There no place on earth quite like Cavan with its scenic, wild landscapes and its friendly and homely atmosphere.
Whether you are looking for castles, majestic mountains or amazing biodiversity, Cavan has it all.
With all these factors in mind, Hospitality Ireland decided to examine the top five visitor attractions in Cavan, based on Fáilte Ireland’s Visitor Attractions Survey 2022.
1. Shannon Pot
(17,115)
Shannon Pot is the top tourist attraction in Cavan with 17,115 visitors as of 2022.
It is the source of the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland, travelling 280km from its source in Cavan to the Shannon Estuary in Limerick.
Legend has it that Síonnan, the daughter of Lodan (a son of the Celtic God of the Sea, Lír), came to the Shannon Pot in search of the great Salmon of Wisdom. The salmon was angered at the sight of Síonnan and caused the pool to overflow and drown the maiden. Thus, the Shannon was created and still bears her name today.
2. Cavan Burren
(13,148)
Cavan Burren is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful locations in Ireland with perfectly preserved glacial erratics and dolmens to be found.
The location is a great mixture of natural and man-made history that has evolved from its formation in a tropical sea south of the equator, through the various ice ages to the parkland it is today.
A Visitor Centre and five marked trails provide excellence guidance on how to fully enjoy the Cavan Burren.
3. Castle Saunderson
(12,739)
Castle Saunderson is third on the list with 12,739 visitors as of 2022.
The Saunderson family acquired the original castle during the Plantation of Ulster, while the present castle dates to 1840 and was destroyed by fire in 1990.
An international Scouting Centre opened adjacent to the castle in 2012. The centre has delivered many programmes that are in line with the Messengers of Peace programme (MoP), which is an initiative set up by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement, with the aim to make the world a more peaceful place.
4. Cavan County Museum
(10,035)
Cavan County Museum is located in Ballyjamesduff with artefacts dating from the Stone Age through to the 20th century, with material spanning over 6,000 years.
A particular highlight is the Killycluggin Stone which is estimated to be 2,500 years old, and is one of the most recognisable examples of Celtic spirituality in the country.
Visitors can also explore Cavan's medieval past through a selection of Sheela-na-Gigs, spearheads, bog butter and brooches and after, learn about the area's recent past through photographs and documents in the Folklife Gallery and GAA History exhibition.
5. Cuilcagh Mountain (Cavan side)
(4,113)
Cuilcagh Mountain stands 655 metres tall and cuts through the border.
There are a number of different sites to enjoy near the mountain including waterfalls and biodiversity havens.
Those visiting should give themselves a number of hours to really enjoy it.
