Created in Cavan.
18 hole historic parkland course on the outskirts of Cavan town. Bar, driving range and pro shop.
Home-baked scones, cakes, muffins and buns. Also serves soup and sandwiches.
5 Bedroom luxury period property 5 mins from Cavan town and beside Farnham Estate Hotel.
Inflatable waterpark on the lake. Fun for all ages on trampolines, slides, climbing frames and more!
18 holes | Par: 72 | Yards: 7047
Ranked No. 26 in Golf Digest Top 100 courses in Ireland
Set around quiet courtyards just steps from main hotel. Dog friendly houses available. Reservations through reservations team.
Set on a 1,300 acre country estate outside Cavan Town, Farnham Estate has a reputation for being a genuine ‘retreat to nature’.
Beautiful self-catering beside Farnham Estate Hotel and Golf Course, near Killykeen Forest Park. Ten beds, sleeps 16.
Distance: 5K
Terrain: Forest path
A scenic walk to Flemings Folly – a historic tower overlooking Ballinagh with stunning views of the countryside.
Outdoor yoga, which includes asanas to help align mind, body and spirit, in harmony with nature. Located at Cavan Adventure Centre overlooking the water.
Once the home of the Franciscan Friary in Cavan town. The Bell Tower remains – likely the oldest building in Cavan town.
AA Rosette restaurant in the four-star Cavan Crystal Hotel on the outskirts of Cavan town.
Overlooks the Green Lough on the outskirts of Cavan town. Picnic benches, accessible paths, insect hotel, animal footprints trail and information on flora and fauna.
Guided e-bike tours. Unique 18km e-bike adventure through the drumlin landscapes of Cavan, with its rivers and lakes. 6 hours, €90 12 years +
Famous for breakfasts. Serves Ireland’s biggest.
Famous for a warm welcome, the Hotel Kilmore is located 5 minutes from Cavan Town Centre and is the ideal base to explore the area.