We don't get as many tourists in this part of the country as some places, although there's plenty of things to see and do. I hope this page will be some help to you if you're planning a visit. Have a look at www.cavantourism.com for more ideas.
Many people I've spoken to who've visited this area told me that they get more of a feeling of having visited 'Real Ireland' rather than 'Theme Park Ireland' with the traditional tourist area's endless souvenir shops and tour buses.
First some tips if you're coming.
- Get a Car... Bring your own or hire one. There is NO public transport outside the bigger towns. Irish Car Rentals are as good and as cheap as you'll find.
- Eat in Pubs... Have your main meal at 1pm the same as Irish people do. You'll save a pile of money. Pubs generally have good food and very reasonable at lunchtime. Evening meals can be expensive.
- Go to a Gaelic Football or (preferably) a Hurling game.... These uniquely Irish sports are very exciting and a great way to meet people.
- Don't
try to do too
much... If you're only here for a week, don't have a long list of
sights you want to see. Pick one area and try to get to know it and
it's people. You won't do it in a day, but you'll have a much more
rewarding holiday, (and you'll want to come back!)
Some things to do
Ross House equestrian centre in Mountnugent. You can stay here too.
Cavan County Museum, in Ballyjamesduff. In the old Poor Clare's Convent. A much better use for it.
Tullynally Castle, Gothic Revival Castle near Castlepollard, Co Westmeath.
Lough Crew megalithic tombs near Oldcastle, Co. Meath.
Arigna Mining Experience. Excellent, well thought out. Adults and kids will love it. Beautiful scenery too!
Lough Derravaragh and Crookedwood, near Castlepollard, a beautiful lake associated with the tragic story of the Children of Lir.
The Seven Wonders of Fore, The kids will like this one.
Locke's Distillery, Kilbeggan There is a museum and tour available.
Crom Estate in Fermanagh, lovely walks and historical features.
Florencecourt House, Fermanagh and the nearby Marble Arch Caves and Cuilcagh European Geopark
Belvedere House, near Mullingar with a great Narnia theme for the kids
Corlea Bog Trackway in Longford, an Iron age road preserved in the bog. Sounds boring but it isn't. The guides are excellent, really know their stuff.
Go Fishing, County Cavan has 365 lakes, a different one for each day of the year. Shannon Fisheries have a good guide.
Play Golf, Can't see the attraction but try here for a list of courses at least.
Some Places to Stay near Kilnaleck
The nearest Hotel is Crover House, a beautiful hotel on the shores of Lough Sheelin. They have a website at www.croverhousehotel.ie +353 49 8540206
Self Catering Cottages. Dan Rua's Cottage Call +353 49 8540050, Lake View Farm House Call +353 87 2304800
There are a few B&B's. Crosskill House +353 49 4336935 is the only one within walking distance of the town, but the others are only a short drive away. Liz O'Connell +353 86 8939450, Sheila Lynch +353 49 4336425, Sharon Higgins +353 49 4336594, Island View House +353 86 6000608, Arley House +353 49 8540309, Ard na gCapall (Iris O'Callaghan) +353 49 4336542
Check when booking but both Arley House (Carmel Kiernan) and Crover House are fully wheelchair accessible as far as I know.
The day I took all these pictures it was pouring rain, so they may not be very representative (or maybe they are!!). If you'd like to see your b&b here or if you have anything you'd like me to add to the list of things to do, let me know by clicking on the 'contact' button below