County Cavan
County Cavan is located in Ulster province, but does not belong to Northern Ireland. Its history as a border county continues from the Middle Ages until the present time. Lakes abound in the area, and the “Shannon Pot” where the river begins, is located near the place where Cuilcagh Mountain reaches 2,188 feet toward the sky.
Cavan Town is a growing commercial area supported by the Cavan Crystal Factory, along with a growing variety of welcoming pubs and shops. Despite its proximity to the hustle and bustle of Dublin, the town is surprisingly uncrowded and rural in nature.
Visitor Attractions in Cavan
Lifeforce WatermillDrumlane
Cavan Crystal
Dun na Ri Forest Park
Killykeen Forest Park
Highlights
Guests in Cavan enjoy the outdoors---with angling, water sports, cruises, horse riding, golf, walking and cycling among the most popular and easily accessible activities.
Two beautiful forest parks, Dun na Ri and Killykeen, offer abundant woodlands of varied species, streams and lakes, and a wide variety of birds, fish and animals to observe. Visitors can enjoy the views and explore castle ruins, forts and other sites of archeological interest interspersed throughout these wilderness enclaves.
Indoors, guests can learn about traditional craftsmanship by touring Cavan Crystal and exploring the workings of Lifeforce Watermill.
Most prominent among medieval religious sites is the old monastery at Drumlane, which dates back to the 13th century and displays some very unusual ornamental features.
History
The Cavan area showcases the evidence of occupants dating back more than 5,000 years. The county was visited by missionaries who began the work of converting the locals to Christianity sometime during the sixth century.
During the Middle Ages, Cavan existed on the border between strong tribal chieftains and Anglo Normans, without being truly governed by either group. English and Scottish settlers took up residence in the 1600’s and proceeded to build towns and villages that flourished over the centuries, until the Famine struck in 1846, affecting the area profoundly.
The following decades witnessed a great deal of emigration. County Cavan citizens moved away to America, Canada and other countries to find work and a more prosperous life.
Popular surnames in County Cavan include: Brady, Dolan, Fitzpatrick, Gaffney, Mac Gowan, MacNulty, Maguire, Martin, Plunknett, Riley and Smith.