Cavan’s hidden heartlands

The hidden heartlands in Cavan did not disappoint. The county offers a wide variety of attractions that really make you reconnect with nature. Boasting beautiful landscapes, serene lakes (365 to be precise), lush forests and stunning historical structures, it is an ideal place to holiday at home.

Have you ever heard of hydro biking? As the name suggests, it’s cycling a bike on the water: a strange concept that is probably now up there with my favourite water activities. Cruising around the Cuilcagh Lakes Geopark while on a floatable bicycle provides an enjoyable activity for any age. As it is pedal-powered, make sure you don’t bite off more than you can chew; you have to get back!

Carafin Activity Park was the first place in Ireland to start offering this unique activity. Pauric and Clare McGerty started the park initially to provide accommodation and amenities to fishermen, but it has since developed into a busy attraction for families offering land and water-based activities. The couple are small beef and poultry farmers with two young boys. They keep an Irish rare breed of cattle called Irish Moiled cattle and rear turkeys.

“We love the outdoors and are big believers in sustainability and regenerative tourism. Clare has a long history in hospitality and comes from a hotel management background, so it works well,” explains Pauric.

The cost of Hydro biking starts at €15 per hour but varies depending on the length of time and number of hydro bikes required. Life jackets are provided and must be worn to ensure health and safety is maintained. For the full list of activities visit www.carafinactivitypark.ie

The Cavan Burren

The Cavan Burren was formed 340 million years ago during the Carboniferous period when the whole area was covered in a shallow tropical sea. This is a must-see if you are heading to Cavan. It has five well-developed walking trails that cater for different abilities. I took the Giant’s Leap trail, which is 2.7km and took just under 50 minutes to complete. During this trail of bog bridge steps and gravel paths, I discovered the Calf-House Dolmen tomb, which is a portal tomb dating back to the Neolithic times.

The interpretative centre provides a great overview of the geology and archaeological features seen throughout the Cavan Burren. The stories of giants and moving glaciers come to life with every step you take in this breath-taking prehistoric park. This free attraction is also the perfect place to bring a packed lunch. www.cavanburrenpark.ie/visit/trails

Ballroom of Romance

Ireland’s famous Rainbow Ballroom of Romance is situated in Glenfarne, Co Leitrim, just a stone’s throw over the Blacklion Cavan border. I was delighted to have an invite to return “when the time comes to get married” as they now host weddings!

The ballroom was built in 1934 by John McGivern on his return to his native Leitrim from the USA. It was known as McGivern’s Dance Hall, although locally it was referred to as the “Nissan Hut”, as its galvanised iron construction was reminiscent of the British army huts of the same name.

The dancehall was a popular venue for showbands for many years and today the Rainbow Ballroom of Romance still hosts regular concerts, variety shows and tea dances. It is also home to a small showband memorabilia exhibition. There is also an interactive stand where you can pick a song of choice and listen to it on headphones.

While on my guided tour of the hall, I was told about the dance floor. It was originally thought that the floor itself sat on top of tyres as there was a “right spring in the wood”. Anyone who has ever danced on it would remember it for the spring, I was told: “even the bands would be moving up and down.” When the restoration took place, however, it was discovered that the extra spring is due to it sitting on railway iron tracks. Who would have guessed it?

A lot of time and investment has gone into updating the memorabilia exhibition and the restoration of the ballroom by Glenfarne Development since 2008 as part of their ambitious refurbishment plan. In 2012 the group were successful with an application to the Leitrim Development Company under the LEADER programme to complete the project. The Rainbow ballroom of Romance is now open every day from 9 am until 5pm, this attraction is only €5 per adult entry and children go free.

Visit therainbowballroom.ie for a list of upcoming events.

Ramor Watersports Club make water accessible to all. In 2017, the club commissioned a wheelchair-accessible fishing platform next to their marina, located beside the Lakeside Manor Hotel. The Lady Amanda is a new wheelchair-accessible powerboat that was launched by Ramor Watersports Club in 2022. The team wanted to ensure anyone with accessibility needs can access the fun and excitement of power boating on the lovely Lake Ramor, all year round. The Irish Sailing President’s Award was given to Ramor Watersports Club as a result.

The cost of the boat was €77,000, with the club receiving a grant of €30,000 from Cavan Sports Council. The remaining €47,000 was fundraised through an online donations page, where local businesses and members of the community contributed.

The boat can accommodate up to six wheelchairs at a time, but to factor in carers, they normally take four wheelchairs per trip along with someone to accompany the individual. There is a ramp that lowers at the front of the boat, making it a smooth transition from the platform. There are also hooks on the ground to ensure safety is maintained along with life jackets provided.

To cover the maintenance and the running costs of the boat, the group asks for an €80 donation per group. The trip lasts an hour and you get a very detailed tour of the lake including some history of the surrounding area. To book a trip on Lady Amanda by email the club at ramorwatersportsclub@gmail.com

Overindulgence

The Oak Room Restaurant in Cavan town is the perfect spot for a high-quality dinner at a reasonable price. Their style of cuisine is modern Irish using fresh produce that is in season; most of which is sourced locally. A two-course meal is set at €36 or three-courses at €45. I got the duck wonton for starters, a 36-hour pork belly for the main and the dark chocolate and orange delice for dessert. (It’s safe to say I was rolling home).

www.theoakroom.ie

Casual Dining

The Anglers Rest is a family-run bar and restaurant located in the heart of Ballyconnell, in west Cavan, dating back to the late 1800s. Owned by Francis and Pauline McGoldrick, it is the perfect spot to go to for some comfort food and casual dining.

theanglersrest.net

CABÜ

Reconnect with nature by staying in a lodge situated deep within the Killykeen Forest Park. This unique hideaway sits directly on the shores of Lough Oughter in the centre of Ireland’s lake district. You can bring your own food and cook or head to their on-site supermarket. It is the perfect place to reconnect with nature as you hear the birds calling while exploring the beautiful lakeside forest. Every guest has one free session at the nature spa, which includes a one-hour hot tub and sauna session booked on arrival.

You can also book cycling, fishing, kayaking and other activities.

My favourite amenity was definitely the Sitooterie, which is a communal chill-out area with comfortable seating, games and a giant central wood burner. Prices start at €436 for a minimum of three nights stay for two people sharing. For more information visit holidays.cabu.co.uk/cabu-by-the-lakes

The fashion lover

Ruth Leddy is the owner of Sally West boutique in Cavan town

Where to stay?

Farnham Estate. Probably more of a couple’s getaway with spa facilities and outdoor heated infinity pool. For families, the Slieve Russell with pool and good dining.

Where to eat?

For day time, it would be Latte Da in Cavan Town, which has delicious soup. Night time for me would be Murph’s at Derragarra Inn in Butlers Bridge with its iconic setting by the river or Shades in Cavan town for delicious cocktails and food. Lots of veggie options here too. Coffee would be Datse’s in Cavan town for me. Delicious and no fuss.

What to do?

Outdoor activities would be Cavan Adventure Centre, kayaking and in the summer, the Aqua Park Erne Island is great fun for both kids and adults. Erica’s Fairy Forest in Cootehill is a must see for smallies and then enjoy the walks by the river. On Sundays you can book the Live Lagom mobile sauna and wash off your cares in the river. Cold; but you feel great afterwards?. livelagomie.simplybook.it/v2/

Where to shop?

For shopping, I’m obviously going to say Sally West: a big store with lots of choice for women of all ages. For quirky home wear, JB Hope in Cavan or Connolly Brothers in Cavan town, celebrating 100 years in business this July. Hidden Treasures in Ballyconnell has a beautiful selection of pottery and big-brand gift wear, and stocks a lot of top Irish brands.

The history lover

Susanne Gunn, member of the Drumlane History and Heritage Group.

Favourite place to stay

I always enjoy the magnificent Cabra Castle hotel in Kingscourt. It has stunning architecture features, beautiful grounds and phenomenal attractions. It is close to the beautiful Dún na Rí forest park, which is lovely for a long walk with its many attractions.

Favourite place to eat

I enjoy going to the Slieve Russell Hotel to eat and relax with friends and family and listen to music playing in the background. It is the perfect place to relax.

Favourite place for a coffee

Latte Da in Cavan town is definitely the best coffee around and is a lovely place for lunch and a snack.

favourite thing to do outdoors

I always enjoy a long walk in Killykeen to hear the birds singing in the morning time and to appreciate all the beauty around in the woods, the breath-taking view of Lough Erne and Clough Oughter castle in view.

Your favourite bit of history

I have a huge interest and passion about the monastic site at Drumlane, which is close to my heart. It really is a hidden gem. Situated beside the village of Milltown between the towns of Belturbet, Killeshandra and Ballyconnell. It is a definite step back in time. The monastic community lived, prayed and worked here, for over a thousand years. Guided tours can be organised by contacting the Local History and Heritage Group on Facebook or drumlanehistoryandheritagegroup@gmail.com

If you need help planning your next trip to the Hidden Heartlands, go to discoverireland.ie

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