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County
Cavan from Samuel Lewis' Topographical
Directory of Ireland 1837
County Cavan is the southern
most of the counties of Ulster, it has a land area of 1,891
sq km (730 sq mi) it is in Cavan that the rivers Erne and
Shannon have their source. The Shannon which is the longest
river in the British isles rises on the slopes of Cuilcagh
Mountain, 667 Metres (2,188 feet) it gets its name
from Sionna, the grand daughter of the Celtic sea god Lir.
The River Erne which rises in Lough Gowna and flows generally
northwards through the centre of the county passing through
many small lakes which are a paradise for
anglers, it is said that Cavan has 365 rivers.
The Shannon-Erne
Waterway which was restored and reopened in the mid 90's
offers a superb opportunity to enjoy the tranquil countryside
of Cavan using one of the many river and canal cruisers which
can be hired on both the Shannon and Erne. The waterway has
a total length of 62.5 kms with 16 automated locks and 34
bridges, there are 6 mooring service/areas where you can stock
up on supplies or just relax.
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If  the
marine way of life doesn't appeal to you you could rent a self catering
cottage, or stay in a country guest house in one of the county's
small towns and villages. The county is generally regarded as one
of the best places for course angling in the country.
The landscape of Cavan was sculpted
by the ice sheets which left behind many drumlins and lakes as they
receded. Evidence of early man's habitation of the are are to be
found in profusion in the many stone forts and prehistoric remains
scattered across the county. The county takes its name from Cavan
town which grew up around an early monastery. Giolla Íosa
Rúadh O'Reilly founded a Friary for the Franciscans around
1300. The Friary was severely damaged by fire in 1451. The name
Cavan comes from the Irish An Cabhan 'The Hollow'
Read Walter Harris' account
of County Cavan in 1836
Cycling
in County Cavan.
The Kingfisher Cycle Trail
covers over 300 miles of fully mapped and signposted cycle route
from Cavans' lakelands to the Atlantic Coast, to hire a bicycle
locally contact one of the bicycle hire shops below.
On Yer Bike Tours - Tel +353 (0) 49 95 22219
Padraig Fitzpatrick Cycles, Belturbet -
Tel +353 (0) 49 9522866
Cavan
Tourist Office
Johnston Library & Farnham Centre
Farnham Street
Cavan
Tel +353 (0)49 43 77200
E Mail
Web Site
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Cavan was made famous
by Percy French with his song, 'Come back Paddy Reilly to
Ballyjamesduff' It appears Paddy did come back after a stay
of eighteen years in Scotland.
Read the words
here.
Read about County
Cavan in 1837 from Lewis' Topographical Survey of Ireland.
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