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History of County Cavan.
In the early 17th century Cavan was settled by planters from England and Scotland who laid the foundations for many towns and villages such as Belturbet, Killeshandra and Virginia. In the next century their descendants built fine houses, many of which are still standing today. Cavan's history as a holiday destination dates from this time, when visitors from all over Ireland flocked to the mineral spas at Swinlinbar in West Cavan.
The Countryside prospered with the growth of the linen industry. The cloth was sold in Cootehill and with this the population grew dramatically, and in 1841 nearly a quater of a million people lived here- over four times the current population. At this time over half a million depended entirely on Potatoes for food. When the potato crop failed in 1845 and 1846 there was widespread starvation.
After the Famine Cavan became a very rural area with few industries. Widespread emmigration took place in search of work to America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where many gained wealth.
The 1922 partition of Ireland made Cavan into a border area once again. Cavan is now buzzing with lively Towns and Villages.
• Mullagh Town – (15 min drive) was the birthplace of St. Kilian in 1640 A.D. Durning his mission to what is now modern day Germany he was martyred. Today he is the patron saint of Wurzburg in Germany. His life and death are represented through artefacts and an audiovisual presentation in St. Kilians Heritage Centre.
• Lakeview Gardens - overlooking Mullagh lake the gardens contains many rare and unusual plants. The gardens are opened from May to September.
• Cavan town - (30 mins drive) The ancient inauguration of the O’Reilly’s of Breifne is located on nearby Shantemon Hill . 12th Century Franciscan Friary burial place of Owen Roe O’ Neill . The Life- force mill a 19th century mill where wholemeal flour is stone ground. Cavan Crystal that promotes the glass blower’s trade. The Genealogical Research centre is opened to vistors who wish to research their ancestors in the Cavan area.
• Bailieboro Town - (10 min drive) an interesting feature of Bailieboro is the Stations of the Cross by George Collie RHA in the R.C. Church, while a fine public library, swimming and leisure centre gives you an opportunity to unwind. Bailieboro forest has beautiful walks with many historic connections.
cavan tourism
In nearby Co. Meath where it is rich in Tradition and history.meathtourism
• Bru na Boinne – Newgrange -Neolithic Vision: This ancient Astronomers, Modern Artists. Knowth’s two burial chambers boast the riches and largest collection of megalithic art in Europe. Whorls and diamonds, lines and dots are gathered together into compositions of starling sophistication. Another Neolithic site is at Loughcrew near Oldcastle.
• Kells Heritage Town -Kells, an officially designated Irish Heritage Town, is one of the finest examples of monastic settlement to be found. Retracting the footsteps of the monks, one is drawn into a story of survival, of pluck and wit pitted against brawn and belligerence. Situated in Kells is the 10th Century St. Columcille’s House, it’s a oratory buildings and is believes to have housed the much-loved saint’s relics.
• Hill of Tara - The Hill of Tara beautifully bears witness to the epic adventures of Ireland’s royal past, to the battles and celebrations of the High kings.
History of County Cavan.
In the early 17th century Cavan was settled by planters from England and Scotland who laid the foundations for many towns and villages such as Belturbet, Killeshandra and Virginia. In the next century their descendants built fine houses, many of which are still standing today. Cavan's history as a holiday destination dates from this time, when visitors from all over Ireland flocked to the mineral spas at Swinlinbar in West Cavan.
The Countryside prospered with the growth of the linen industry. The cloth was sold in Cootehill and with this the population grew dramatically, and in 1841 nearly a quater of a million people lived here- over four times the current population. At this time over half a million depended entirely on Potatoes for food. When the potato crop failed in 1845 and 1846 there was widespread starvation.
After the Famine Cavan became a very rural area with few industries. Widespread emmigration took place in search of work to America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, where many gained wealth.
The 1922 partition of Ireland made Cavan into a border area once again. Cavan is now buzzing with lively Towns and Villages.
• Mullagh Town – (15 min drive) was the birthplace of St. Kilian in 1640 A.D. Durning his mission to what is now modern day Germany he was martyred. Today he is the patron saint of Wurzburg in Germany. His life and death are represented through artefacts and an audiovisual presentation in St. Kilians Heritage Centre.
• Lakeview Gardens - overlooking Mullagh lake the gardens contains many rare and unusual plants. The gardens are opened from May to September.
• Cavan town - (30 mins drive) The ancient inauguration of the O’Reilly’s of Breifne is located on nearby Shantemon Hill . 12th Century Franciscan Friary burial place of Owen Roe O’ Neill . The Life- force mill a 19th century mill where wholemeal flour is stone ground. Cavan Crystal that promotes the glass blower’s trade. The Genealogical Research centre is opened to vistors who wish to research their ancestors in the Cavan area.
• Bailieboro Town - (10 min drive) an interesting feature of Bailieboro is the Stations of the Cross by George Collie RHA in the R.C. Church, while a fine public library, swimming and leisure centre gives you an opportunity to unwind. Bailieboro forest has beautiful walks with many historic connections.
cavan tourism
In nearby Co. Meath where it is rich in Tradition and history.meathtourism
• Bru na Boinne – Newgrange -Neolithic Vision: This ancient Astronomers, Modern Artists. Knowth’s two burial chambers boast the riches and largest collection of megalithic art in Europe. Whorls and diamonds, lines and dots are gathered together into compositions of starling sophistication. Another Neolithic site is at Loughcrew near Oldcastle.
• Kells Heritage Town -Kells, an officially designated Irish Heritage Town, is one of the finest examples of monastic settlement to be found. Retracting the footsteps of the monks, one is drawn into a story of survival, of pluck and wit pitted against brawn and belligerence. Situated in Kells is the 10th Century St. Columcille’s House, it’s a oratory buildings and is believes to have housed the much-loved saint’s relics.
• Hill of Tara - The Hill of Tara beautifully bears witness to the epic adventures of Ireland’s royal past, to the battles and celebrations of the High kings.