Clough Oughter Castle, sited on an island on Lough Oughter, Killeshandra

I was delighted to learn that County Cavan is on my tour itinerary for the coming year. It is a county that I have driven through on numerous occasions over the years as I made my way from Dublin Port to my home in my native Leitrim, but never really had the chance to explore.
I have just spent a few days doing research on what the county has to offer. From one end of the county to the other, the towns and villages express Cavan’s unique charm and rich heritage, there are numerous historic and monastic sites scattered throughout the county, this included drumlin’s, stone circles, megalithic tombs, monuments, museums and cultural centers.

Killeshandra – Ballyconnell – Beltubert
Killeshandra is in the heart of Lakeland country, Lough Oughter and Portaliffe Lake are within a short drive from the town, both lakes are of International renown; major fishing contests take place on both lakes every year with anglers coming from all over Europe to participate. An annual ‘Festival of the Lakes’ takes place in Killeshandra every June bank holiday weekend with music and fun in all the pubs
Clough Oughter Castle is sited on an island in the middle of Lough Oughter. It was built by the Anglo – Normans in the early 13th century when they tried to conquer the area. The castle was then captured by the O’Reilly Clan, the Irish rulers of Bréifne who used it as a prison for the duration of the Middle Ages. Owen Roe O’Neill, leader of the anti – English revolt in the 1640s, died here in November 1649.
I moved on to Ballyconnell, the town is neat and tidy and close by is the magnificent Slieve Russell Hotel. Neighbouring Belturbet is a lively bustling town on the river Erne; with a fine marina on the Shannon - Erne Waterway linking the Erne to the River Shannon in Leitrim Village. The town takes its name from Turbet island beside the bridge in the town. In the early 13th century when the Anglo- Normans attempted to conquer Cavan, they built a defensive fortification, a Motte and Bailey on Turbet Island; this was probably the first major settlement in the town and the historic fortifications are still visible today.

Cavan Town
The town is nestled between two hills, which give rise to the name Cavan or An Cábhan meaning “The Hollow Place”. Cavan is a very colourful town with a fine selection of pubs, shops and restaurants. There is a new state of the art library in Farnham Street with an extensive reference section with information on the history and heritage of the county. The building also houses the Genealogy Centre and the Tourist Information Centre. The town is rich in history and many fine buildings have survived many generations. The Cathedral of St Patrick and St Feidhlim is set on a prominent site on the outskirts of the town, its fine 68m spire makes it the most dominant building in the town. The Cathedral was completed in 1942 and has a fine interior styled like a basilica with extensive use made of several colours of marble. It also houses many fine examples of fine ecclesiastical art.
A short drive from the town is Kilmore Cathedral which was first established as a church in the year 855 AD, however it did not become a cathedral until 1454. A beautiful tree lined avenue leads to this late medieval cathedral and the 19th Century church that replaced it. This later cathedral was designed by the English architect William Slater and dates back to 1860.
Before leaving Cavan Town I paid a visit to Cavan Crystal Showroom, beside Cavan Crystal Factory. The company was established in 1969 and its crystal is famous worldwide. The factory is no longer open for tours, but visitors can explore the extensive showroom which displays and sells the work of local artists.

Ballyjamesduff – Virginia – Bailieborough
Ballyjamesduff is immortalised in the famous Percy French song “Come Back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff”. Percy French was born in Roscommon in 1854 and was employed by The Board of Works in Cavan as inspector of drains. While there he composed the famous song about Paddy Reilly. It is also the home of the award winning Cavan County Museum, which showcases the entire spectrum of Cavan’s diverse culture, heritage and history. The museum is housed in a beautiful 19th century building.
Virginia is pleasantly located on the shores of Lough Ramor and is well served with four hotels and several fine restaurants and pubs. In addition, there is an excellent caravan park on the outskirts of the town. Every June the famous Fair Day takes place; this is a reconstruction of the original “Fairday” with animals on the street, craft demonstration and entertainment. Four miles outside the town is Killinkere, the reputed birthplace of American Civil War General Philip Sheridan.
Bailieborough is a vibrant town in the East of the county and boasts a fine library and restored Wesleyan Chapel Arts and Cultural which is well worth a visit. An interesting feature in the town is the Stations of the Cross by George Collie which are to be found at the Catholic Church. The Lough-an-Leagh Mountain is close to the town and is an area of outstanding natural beauty; from its summit on a clear day you can see 14 counties.

Shercock – Cootehill – Redhills
Shercock is an angling centre of note with four popular lakes for the angler close by. At Milltown Lake, remnants of a promontory fort over 2000 years old can be seen. The fort can be viewed from the main road, jutting into the lake from the shoreline on the south side of the lake. Well worth a visit is the Church of Ireland, which dates back to the final years of the 18th century.
Cootehill is situated close to the Monaghan border and is also a haven for the angler; there are twenty-six lakes within ten miles of the town. Also the rivers Dromore and Annalee within a short drive from the town. Evidence of settlements can be seen in the area. A Megalithic Tomb at nearby Cohaw is a well-preserved example of a double chamber tomb, at least 4000 years old.
Redhills is a peaceful and picturesque village made famous as the location for films such as “The Playboy” and “The Run of the Country”, Shane Connaughton, the author of “A Border Station” and writer of the acclaimed screenplay for “My Left Foot”, also has an association with the village.
Finally I have explored the places I will be visiting on tour this year and I am delighted that there are so many places of interest to take
my groups. There are other towns and villages of great importance
in this beautiful Lakeland County and hopefully I will be able
to take them in at another time.
For more information visit www.cavantourism.com
Thanks to Joanne Hayes from Cavan Tourism for her valuable help.
Until the next time its Goodbye and God Bless from the Hills of Sligo.

Thanks to Cavan Tourism for the picture. www.cavantourism.com