It is a land of rivers and of lakes, apparently 365,one for every day of the year. The largest is the beautiful Lough Sheelin andothers are designated Specially Protected Areas to conserve the wildfowl. Thelandscape is also dotted with drumlins: small half-egg-shaped hills formed fromglacial deposits.
Once part of the ancient kingdom of Breifne,County Cavan still shows evidence of distant timeswith stone circles and megalithic tombs across its countryside.
Cavan,the town, is the county capital in a largely rural region, but there are anumber of other quite sizeable settlements such as Cootehillin the northeast.
Agriculture is the main source of income inCounty Cavan with a quarter of the populationengaged in it, particularly dairy farming and pig-raising. After agriculture,there is tourism, stemming mainly from the opportunities created by thelandscape.
Things to Doin County Cavan
The lakes of County Cavanprovide a year-round paradise for anglers, with coarse and pike fishing alongthe rivers and Lough Sheelin being a world-renowned destination for troutfishing.
Sailing and boating are popular pursuits too. Therivers Shannon and Erne are linked by a canal with fully automated locks,allowing days of leisurely cruising along peaceful waterways. There is acanoeing centre on Lough Oughter.
There are countless golf courses inCavan if that is your sport, otherwise, hikers arewell catered for with trails such as the forest walks in Derrycassin woods. Youcan also take in the scenery on horseback and Cavan Equestrian Centre hostsnational and international show-jumping events.
There are also more adrenalin-fuelled activities likeoff-road buggy driving, karting and paintballing.
Cavan Burren Park offersan intriguing glimpse into life in prehistoric times or, more up to date, thereis a First World War trench experience at CavanCounty Museum in Ballyjamesduff.
Staying inCounty Cavan
There are some top hotels in CountyCavan, for instance, a golf and country club with threerestaurants and a spa with 13 treatment rooms. At the other end of thespectrum, Cavan County has a fine array of 3 starhotels, guesthouses and B&B accommodation.
Self-catering lets are particularly suitable forfishing parties, with lodges and lakeside log cabins offering a comfortablehaven at the end of a long day or night at the water's edge.
The county offers a similar range of eating outopportunities from fine dining in world-renowned restaurants to tasty Irishstew at a cosy inn.
Getting toCounty Cavan
Dublin Airport is the closest at 70 miles. The nearestferry ports are Dublin and Dun Laoghaire. Cavantown is just over two hours from Belfast by road.