10am: A Breather in the Burren
Did you know Cavan has a Burren? History is layered like an onion in this desolately beautiful discovery zone (above) — with karstic limestone, Neolithic tombs, glacial erratics and 19th century farmstead remains all gathered together near Blacklion, on the Cavan/Fermanagh border. Walking trails range from a 1.3km, buggy-friendly route to stretches of the 26km Cavan Way, and you can join several during the Cavan Walking Festival (May 4-11; facebook.com/cavanwalkingfestival).
See:cavanburrenpark.ie
1pm: The Bear Essentials
If you go down to the woods near Bawnboy today, youre in for a big surprise. Here, Anke Morgenroth runs an unlikely little oasis — a cottage industry offering bear building workshops, a teddy bear hospital and the largest collection of teddies for sale in Ireland… including Ankes own cuddly creations.
“People who dont work with their hands are surprised to see what they can do,” she says. “They can create something of real value.” Not least, memories.
How: bearessentials.ie; workshops from €180 (five people).
4pm: Time out at Jampa Ling
Its the last thing I expect to see in Cavan — a Tibetan Buddhist Lama strolling by a Victorian country house. The Ven. Panchen Ötrul Rinpoche (above) has been here 28 years, however, working as Spiritual Teacher at Jampa Ling Buddhist Centre.
Visitors of all faiths and none are welcome to drop by for a walk or to join daily meditation sessions (7am, 4pm, 7pm). Yoga and meditation courses are also available, with retreats from €32pp per night in a dorm with vegetarian meals included.
See:jampaling.org
8pm: Check into the Olde Post
Cloverhills Olde Post Inn is like a tone poem. Glowing fires, redbrick walls and effortless hospitality will set you at your ease in jig time, but the simplicity is deceptive. Chef Gearóid Lynch strikes a deft balance between creative Irish cuisine and high-end country cooking, be it a simple scallop with black pudding, an oyster with bacon and cabbage (above) or baked alaska based on a family members rhubarb.
How: Menus from €35; 047 55555; theoldepostinn.com
Do it
For more info on holidays in Cavan, see thisiscavan.ie or #thisiscavan on social media.
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