🌊 County Cavan: Lakes, Legends, and the Loveliest Guesthouses in Ireland
Welcome to County Cavan, where the land ripples with lakes, the air hums with folklore, and the Guinness is as smooth as a still morning on Lough Oughter. Nestled in Ireland’s northeast, Cavan is a county of quiet beauty, ancient secrets, and some of the most welcoming bed and breakfasts in Ireland.
Whether you’re paddling through misty waters, exploring castle ruins, or enjoying a full Irish in a cosy bed and breakfast in Cavan, this county is a haven for nature lovers, history buffs, and seekers of serenity.
🏞️ Must-See Marvels and Hidden Gems
Clough Oughter Castle: A Fortress in the Fog
Rising from the middle of Lough Oughter like something from a fantasy novel, Clough Oughter Castle is only accessible by boat or kayak. This 13th-century island fortress is hauntingly beautiful and steeped in history—from Norman knights to Cromwellian sieges.
Tip: Rent a kayak and paddle out at sunrise for a truly magical experience.
Killykeen Forest Park: A Walk on the Wild Side
This lakeside park is a peaceful paradise of walking trails, picnic spots, and mirrored waters. It’s perfect for a gentle hike, a family day out, or a quiet moment with nature.
The Shannon Pot: Where the River Begins
According to legend, the mighty River Shannon begins here, bubbling up from a mysterious pool in the Cuilcagh Mountains. Myth says it was created by a magical well that overflowed when a curious girl removed its cover. Science says geology. We say: both are brilliant.
🧙‍♂️ Curious Facts and Local Lore
- Cavan is known as the “Lake County”, with over 365 lakes—one for every day of the year.
- The county is home to Ireland’s only marble arch cave system, part of the UNESCO Global Geopark shared with Fermanagh.
- Cavan’s name comes from the Irish An Cabhán, meaning “the hollow”—a nod to its rolling drumlins and valleys.
🛏️ Bed and Breakfasts & Guest Houses in Cavan
To truly soak up the charm of this lake-laced county, stay in a bed and breakfast in Cavan or one of its many delightful guest houses. These locally run gems offer warm welcomes, lakeside views, and breakfasts that could win awards.
Here are some of the top-rated guest houses and bed and breakfasts in Cavan:
🏡 The Olde Post Inn – Cloverhill
A luxurious country house with gourmet dining and elegant rooms. Perfect for a romantic getaway or foodie retreat.
🏡 Fortview House – Belturbet
A traditional farmhouse B&B with views of the countryside, home baking, and hosts who treat you like family.
🏡 Dungimmon House – Ballyconnell
A stylish guesthouse near the Shannon-Erne Waterway, known for its comfort, hospitality, and hearty breakfasts.
🏡 Rivendell Bed and Breakfast – Cavan Town
A charming B&B with a Tolkien-inspired name, offering cosy rooms and a peaceful garden just minutes from town.
Whether you’re after a lakeside escape, a rural retreat, or a base for exploring the Geopark, guest houses in Cavan offer something for everyone—and a true taste of bed and breakfast in Ireland.
🍽️ Where to Eat Like a Local
Cavan’s food scene is rooted in local produce and traditional flavours. Here are a few must-try spots:
- The Olde Post Inn – Not just a guesthouse, but one of Ireland’s top restaurants.
- Chapter One – A modern bistro in Cavan Town with a creative menu and great coffee.
- Murph’s Gastro Pub – A cosy spot in Belturbet with hearty meals and a great pint.
🍻 Cheapest Pint of Guinness in Cavan
Now, the golden question: Where can you find the cheapest pint of Guinness in County Cavan?
Local sources point to The Shantully Inn in Crossdoney, where a creamy pint of the black stuff will set you back just €4.50. It’s a traditional pub with a warm fire, friendly locals, and a Guinness pour that would make Arthur proud.
🧳 Whimsical Weekend Itinerary
Day 1: Castles and Kayaks
- Morning: Paddle to Clough Oughter Castle.
- Afternoon: Picnic and walk in Killykeen Forest Park.
- Evening: Dinner at The Olde Post Inn and a pint at The Shantully Inn.
Day 2: Legends and Lakes
- Morning: Visit the Shannon Pot and explore the Cuilcagh Mountains.
- Afternoon: Tour the Marble Arch Caves (just over the border).
- Evening: Relax in your bed and breakfast in Cavan with a cup of tea and a view of the lake.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
- Clough Oughter Castle rising from the mist.
- Reflections on Lough Oughter at golden hour.
- A steaming cup of tea on a guesthouse patio.
- A pint of Guinness beside a turf fire.
🧠Getting There and Getting Around
Cavan is about 90 minutes from Dublin by car. Public transport is available, but to explore the lakes and countryside at your own pace, a car is recommended.
đź’š Final Thoughts: Why Cavan is a Hidden Gem
County Cavan is a place of quiet beauty, ancient echoes, and warm welcomes. Whether you’re tracing the source of the Shannon, paddling to a castle, or waking up in a lakeside bed and breakfast in Cavan, this county offers a peaceful escape from the ordinary.
So pack your walking boots, bring your appetite, and prepare to fall in love with the Lake County—one ripple, one legend, and one pint at a time.
