COUNTY CAVAN TOWNS

Arvagh lies on the border of Longford and Leitrim and is famous as the town where the three provinces of Ulster, Leinster and Connacht meet. The area is very popular with fishermen and lakes such as Hollybank, Gulladoo and Rockfield offer excellent angling all year round. An international fishing tournament takes place in Arvagh every September. The Breffni Arms Hotel (049 4335127) in Arvagh is fully equipped with a restaurant, bar, nightclub, gym and swimming pool.  There are several pubs in the town, many of which have music at the weekends.

Events include the famous Arvagh Agricultural Show which takes place on Sun 29^th July in 2007 and the Annual Breffni Challenge is a charity run from Cavan and to Arvagh on the Saturday of the August Bank Holiday. All proceeds from the run go to St. Luke's Hospital in Dublin. Many pubs have music and entertainment throughout the day and into the night to coincide with the run.

McSeain’s 18-hole pitch and putt course (049 4337138) is located in nearby Cornafean (4 miles).

Bailieborough is a vibrant and busy town in East Cavan. Three restaurants, the nearby lakeside Skeaghvil Chalets and the Bailie Hotel in the centre of the town ensure Bailieborough caters for all visitors.

The town boasts a fine public library; the beautifully restored Wesleyan Chapel Arts and Cultural Centre; and leisure centre with swimming pool. An interesting feature of the town is the ‘Stations of the Cross’ by George Collie, RHA in the Roman Catholic Church. There are also a number of 19^th century churches, a Masonic hall and a market house which can be visited.

Bailieborough is dramatically located under the watchful eye of Lough-an – Leagh mountain (1119ft); an area of outstanding natural beauty. On a fine day it is possible to see 14 counties from the summit.

Walkers will enjoy a stroll through Bailieborough Forest with its many historical connections such as the Dungannon Fort and a monument to those who died in the 1748 rebellion at nearby Rebel Hill. 

The town lake and several other lakes surrounding Bailieborough provide excellent coarse and pike fishing ensuring the area is very popular with anglers.  

Ballinagh is a small town six miles from Cavan, is rich in history. In 1803, Captain Fleming, the local landlord, built a stone tower on a nearby hill, which is still called 'Fleming's Folly'. This is easily accessible, and provides fine views over the surrounding countryside. The oldest building in the town today is the market house, constructed in 1821 by Fleming.

Ballinagh hosts the 2007 County Fleadh Cheoil over the June Bank Holiday weekend. A Fair Day will also take place with butter making, vintage machinery display, farm animals and children's entertainment. Food is available in Casey’s Steak House ((049 4337105) in the centre of the town.

Ballyconnell is a vibrant and picturesque town in West Cavan located on the Shannon-Erne Waterway. This waterway links the Shannon and Erne Rivers therefore the town is accessible by cruiser as well as by road. This canal was initially opened in 1856, but was re-opened recently for cruisers, boats and canoes to explore the waterway.

Ballyconnell is a lively town with several pubs, restaurants and a nightclub. The nearby Slieve Russell hotel has an 18-hole championship golf course, country club, several restaurants and bars. The Ballyconnell area has many sites of archaeological interest, including a promontory fort at Ballyhugh 3 miles east and Killycluggin 4 miles south-west, where the decorated Killycluggin Stone was found.

Nearby Ballyhugh Arts and Cultural Centre (t: 049 952 6044) offers visitors an insight into the heritage and culture of West Cavan and also runs traditional two-hand dancing, sean nós singing and stonewalling classes. Festivities take place on Midsummer’s Night 21^st June and for the ‘Lughnasa Festival’ from 6^th – 10^th July 07.

Nearby ODD Gamespark (049 9523 930) offers adventure with a difference for groups and individuals.

Ballyhaise, a charming village situated on the Annalee River, has many historical remains. A bridge over the river on the outskirts of the village is almost 300 years old. Ballyhaise House, which has been used as an agricultural college since the beginning of the 20^th century, was built in the 1730s.

A beautifully-located amenity park lies opposite the college, along the banks of the Annalee. A visit to the Roman Catholic Church is also recommended. As the former cathedral church of Kilmore, it was once sited in Cavan town, but was rebuilt in Ballyhaise, stone for stone, in the 1930s/40s. In the church graveyard at nearby Castletara, there is a crude carving of a human face, known locally as 'The Druid's Face'. It is probably late medieval in origin, but there is a possibility that it is pre-Christian in date.

Also in nearby Shantemon, there is a curious line of five stones, each one smaller than the other, which probably date from 2000 BC. It is referred to locally as 'Finn Mac Cool's Fingers', a reference to the legendary giant. The stones are the remainder of a stone circle and they may have been used in some religious ritual, or even as a prehistoric calendar. It was also the place where rulers of eastern Bréifne were inaugurated in the later middle ages.

Ballyjamesduff is immortalised in the famous Percy French song, 'Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff'. It is also home to the award-winning Cavan County Museum (t: 049 854 4070), which showcases the entire spectrum of Cavan's diverse culture, heritage and history. The museum is housed in a beautiful 19^th Century building with spacious grounds, gardens and nearby children’s playground. A craft and coffee shop are also available. The museum frequently hosts art and photography exhibitions, book readings and the famous Lakeland Quilt Fair held every September.

Bawnboy, a scenic village in West Cavan, is popular with anglers. Nearby lakes, Brackley and Templeport provide good coarse fishing while Brackley is also popular with bathers during the summer. Bar food is served in The Keepers Arms in the centre of the town throughout the day.

Places of interest just outside Bawnboy include Bear Essentials (049 9523461) where limited edition Teddy Bears are handcrafted and on display. The Museum of the Master Saddler (t: 049 9523956), dedicated exclusively to the ancient craft of the Saddler and Harness Maker, is located just outside Bawnboy.

St. Mogue's island lies in Templeport Lake. The island was said to be the birthplace of St Mogue and was an important monastic site during the later middle ages. Some ruins and a cemetery can still be seen. A place of pilgrimage for many centuries, the island is best viewed from the parish church of Templeport on the other side of the lake.

Another building of interest in the village is the workhouse or poorhouse, which was built in 1853. The workhouse was built just after the Great Famine. The workhouse is not open to the public.

Nearby ODD Gamespark (049 9523 930) offers adventure with a difference for groups and individuals.

Belturbet is a lively and bustling town on the River Erne. An excellent base for exploring the river and the Shannon-Erne Canal, cruisers can be hired in Belturbet and the marina in the town facilitates cruisers of all sizes.

With several restaurants and many of the town's pubs also providing food, there are many options for eating out. Bike hire is available at Corleggy Farm (t: 049 9522219) and visitors to the town will also enjoy the beautiful riverside walks.  Golfers will enjoy Belturbet 9-hole golf course (t: 049 9522287) situated on the outskirts of the town.

When the Anglo-Normans attempted to conquer Cavan in the early 13th century, they built a Motte and Bailey on Turbet Island near the present-day bridge in Belturbet. The Motte and Bailey was probably the first major settlement in the town and many discernable and interesting historic fortifications are still visible today.

The Festival of the Erne is a very popular annual event taking place from at the end of July/early Aug annually.  With the famed Lady of the Erne pageant, live music, talent competition, marching bands, fireworks and the most popular fancy dress party in the county, the festival is not to be missed!

Blacklion, near the shores of Lower and Upper Lough MacNean, derives its name from an inn called the Black Lion that once stood on the old coach road through the area.

Blacklion is separated only by a bridge from the town of Belcoo in County Fermanagh. The scenic Blacklion 9-hole golf course (t: 071 9853024), the Cavan Way, Marble Arch Caves (t: 048 6634 8855), Florencecourt House (t: 048 6634 8249) and the renowned McNean's Bistro (t: 071 9853022) ensure you will have plenty to do while here.

For information on Blacklion and the surrounding area, visit Blacklion Tourist Office in the Market Square in the centre of the town.

The Burren Forest, just outside Blacklion shows extensive evidence of settlements from 4000 BC to 1500 BC. A variety of megalithic tombs, ancient hut sites and field walls are visible. Tours of the Burren can be arranged (t: 071 9853299). Burren stands on the Cavan Way, a 25km marked walking trail from Blacklion to Dowra.

A small monument to the 17th century poet, Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Gunna, is located near the ruins of Killinagh church, 3 miles from the town. The Cathal Buí Arts Festival takes place annually in his honour (June 28^th – July 1^st 07).

Butlersbridge is a pleasant and peaceful village sited on the Annalee River, just before it enters Lough Erne. Nearby Annagh lake provides both fly-fishing and swimming facilities. A canoe centre on Lough Oughter (049 43 34294) offers canoe lessons or canoe hire for the day.

The local pubs are famous for their good food and weekend entertainment. The local pub and restaurant, The Derragarra Inn (t: 049 4331003), which has won many awards, and is noted for its 'mock thatched' roof and its displays of various agricultural and domestic artefacts.

For those interested in architecture, the Catholic Church in the village was designed in the early 1860s by the famous Cavan architect William Hague Jnr.

The nearby Olde Post Inn (047 55555) at Cloverhill was recently awarded ‘Best Restaurant in Ulster 2007’ by the Restaurant Association of Ireland.

Cavan Town is nestled between two drumlins which gave rise to the name Cavan or An Cábhan meaning ‘the hollow place’, Cavan town is a lively and busy destination.  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 2 hours drive from both Dublin (123km) and Belfast (142km) and 3 hours from Galway (170km) Cavan has many fine buildings, busy pubs, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, shops, a leisure complex (t: 049 4362888), Storm Cinema (t: 049 4372005), Astra Bowling Alley (t: 049 4372662) and Cavan Equestrian Centre (t: 049 433 2017) which is the largest host of national and international show-jumping events in Europe. Cavan town also boasts 4 GAA pitches including the county grounds at Breffni Park, 2 soccer pitches, a rugby football club,  18 hole County Cavan Golf Course (049 4331541) and a tennis club.

A new state-of-the-art Central Library and Genealogy Centre is located on Farnham Street. The building also houses the Tourist Information Office on the second floor.

Cavan is an excellent touring base with a diversity of accommodation to suit all budgets. In addition to two, three and four star hotels there are several B&Bs and guesthouses available in and outside the town.  Now open in Cavan is the magnificent 1,300 acre Farnham Estate Radisson SAS Hotel with conference centre, a world-class Health Spa, walking trails and coarse fishing on Farnham Lake. An 18 hole championship golf course is due to open in 2007.

A variety of accommodation is available in Cavan. The superb Cavan Crystal Hotel (4*) on the Dublin Road is very contemporary in outlook but traditional in warmth and welcome. Full health, fitness and beauty facilities are available. The long-established Hotel Kilmore (3*) also on the Dublin road offers excellent facilities. The Farnham Arms Hotel (2*) on Main Street offers homely accommodation and regular entertainment in the hotel bar - a traditional music session takes place every Wednesday night from 9pm. Restaurants in town include The Oak Room, Opus One, The Side Door, Little Sicily, The Bridge, The Big Apple, Sajan, and The Bramley. Many pubs also serve food.

The arts scene is vibrant in Cavan with a variety of music and cultural festivals throughout the year. Caomhnú Literary Festival and the Dancing in the Drumlins Set Dancing Festival take place in January 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. Traditional music sessions frequently take place in town throughout the week. Ask locally or in the Tourist Information Office for details.

Cavan town is rich in history and many buildings have survived for generations.  Among Cavan’s fine buildings are the Town Hall and the Roman Catholic cathedral. The Town Hall was built in 1909 and served as Cavan’s first movie house. The Cathedral of SS Patrick and Feidhlim is the most dominant building in Cavan town.  Completed in 1942, with a 68m spire and flanking domes, the vast interior is styled like a basilica and extensive use is made of different colours of marble. The cathedral houses many 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 from this important Franciscan friary remain. The abbey was originally built by the O’Reillys in 1300. The friary was rebuilt many times in the following two centuries after damage in wars and fire. A plaque on the wall of the tower commemorates Eoghan Roe O’Neill, commander of the Catholic forces in Ireland, who was interred here 1649. Their graves are no longer visible but many prominent members of the O’Reilly family are also buried here, including Myles ‘The Slasher’ and Primate Hugh.

Three miles west of Cavan is Kilmore Cathedral.  A church first established here in 885 AD later became a Church of Ireland Cathedral and the seat of a bishop. A new cathedral was built on the site in the 19^th Century. The new cathedral was intended as a memorial to Bishop Bedell (Bishop from 1629 to 1642) who translated the Old Testament into Irish.  His bible remained the standard Irish copy until the 20^th century – an original copy is on display in the cathedral.

Built into the cathedral is a fine 12^th Century Romanesque doorway probably removed from an early monastery on Trinity Island, three miles away.  Situated to the south of the cathedral is a circular covered holy well dedicated to St Feidhlim. Across the road from the Kilmore Cathedral are the remnants of a motte and bailey. There is no public access but the site can be viewed from the cathedral.

Cavan Tourist Information Office, (Open All Year) Johnston Central Library and Farnham Centre, Farnham Street, Cavan Tel: (049) 4331942.   A visit to the Tourist Office is a must. Friendly and helpful staff will help you plan your visit.

Co. Cavan Genealogical Centre, Johnston Central Library and Farnham Centre, Farnham Street Tel: (049) 4361094 e: cavangenealogy@eircom.net 

Cavan Crystal Craft and Design Centre, Dublin Road, Cavan Tel: (049) 4331800 Situated on the N3, minutes from Cavan, the Design Centre houses crystal designs and an array of crafts and gifts. Engraving and worldwide shipping service available.

Cootehill  is a busy and friendly town situated close to the County Monaghan border. With two hotels; the Errigal Country House Hotel the White Horse; numerous B&Bs and self catering options, many restaurants and pubs, the visitor has a wide choice of places to dine and stay. Nearby Maudabawn Cultural Centre (t: 049 5559504), set among the drumlins outside Cootehill, offers classes, short visits, summer schools and tours on Ireland's rich culture and heritage. Gift shop and snack shop also available.

Nested between the rivers Dromore and Annalee, Cootehill is famous as an excellent fishing destination has 26 lakes within 10 miles of the town.

The Moravian cemetery in the town is a reminder of a small religious sect which flourished in Cootehill from the mid-eighteenth century up until the 1920s.

Dowra sits on the border of Counties Leitrim and Cavan and overlooks Lough Allen, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Ireland. Dowra is the first village on the River Shannon on its journey south to Limerick and the sea. The Shannon Pot, the source of the river, is located just 6 miles from Dowra.

Fishing and local Lough Allen Adventure Centre (t: 071 964 3292) make this area a popular destination, both for fishermen and those interested in outdoor activities such as swimming, canoeing and yachting. The way-marked walking routes 'The Cavan Way' and 'The Leitrim Way' meet in Dowra.

The ancient fortification known as the Black Pig's Dyke, which is thought to have divided the country in two, is located here.

Glangevlin - The small hamlet of Glangevlin lies in a beautiful, almost alpine landscape. With stunning views set in the rural countryside, the visitor is guaranteed a breathtaking panoramic glimpse of West Cavan as well as the Drumlin belts of East Cavan.

A large stone known as 'Maguire's Chair' is deposited on the right hand side of the road, roughly 4 miles from Glangevlin, so-called because it was supposedly the inauguration site of the Maguire clan in medieval times. The view from here is magnificent; Brackley and Templeport lakes lie below, while the Slieve Russell plateau is on the left. On a clear day, it is possible to see the cathedral in Cavan town.

Three miles north-west of Glangevlin is the Shannon Pot, the source of Ireland's longest river.

Glangevlin has a strong traditional Irish background and Irish was spoken up until the 1920s, one of the last places in Cavan where this was commonplace. Glangevlin can be particularly recommended to those interested in hill walking and mountain climbing, or for those merely wishing for a pleasant drive packed with spectacular views.

Gowna is a quaint village near one of Cavan's most beautiful lakeside vistas on the shores of Lough Gowna and the source of the River Erne. The Lough Gowna lake system covers 728 hectares and is known as one of the best coarse fishing waters in Europe.

An attractive village which has recently won national tidy towns competitions, Gowna boasts many fine pubs and B&Bs including The Pikers Lodge. A small festival takes place in Gowna on the 3^rd – 6^th August 2007.

Killeshandra, owing to its location near Lough Oughter, is an angling centre of international renown. The nearby 240-acre Killykeen Forest Park offers walkers, cyclists, anglers and those with a love of nature a scenic and peaceful environment. The Lough Oughter system of interlinked channels provides an ideal setting for boating and canoeing. A canoe centre on Lough Oughter (049 43 34294) offers canoe lessons or canoe hire for the day.

There are several B&Bs, self catering accommodations and pubs in the area. Visitors can catch a traditional Irish music session on Thursday (Maggies Bar) and Saturday nights (The Shamrock Inn) in the town. Food is available in the Loughbawn Hotel, Collette’s Pub, the local Chinese restaurant and O Dowd’s Diner.

The Killeshandra Festival of the Lakes takes place annually over the June bank holiday weekend. With music in many of the pubs, the festival also features a family fun day, table quizzes, car treasure hunt, sports day and children's talent show.

Near Killeshandra is the impressive Lough Oughter Castle, sited on an island in the middle of Lough Oughter. Built by the Anglo-Normans in the early 13^th century it was soon captured by the O'Reilly clan, the Irish rulers of east Bréifne, who used it as a prison for the duration of the Middle Ages. Owen Roe O'Neill, leader of the anti-English revolt of the 1640s, died here in November 1649.  The castle can only be reached by boat which can be hired locally (049 433 4487) or (087 207 5013)

Kingscourt is a busy market town in the south-east corner of County Cavan. With a 4 star hotel, Cabra Castle and several B&Bs, visitors to the town are spoiled for choice. Visitors can explore Dun a Rí Forest Park or play 9 holes of golf at Cabra Castle Golf Course (042 9667030).

Kingscourt's Catholic Church, sitting on a ridge high above the town, displays excellent stained glass windows by the renowned Irish artist Evie Hone, who also provided designs for Eton College Chapel.

Situated one mile from Kingscourt is Dun a Rí Forest Park. Situated in a tranquil glen, Dun a Rí is home to stoat, hare, mink, rabbit and otter, as well as red and grey squirrel along the banks of the River Cabra. Take a romantic walk through deep, leafy glades over old bridges. See marvellous views north to Slieve Gullion in County Armagh and the Mountains of Mourne. Some interesting features in the park include Cromwell's bridge, a wishing well and an ice house.

Nearby Lough-an – Leagh mountain (1119ft) is an area of outstanding natural beauty. On a fine day it is possible to see 14 counties from the summit.

A number of surrounding lakes, such as Ervey and Greaghlone are well stocked with many species of coarse fish.  

To the south-west of Kingscourt is Muff Rock, scene of an annual horse fair on August 12^th the origins of which date to prehistoric times. Muff Fair is regarded as the oldest Horse and Pony Fair in Ireland.

Kilnaleck is a charming small village which contains some good examples of prehistoric remains nearby. A cromlech or portal tomb dating from at least 2000BC can be found at nearby Carrickacroy. This consisted originally of a burial chamber, entered by a door. One of the supporting jambs of the door is still standing.

Nearby Ballintemple also shows evidence of a late Iron Age rath or fort. Also nearby are the remains of Crosserlough church, which was originally built in the later Middle Ages. Crosserlough Catholic church, opened in 1888, was built to a design by William Hague Jnr. Corglass lake and Kill lake provide good bank coarse fishing.

There are many pubs in Kilnaleck. Bar food is available in The Copper Kettle (049 4336223) in the centre of the town.

Milltown is a small village situated 4½ miles from Belturbet on the road to Killeshandra. The Catholic Church in Milltown was designed by the famous architect William Hague Jnr. and was opened in 1868.

Close to the village are the ruins of Drumlane Monastery, beautifully situated between the lakes of Drumlane and Derrybrick. The abbey was founded in the 6th Century by St Mogue, but most of the surviving buildings date from the 14th Century. The monks belonged to a branch of the Augustinian Order and had links to the abbey in Kells where the famous Book of Kells was completed.

Drumlane was the site of an annual pilgrimage in the later middle ages, and the ruined church contains some late medieval carvings. A crannog can be seen in the lake just behind the remains of the medieval abbey at Drumlane. Crannogs were artificial islands built in lakes for protection against attackers and wild animals. They were used and reused between 1000 BC and 1600 AD.

Mountnugent

Mountnugent is a peaceful village pleasantly situated on the River Inny. Nearby Lough Sheelin is one of the most famous wild brown trout fisheries in Europe and a very popular game fishing destination. An angling permit from the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board is required (t: 057 9121777)

A local equestrian centre and guesthouse, Ross House (049 8540218), is set in 36 acres of private parkland on the shores of the lake and offers visitors horseriding holidays and weekend breaks.

Carraig Craft Visitor Centre (t: 049 8540179) is a basketry museum with an exhibition of traditional baskets in rod, rush, and straw. Audio visual presentation, craft shop, tourist information, coffee shop, bus and car park facilities all available.

In the middle ages, Lough Sheelin was a border between the Anglo-Normans and the O'Reilly family. The remains of Crover Castle, which stands on an island on Lough Sheelin, date from this time. Crover House Hotel, named after the castle stands on the shores of Lough Sheelin.

One mile from the village at Dungimmin, and dating from the 4th or 5th Century, is one of the few Ogham stones in County Cavan. Church Island, which lies some distance from the shore, contains ruins of what may be those of a late medieval church which was situated on the island.

Mullagh

Mullagh was the birthplace of St Kilian in 640 AD. The local Heritage Centre (t: 046 9642433) celebrates the life, work, martyrdom and cult of St. Kilian. During his mission to modern-day Germany, Kilian was martyred, and is now one of the patron saints of Wurzburg in Germany. His life and death are represented through artefacts, maps, photographs, statuettes, manuscript facsimiles, art reproductions and an audio-visual presentation in St Kilian's heritage centre. One of the few Ogham stones in County Cavan can also be seen at the centre.

Mullagh Fair Day takes place on Sun 9^th Sept 2007 and is a wonderful family day out.

Nearby Mullagh lake contains many rare and unusual plants. A lay-by and seating area by the lake allows visitors to sit, picnic and overlook the water.

Redhills

Redhills is a peaceful and picturesque village, made famous as the location for the films 'The Playboys' and 'The Run of the Country'. The local pubs display many photographs from the films.

Redhills is a largely undiscovered angling destination with several coarse fishing lakes and rivers. Clonandra Cottages (t: 047 55292) sit on 25 acres on the banks of Lough Garra on the outskirts of Redhills and provides perfect self catering accommodation for anglers and tourists alike.

Shane Connaughton, the author of 'A Border Station' and writer of the acclaimed screenplay for 'My Left Foot', also has associations with the town.

Shercock

Shercock lies in the centre of Cavan's Drumlin Belt. The scenic landscape is dominated by small but steep hills (known as drumlins) with lakes and bogs in between. These drumlins were created from material left behind by retreating glaciers.

Shercock is an angling centre of note with nearby Lough Sillan a popular destination. Other lakes which can reap rewards for the angler include Milltown lake, Roosky lake and Steepleton's lake. The local Church of Ireland is a beautiful building which dates from the final years of the 18^th century. 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.

Swanlinbar

Swanlinbar, a small village in West Cavan, lies beside the Ulster Way and Cladagh River, making the area popular with fishermen, walkers and hikers. Swanlinbar is located in a beautiful region, dominated by steep mountains. Ben Aughlin, just to the northwest of Swanlinbar, owes its unusual shape to ice formations during the last Ice Age over 12,000 years ago.

The Welcome Inn pub (t: 049 952130) in the town provides good value pub lunches and dinners.  An amenity area at the nearby Tullydermot view point and waterfalls provides beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The Museum of the Master Saddler (t: 049 9523956), Bear Essentials Teddy Bear Showroom and Workshop (t: 049 9523461), Marble Arch Caves (048 663 48855) and Florencecourt House (t: 048 663 48249) are all within 15 minutes of Swanlinbar.

Many examples of sweat houses also dot the hinterland. They were used by sufferers of a variety of illnesses, from rheumatism to skin complaints. A fire was lit in the central chamber and a patient would crawl inside and perspire for over an hour.

Swanlinbar was once famous for the healing properties of its many spas and natural springs. However, only one spa well at Dromod Glebe/Drumbrughas to the south east of the village is now accessible. The waters of the well, with high sulphur content, are traditionally held to be a cure for rheumatism.

Virginia

The town of Virginia is pleasantly sited on the shores of Lough Ramor. With four hotels in the town, Lough Ramor Caravan and Camping Park, several restaurants, Virginia 9 hole golf course(t: 049 8548066), beautiful woodland walks in Deerpark Forest and the Ramor theatre ( t: 049 8547074, Virginia provides ample entertainment for the visitor.

The annual Virginia Street Fair, held on the last Sunday of June every year, is a reconstruction of Virginia's original 'Fairday' with animals, trading on the street, craft demonstration and entertainment. Visitors can see Cavan's largest display of vintage vehicles and join in traditional music and dancing.

Virginia Agricultural Show takes place on Wed August 22nd 2007 and is one of the biggest and most exciting shows in the Ireland. Four miles north of the town is Killinkere, the reputed birthplace of American Civil War general, Philip Sheridan. The Killinkere Whit Jamboree is a major festival in the North East, run in the splendid grounds of Killinkere Leisure Centre. The festival takes place annually over the Whit (June) Bank Holiday weekend.