Hundreds of lakes, peaceful forests, ancient mysteries and a county that deserves far more attention than it gets.
County Cavan might not be the first place that springs to mind when you're planning an Irish adventure, and that's exactly why it's worth discovering!
Famous for its lakes, rolling drumlins and peaceful woodlands, it's a county where slowing down is part of the attraction. You won't find tourist crowds at every turn. Instead there are ancient tombs, secluded lakeshores, historic castles, welcoming towns and walking trails that feel a world away from everyday life.
From the prehistoric landscape of the Cavan Burren to the quiet waters of Lough Oughter, Cavan is brilliant for anyone who loves nature, history and the lesser-known corners of Ireland.
West Cavan sits right beside County Fermanagh. The Marble Arch Caves and the Cuilcagh Boardwalk are in Fermanagh, not Cavan, but they make a great cross-border day trip. There are no border checks, but prices there are in pounds sterling (£) and speed limits are in miles per hour.
Near Blacklion in north-west Cavan, this is one of the county's most remarkable landscapes: limestone, ancient woodland, odd rock formations and prehistoric tombs, including the Calf House Dolmen.
Marked trails lead you between the monuments and some big views over Lough MacNean. It's part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark.
Why visit? Archaeology, geology, walking and hidden gems.
Woodland paths and lakeside views on the shores of Lough Oughter, with marked routes from short, easy loops to the longer Killykeen Way.
Why visit? Families, walking, cycling and relaxation.
A round tower castle on a tiny island in Lough Oughter, one of the most picturesque ruins in Ireland. It was an O'Reilly stronghold and saw dramatic events in the 1640s and 1650s.
Why visit? Castles, photography and history.
In Ballyjamesduff, covering archaeology, rural life and political history. Outside there's a remarkable replica First World War trench.
Why visit? History, culture and educational visits.
A maze of waterways, islands and wooded shores, and one of Cavan's most distinctive landscapes. Enjoy designated walks, fishing and organised water activities.
Why visit? Nature, wildlife and peaceful scenery.
An atmospheric ruined castle in wooded grounds near Belturbet. The estate is also home to Scouting Ireland's international scout centre.
Why visit? Historic landscapes and photography.
River views, woodland trails and estate history near Kingscourt.
Why visit? Families, nature and woodland walks.
Woodland and lakeside walks around the welcoming small town of Virginia. Lough Ramor is especially pretty on calm mornings and autumn evenings.
Why visit? Woodland walks and short breaks.
A historic town on the River Erne, a hub for boating and the surrounding lakes.
Why visit? Waterways, history and a relaxed stop.
Medieval church ruins and a round tower beside a lake near Milltown. Peaceful and very atmospheric.
Why visit? Monastic history and photography.
A quiet pool on the slopes of the Cuilcagh Mountains, traditionally the source of the River Shannon, Ireland's longest river.
Why visit? Folklore, nature and unusual landmarks.
A good base with shops, restaurants and Cavan Cathedral. Handy for an overnight stay.
Why visit? Local culture, food and a convenient base.
Beautiful scenery around Blacklion, right on the border.
A stone fort and other ancient remains in the Cavan Burren landscape.
A large, scenic lake where Cavan meets Meath and Westmeath.
A lakeside village with walking routes nearby.
Waterside scenery on the Shannon–Erne Waterway.
Lakeside walking in a peaceful setting.
A quieter natural landscape in west Cavan.
Our Hidden Ireland collection is where we keep the places most visitors drive straight past.
History and legend, clearly labelled.
The goddess Sionann went looking for the wisdom of a magical well, surrounded by hazel trees whose nuts held all knowledge. The waters rose up and swept her away, creating the river that bears her name.
The Shannon Pot is the perfect place to tell the story.
Tombs, stone forts and rock art show that people lived and buried their dead in this limestone landscape thousands of years ago.
The O'Reillys ruled East Breifne, a medieval Gaelic territory that broadly matches modern Cavan. Their story runs through the county's castles and towns.
In 1641 the Protestant Bishop William Bedell was held prisoner in the castle. Owen Roe O'Neill, the Confederate general, died there in 1649, and in 1653 it was one of the last strongholds to surrender to Cromwell's forces.
Much of Cavan lay within the old kingdom of Breifne, a fascinating introduction to medieval Gaelic Ireland and the families who shaped it.
Our Friday Night Frights series explores ghost stories, myths and folklore from all over Ireland.
Realistic days, each focused on one part of the county.
Places with a strong local reputation. We haven't eaten at these ourselves yet, so treat this as a starting point rather than our personal picks, and check opening hours before you set off.
Prices are in euro (€). Please check opening hours before you travel.
Prefer a guide, a ready-made tour or someone else to do the driving? These are good places to start:
Disclosure: GetYourGuide, Klook and TourRadar links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours on TourRadar are our picks, not trips we've taken ourselves. Availability and prices change, so always check the provider's page before booking.
Opening times and access arrangements change, so please check official websites before you travel. Useful links: This Is Cavan, Cavan Burren Park, Cavan County Council and Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark.
Cavan's neighbours and nearby guides:
Slán go fóill, and safe travels! — Nicola & Podge