County Cavan, Ireland’s 19th largest county, is the focus of attention each year as it celebrates “Cavan Day.”
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This year's celebration will take place in July. However, no date has yet been released.
The initiative is part of a homecoming festival known as “Cavan Calling,” which is a celebration of Cavan's global diaspora, in addition to a celebration “of all things Breffni for those living in Cavan, those from Cavan living overseas, those with Cavan ancestry, or those who simply have an affinity for the county.”
Cavan people in Ireland and abroad promote their county on whatever social media channels they use, be it X, Facebook, or Instagram, by using the hashtag #CavanDay.
The celebration takes place online and usually includes a number of well-known Cavan natives.
The 2021 Cavan Day celebration included professional golfer Leona Maguire, para powerlifter Britney Arendse, actor Tina Kelleher, and comedian Kevin McGahern.
U.S. tennis star and CNN commentator Patrick McEnroe, who is of Cavan heritage, also participated.
If you’re interested in visiting Cavan, here are some of the county’s main attractions.
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Marble Arch Caves & Global Geopark
This amazing UNESCO Global Geopark is located in parts of County Cavan but also lies in nearby County Fermanagh.
The region’s landscape was formed millions of years ago, which has resulted in an area that boasts extensive valleys, lakes, and drumlins.
In the uplands portion of the Geopark, you’ll find areas that consist of forest, blanket bog, and a karst landscape that formed what is known as the Marble Arch Caves.
They are regarded as a top-class natural attraction.
The entrance to the caves is in Co. Fermanagh.
The area is also home to a variety of historic sites, including prehistoric tombs, Iron Age forts, early Christian monasteries, and castles.
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Clough Oughter Castle
Many of the islands in Lough Oughter were once “crannogs” (fortified, artificial islands built by the ancient Irish).
The most impressive one is home to the 13th-century circular structure know as Clough Oughter Castle.
The castle was once owned by the Gaelic clan, the O’Rourkes, but eventually fell to the Anglo-Norman William Gorm de Lacy.
In 1233, the rival Gaelic clan, the O’Reillys, took it over and completed its construction.
At one time, it was the stronghold of Owen Roe O’Neill before being destroyed by Cromwell’s army in 1653.
O’Neill died at the castle in 1649.
You can take a guided boat tour or rent a canoe or kayak to this iconic location that was a source for countless artists in the 18th and 19th centuries and in more recent times for photographers.
Contact the Cavan Adventure Centre for more information.
There’s a small dock on the island where you could leave your canoe or kayak and weather permitting, you could explore the castle further.
Cavan Burren Park
While the Burren in Co. Clare is well known to international visitors, the Cavan Burren Park doesn’t have the same name recognition.
And that’s a shame because it is equally as captivating.
Be sure to stop at the interpretive center first, where you’ll discover how this unique environment was shaped 350 million years ago in a shallow tropical sea during the Carboniferous Period.
The exhibits will prepare you for what lies ahead on the walking trails located in the prehistoric park.
Expect to see huge boulders of sandstone that sit on pedestals of limestone created during the last Ice Age some 13,000 years ago.
Farming communities settled in the park as early as 4,500 B.C.
Evidence of their existence can be found in the remains of old field walls as well as other monuments like the Giant’s Grave wedge tomb, which was used to bury their dead.
The park is located close to the village of Blacklion on the Cavan/Fermanagh border. It is open year-round. There is no admission fee.