Cavan Bucket List: 12 Things To Check Out In This Gorgeous County

Fancy a rejuvenating weekend away? How about fresh air, great food and stellar views? Well, then you should put Cavan down as your next short break away. In a previous article, we made a pretty convincing argument as to why you should experience the Killeshandra Loop. Walking along this route that consists of both forest trails and lakeshore paths is a sure way to guarantee you experience the very best of what County Cavan has to offer: amazing sights, sounds and smells as well as plenty of history and tales to be told along the way. And if you’re going to do the Killeshandra Loop Walk, sure you may as well make a short break out of it, because there is just too much to experience in the area of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. So, we’ve compiled a handy list of the best things to do, see, eat and drink while you’re on your walking break in this fantastic spot.

Stay in the 4* Eonish B&B

In terms of comfort, relaxation and warm welcomes during your stay in this gorgeous area, Eonish Lodge B&B is where to go. They offer two types of accommodation for your stay in Cavan. They have four bedrooms as part of their B&B, fully equipped with everything you’ll need for your stay, as well as their unreal breakfast menu, which offers omelettes, pancakes, cereals and, of course, a full Irish. Then, they have their self-catering accommodation, which consists of a bungalow that comfortably sleeps six people, complete with its own private entrance. Click HERE for more info. Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 5 minutes

Or enjoy a stay at Trinity Island Lodge

If you’re looking for space to breathe and re-energise, then this is the perfect place to stay. Situated just off the banks of Lough Oughter, this island covers over 150 acres of woodland while being surrounded by over 5km of lakeside. The converted stone granary consists of a state of the art fitted kitchen, a dining area, three bedrooms (two with en-suite bathrooms), a jacuzzi, sauna and a panoramic viewing deck. If that doesn’t scream luxury, I don’t know what does. Click HERE for more info. Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 18 minutes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_kbKFFh5O8

Or rest your head at Clooneen House B&B

Similar to Eonish Lodge B&B, Clooneen House B&B offers both bed and breakfast and self-catering options. Maura and Liam O’Reilly own and run this gorgeous country house and are sure to give you the warmest welcome when you arrive for your stay with them. They serve a mean full Irish breakfast as well as delicious homemade brown bread, a selection of fruits, and teas and coffees every morning in the dining room. Meanwhile, they also have their self-catering bungalow that sleeps four and is complete with a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and spacious living room. Click HERE for more info. Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 2 minutes

Visit Clough Oughter Castle

When visiting Clough Oughter Castle, you’re actually standing in what used to be the historic Kingdom of Breifne, which is estimated to date back to the early 13^th Century. The castle sits on a man-made island (or crannog), so Cavan Canoe Centre offers daily guided trips over to it. Not only is it a fascinating historical site, but the area is also home to a variety of wildlife such as swans, herons, glebes, and other birds. Click HERE for more info. Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 24 minutes. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx2QyNXonYi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Check out the Cavan County Museum

The best way to learn about Cavan life past and present is to head to Cavan County Museum, just 40 minutes away from Killeshandra. The museum houses a variety of exhibitions, including their GAA History Exhibition which explores the highs and lows of the county’s hurling, camogie and football history. There is also a fascinating medieval exhibition which looks at the history of the area between 800AD and 1200AD. The Folklife Gallery holds agricultural artefacts such as farming tools and machinery, a mangle, plough, turf cutters threshers and quern stones. The museum also includes a WW1 trench. Click HERE for more info. Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 40 minutes https://www.instagram.com/p/BfoY0Daga3i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link  

Visit Cavan Burren Park

Cavan Burren Park is recognised by UNESCO as having exceptional geological heritage and is one of the most incredibly unique natural landscapes you can visit in Ireland. And there are a fair few amazing attractions within the park. You can explore underground rivers, waterfalls, passages and cave formations on a guided tour of the Marble Arch Caves, walk or cycle around the extensive network of trails that lead you around the forest, and learn all about the history and significance of the park in the visitor centre. Click HERE for more info. Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 53 minutes https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz7xeLpAj3v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Have a pint at Kelly’s Killeshandra

Conveniently located in the centre of Killeshandra, Kelly’s is the perfect spot to head to if you fancy enjoying a cold pint after your walk around Killeshandra Loop Walk. With an HD TV, a snooker table and a beer garden, it’s a great spot to unwind after a day out and about in the area. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch some live music in the bar. Click HERE for more info.  Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 1 minute https://www.instagram.com/p/BomD-ylnwZW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Check out Cavan Farmers Market

Everyone knows the best way to get to know a place is through the food. So, visiting Cavan Farmers Market and picking up some local produce is definitely worth doing when in Cavan. Taking place in Cavan Town every Saturday, you’re sure to find some unbelievable organic produce, fruit, veg, freshly baked goods and locally sourced fresh fish. The market takes place from 10am until 4pm. Click HERE for more info. Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 23 minutes

Eat at McNean’s House and Restaurant

This is a dining experience that simply cannot be missed when in Cavan. This restaurant, by famous TV chef Neven Maguire, is an award-winning foodie heaven. Chill and have a drink before heading into the dining room to enjoy some delicious seasonal dishes along with a stunning wine that will perfectly complement your meal. Click HERE for more info. Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 50 minutes https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx4hwXCnGOH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Stay at Castle Hamilton Estate

This fabulous four-star self-catering accommodation is set in a beautiful 16^th Century courtyard and is complete with a fully functional kitchenette, fabulous suites, family rooms and absolutely loads more. And it’s conveniently located just five minutes outside of Killeshandra and gives easy access to everything the area has to offer. They also have plenty of equipment for you to make use of to fully enjoy your stay, including boats, engines, fishing materials, bikes and even a fishing guide. Click HERE for more information. Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 5 minutes https://www.instagram.com/p/BiAff7MnrIn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Visit Cavan Adventure Centre

Cavan Adventure Centre offers quite a wide range of activities for you to try your hand at, including stand-up paddleboarding, mountain biking, and fishing. The centre also hires out kayaks so you can take to the waters of Lough Erne on a self-guided tour. To rent the kayaks for a full day, it costs €50 per adult and €30 per child, while a half-day will cost €30 per adult and €16 per child. Click HERE for more info Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 10 minutes https://www.instagram.com/p/BxcfIZVHLBO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Explore Killykeen Forest Park

With a gorgeous picnic area, fantastic walking and cycling tracks and a swimming area, you could easily spend a whole day exploring the wonders of Killykeen Forest Park. The park lies on the shores of Lough Oughter, which means you get amazing views of the lakeside. The park is known as a fantastic fishing spot, and if you decide to give that a go, you’re likely to catch fish species such as pike, bream and perch. Click HERE for more info. Distance to Killeshandra Loop Walk: 1 minute https://www.instagram.com/p/Br2gNjvCfuI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link For spectacular sights, invigorating sensations and unforgettable experiences, make your next short break a walking break in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands. Walking makes your break. To find out more, visit www.discoverireland.ie For more information or to plan your walking break in Ireland's Ancient East, visit the Tales and Trails hub here.