Ireland Discovery Tours
Let Ireland Discovery Tours prepare your itinerary for your best experience, showcasing the best locations on the Island of Ireland Luxury coach hire and airport transfers included.
The Moth Studios
There are weekly drop-in sessions at The Moth Studios, including an open studio, painting and drawing classes, portraiture, and a writing group, as well as regular workshops in everything from writing for sketch comedy to singing. It's conveniently located in Cavan Town, just a five-minute walk from the bus station (which runs regular hourly buses to Dublin and elsewhere). The Moth Studios is open year-round, Mon-Fri inclusive, from 10am-5pm. Admission is free.
Cavan Burren Park
Cavan Burren Park has a remarkable landscape where geology and archaeology features unfold in a natural setting. Discover peaceful birdsong, rich biodiversity, stunning views, an interpretative centre and five marked trails, one fully accessible for all to enjoy and waiting to be explored. Explore a terrain shaped from a tropical sea south of the equator and through various ice ages. Take time in the interpretative centre where creative displays tell the Cavan Burren Park’s geological, archaeological, mythological and cultural story. With picnic areas, parking for cars and coaches, toilets, guided tours available via prebooking and free admission, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy fresh air and spectacular scenery.
PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell
The PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell in County Cavan, is one of only eight PGA National designated resorts in the world. The golf course was designed by Irish golf architect Patrick Merrigan. The layout wraps around the lakes and drumlins of the County Cavan landscape. The golf course is a thrilling, parkland course around two natural lakes. It has also hosted many championship events. The 18-hole championship par-72 course has a variety of tee boxes and can be tailored to suit golfers of all levels and abilities. It is located just two hours from Dublin and Belfast, the Slieve Russell Hotel Golf & Country Club also provide luxury accommodation in a tranquil country setting. The resort has extensive facilities covering 300 landscaped acres with 50 acres of lakes. The Slieve Russell Clubhouse, which is attached to the main hotel building, boasts a pro shop, spacious ladies and gents locker rooms with shower areas.
The Pike Restaurant at the Pikers Lodge Hotel
The Pike Restaurant at the Pikers Lodge Hotel in County Cavan, offers a comfortable dining area for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a wedding service which includes catering, decoration and microphones for the speakers. The room can also be used for corporate functions. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes and the chefs are happy to cater for vegetarians, or anyone with special dietary requirements.
R&R Brasserie at Errigal Country House Hotel
Enjoy R&R Brasserie at Errigal County House Hotel for breakfast, brunch, lunch, evening meals or casual coffee catch ups. The bright, fresh and modern décor at the brasserie redefines casual dining as it features large windows and a retractable roof to enjoy as the atmosphere shifts with the Irish sky. Vibrant, wholesome dishes are served from breakfast through late afternoon, which are fresh, healthy and never boring.
Annalee Restaurant at The Hotel Kilmore
The Annalee Restaurant at The Hotel Kilmore in County Cavan, has a warm and relaxed atmosphere. It is a popular choice for all occasions, from intimate dinners to family parties or business meetings. The team at Annalee Restaurant also offers a professional and tailor made wedding service that can cater for up to 500 guests. All food is freshly prepared by professional chefs and served with a range of vegetables and a selection of fine wines.
Crafts of Ireland
Perched on a hill in County Cavan with panoramic views of the ancient Loughcrew hills in neighbouring County Meath, Crafts of Ireland is the perfect crafter’s getaway. It is less than a one hour drive from Dublin and surrounded by green fields, farm animals and wildlife. This purpose built studio welcomes people with an interest in traditional and modern crafts, log fires, home baked food and vintage china, all of which add to the whole experience. It is a space where people can relax and create, in tranquil surroundings. In Spring, baby lambs arrive and in April the new crop of flax is planted. Depending on the time of year you can witness the different tasks involved in producing wool or flax fibre to spin into wool and linen thread. Flax was grown on the farm from the late 1700s into the 1800s and members of the family are recorded in the 1821 census as flax spinners. However, with the industrialisation of flax processing, the growing of flax ceased and the farm returned to animal, milk and food crop production. The last milk churn used to make butter on the farm is still used in cookery demonstrations and a rare traditional Irish breed of sheep produce some of the wool that is spun in the studio. Along with a growing number of antique and modern wool and flax spinning wheels, the studio is also home to Sandra’s collection of antique sock knitting machines. Keeping them company are many antique sewing machines dating from 1860 along with various other pieces of antique crafting equipment. Traditional seam free wool socks made on the machines and finished by hand are available to purchase in the studio along with a range of other handmade gifts including items made from locally grown flax and wool. Visitors can book into any of the workshops listed on Crafts of Ireland’s website or can get in touch to organise their own unique afternoon or day visit. Workshops include wool spinning, traditional lace or wool crochet, knitting, needle felting, pebble art, string art, peg loom weaving and more. Crafts of Ireland also offer presentations and demonstrations for tour groups, including talks about the traditional crafts of Ireland, flax growing in Ireland or the journey from fleece to fabric. Crafts of Ireland is wheelchair accessible with parking for cars and buses. Special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
PGA National Ireland West Coast Links Tour
Based at PGA National Ireland in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, these breaks are available to golf groups of eight or more people and offer access to four 18 hole championship courses, three links and one parkland. All four venues are regularly ranked inside Ireland’s top 50 courses. The three links courses are approximately an hour away and have staged numerous high profile events. They are situated on Ireland’s scenic Wild Atlantic Way. Packages begin with two nights bed and breakfast and three rounds of golf, with four, five, and seven night stay and play breaks available. All tour packages include four star bed and breakfast hotel accommodation at PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell.
The Courtroom Restaurant at Cabra Castle
Using only locally sourced ingredients to make traditional dishes with a contemporary twist, The Courtroom Restaurant at Cabra Castle provides an award winning dining experience featuring the best in Irish cuisine. The menu has a great range of dishes to suit all tastes, this is complemented by a comprehensive wine list. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with an elegant and intimate feel and has stunning views over the gardens and parkland. The restaurant is open from 7pm daily and booking is essential. Sunday lunch is served weekly from 12.30pm. Relax with family and enjoy a sumptuous 4 course table d'hote lunch menu, with Sunday roast favourites to choose from. Their incredible Afternoon Tea Experience is served Monday to Saturday between 2pm and 4pm. Pre-booking 24 hours in advance is essential. The Derby Bar serves food throughout the day from an extensive light dining menu and is available from 12pm to 9pm. Tea and scones are available from 11am.
Bear Essentials
If you go down to the woods near Bawnboy, County Cavan, you are sure of a big surprise, for teddy bear heaven is just beside Brackley Lake on the borders of Fermanagh and Leitrim. Bear Essentials designs and hand makes its own unique bears which are only sold in their teddy bear gift shop. The teddy bear gift shop displays famous brands like Steiff, Charlie Bears, Jellycat, Bukowski Bears and, of course, Anke's one off mohair collector teddy bears and baby essentials. Make your very own teddy bear, or avail of a workshop with afternoon tea. You can book in for a half or full day in traditional teddy bear making and go home with your very own creation. Bear Essentials also offers presentations and demonstrations for tour groups, including talks about the long history of the teddy bear and its everlasting appeal. The Silver Bear Centre has a selection of old teddy bears, including some that have been admitted to the Teddy Bear Hospital. Bear Essentials can arrange overnight packages in conjunction with local bed and breakfasts, or the Slieve Russell Hotel in Ballyconnell. Bear Essentials and the Silver Bear Centre are both wheelchair accessible and there is ample parking space for cars and buses. For younger visitors to Bear Essentials, there is a little playground and a small fairy forest. Outside of their opening hours they can also take bookings for visits to the shop and for Build A Bear parties. Their online shop is open 24/7 and orders are shipped Monday to Friday.
The Bailieborough Bridewell
In Ireland, bridewells were established in many towns during the 17th and 18th centuries to house petty criminals, vagrants and those awaiting trial. Bailieborough's courthouse was erected in 1817, with the addition of the bridewell gaol in 1833. A visit to The Bailieborough Bridewell is suitable for all ages, whether you are a history enthusiast, a curious traveller or a local reconnecting with your roots. This immersive experience brings the Bailieborough Bridewell’s story to life while also reflecting the town’s heritage shaped by the Three Folk of Gaelic, Ulster Scots and English. Self guided and guided tours are available.
Bailieborough Leisure Centre
Bailieborough Leisure Centre has a 20m swimming pool which is heated to 29 degrees Celsius. They also have an adjoining baby pool. The leisure centre features a sauna, a steam room and jacuzzi. There is a wet room and family changing rooms available. There is a disability hoist on site. The gym at Baileborough Leisure Centre is fully equipped with cardio machines, weights machines, free weights and barbells. There is also stretching equipment.
Olde Post Inn
The Olde Post Inn in County Cavan has stone walls, pine ceilings and log fires. It gives an old fashioned welcome and is well known for genuine hospitality, great food and comfortable surroundings. The menu is changed regularly to keep variety and ensure the use of fresh and in season ingredients. It has the perfect location to have a small and intimate gathering and can cater for up to 120 guests. The restaurant can be closed off to all other patrons for private parties or weddings. Each double room is complete with en suite bathroom, plasma wide screen television and tea and coffee making facilities.
Breffni Arms Hotel Restaurant
At the Breffni Arms Hotel Restaurant in County Cavan, you can choose to dine in the bar or the restaurant. Both offer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere along with excellent service and a wide menu choice. The restaurant serves exquisite Irish cuisine from the executive chef and the team, offering an outstanding á la carte or table d'hôte menu using the freshest ingredients with a dash of creativity. And it's all complemented by fine wine and a wide selection of after dinner drinks. The bar menu is more casual and includes dishes such as homemade soup, pizza, and sandwiches. Both the bar and restaurant are fully licensed and there is a full wine menu to compliment all dishes.
The Shannon Pot
The Shannon Pot’s fame can be traced back to the very early times of the legendary Finn McCool and the Fianna, the great warriors of Irish mythology. Legend has it that Síonnan, the daughter of Lodan (a son of the Celtic God of the Sea, Lír), came to the Shannon Pot in search of the great Salmon of Wisdom. The salmon was angered at the sight of Síonnan and caused the pool to overflow and drown the maiden. Thus, the Shannon was created and still bears her name today. The significance of the Shannon Pot is carried down in the ancient Irish name Legnashinna or Log na Sionna. The word Log (also Lug or Leg) in ancient Irish translates as a hollow or a pit, but can also have an extended meaning as ‘the place’, indicating a site of great importance. The association of this name with the longest river in Ireland and the circular nature of the Shannon Pot strongly suggests that this site was one of great cultural and possibly religious significance during Celtic times. The Shannon Pot is located along the Blacklion to Glangevlin Road (R206) in West County Cavan and is marked by brown tourist signs. The site provides ample parking and a picnic area. Interpretation is available both within the car park and at the Shannon Pot itself. The Shannon Pot is along the Cavan Way, a long-distance walking route that starts at Blacklion and ends in Dowra. It's a key site in the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, an area of unique geological importance in Cavan and Fermanagh.
World War 1 Trench Experience
World War 1 Trench Experience is becoming a prominent attraction for visitors since it opened in August 2014, and includes sound and visual effects to enhance the experience and educate visitors on life in the trenches during World War 1. Built to the specifications and manuals of the Irish Guards and used by the Royal Irish Fusiliers at the Battle of the Somme 1916, it is over 350m long and includes frontline communication and support trenches. Over 6000 sand bags were used in its construction. Located at the back of Cavan County Museum, Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, the trench forms part of a wider WW1 exhibition at the Museum which is located just off the M3 Dublin Cavan Motorway. Take the opportunity to visit the children’s playground, craft shop, and take a stroll through the peace garden. Coach parking is available and the museum tea rooms can accommodate up to 40 people.
Donoghues Coaches
Donoghues Coaches prides ourselves on giving a very high standard of care and quality of our luxury fleet. All coaches are equipped with full air conditioning, PA systems, TV and DVD, fridges and reclining seats with large luggage capacity. Coach range available 18, 23, 33 and 53 seaters. Full details of our fleet can be found on the web site. Working closely with local tour operators, we offer a wide range of day tours and extended tours. We also offer value packages for golf tours, which take us to many of the fine golf courses around Ireland. Please take some time to browse through our website to see some of the services we provide and please do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail via website, or by 'phone, if you have any questions.
Cavan Farmer's Market
Cavan Farmer's Market in Cavan Town has stalls selling everything from home made jams, sauces and free range eggs to hot smoked salmon and home made pâté. A range of goats and cows Irish artisan cheeses, as well as home baking, drinks from BogBoy Booch and plants or shrubs are also available. Visitors and locals alike are invited to browse and buy items and soak up the lively and enjoyable market atmosphere.
Irish Pike Fishing Guides
Irish Pike Fishing Guides, Cootehill, County Cavan, is owned and run by local man Ronan Murray, who is a pike fishing guide and a Daiwa Prorex consultant. With many years experience as an angling guide, Ronan has a wide range of options to suit all angling abilities. Whatever your requirements, Ronan at Irish Pike Fishing Guides can create a package for you and hopefully land you ‘the big one’.
Cavan County Museum
Visit the Cavan County Museum and see the ancient Killycluggin Stone. It is estimated to be 2,500 years old, and is one of the most recognisable examples of Celtic spirituality in the country. Uncover Cavan's medieval past through a selection of Sheela-na-Gigs, spearheads, bog butter and brooches and after, learn about the area's recent past through photographs and documents in the Folklife Gallery and GAA History exhibition. See what life was like on the battlefield at the World War One Trench Experience, the largest outdoor replica trench open to the public in Ireland and the UK. Stop off at the Percy French Gallery and admire the works of Cavan's greatest songwriter, Percy French. Bring the kids to the playground or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the peace garden, before relaxing with a hot drink at the tea rooms.
Drumlane Abbey and Round Tower
The original round tower at Drumlane Abbey in County Cavan, was made of wood but replaced with stone in the 12th century under the stewardship of Augustinian monks. During the Middle Ages, the Drumlane estate was ruled by the O’Farrelly clan. Today a medieval gravestone with intricate carvings is said to mark the burial place of a member of the family. The nearby church is the largest of the buildings to survive, but the monastery was far more extensive in its original form. Drumlane Abbey was attacked and burned in 1261 by the O'Rourke family, then suppressed as part of the Reformation in the 16th century. Some of the lands were awarded to the O’Reilly clan by the English monarchy, but after the defeat of the rebellion of 1641, the land was farmed by planters. The round tower is the most distinguished part of the estate. A tall, circular stone structure, it remains the only surviving round tower in the Diocese of Kilmore. Round towers are of Christian origin and were erected at various periods between the 5th and 13th centuries to serve as places of refuge in which valuable relics and manuscripts were hidden during attacks. The entrance to the tower at Drumlane is about nine feet above the ground. Visit Drumlane Abbey to find a wonderful natural retreat and the perfect place in which to spend a tranquil morning.
The Spa at Farnham Estate
Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort is ideally located on the outskirts of Cavan Town and is within 2 hours of Dublin and Belfast. The resort incorporates a sophisticated and stylish hotel, no less than 7km of beautiful walking nature trails, fishing, and a Jeff Howes designed golf course. It offers a myriad of therapies in world class facilities, making it one of the ultimate rural retreats in Ireland. Visit the Farnham Estate Health Spa to find an authentic experience of well being. Soak in the soothing views of the estate from the pool and relaxation rooms, and enjoy images of the trees, flowers and plants of Farnham which adorn the indoor spaces of the spa. Indulge yourself with a range of treatments using the world famous, plant derived Yon-Ka range of products. The attentive team at Farnham is there to help you choose the best package or treatment for you, or indeed to help you create your own bespoke experience. They will even show you how you can take the bliss of the spa home with you, using products and practices that will keep you on the path of wellness until your next visit.
Cavan Swimming Pool and Leisure Complex
Enjoy the full range of facilities at Cavan Swimming Pool and Leisure Complex, County Cavan, including a fully equipped gymnasium, sports hall, aerobics room, 25m swimming pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and sun bed. There is a suitable activity for everyone in the family, from aqua and step aerobics to circuit training, kickboxing, gymnastics, judo, ballet, and drama classes. Two water slides add a splash of fun to the pool area and if you are looking for entertainment for children, be sure to check out the separate kiddie pool with child friendly features.