County Cavan
Encyclopedia
County Cavan is a county
in Ireland
. It is part of the Border Region
and is also located in the province
of Ulster
. It is named after the town of Cavan
. Cavan County Council
is the local authority
for the county. The population of the county is 72,874 according to the 2011 census.
to the west, Fermanagh
and Monaghan
to the north, Meath
to the south-east, Longford
to the south-west and Westmeath
to the south. Cavan shares a 70 km (43 mi) border with County Fermanagh
in Northern Ireland
. Cavan is the 19th largest of the 32 counties in area and the 25th largest by population. It is also the sixth largest of Ulster's nine counties in size and the seventh largest by population.
in the county. While baronies continue to be officially defined units, they are no longer used for many administrative purposes. Their official status is illustrated by Placenames Orders made since 2003, where official Irish names of baronies are listed under "Administrative units".
The county is characterised by drumlin
countryside dotted with many lakes and hills. The north-western area of the county is sparsely populated and mountainous. The Breifne mountains contains the highest point, Cuilcagh
at 665 metres (2,182 ft).
Cavan is the source of many rivers in Ireland. Shannon Pot
on the slopes of Culicagh is the source of the River Shannon
, the longest river in Ireland
at 386 km (240 mi). The River Erne
is a major river which rises from Beaghy Lough, two miles (3 km) south of Stradone
in Cavan and flows for 120 km (75 mi) to Lough Erne
. Other rivers in the county include the Blackwater River from Lough Ramor
which joins the River Boyne
at Navan. the Dee
which springs near Bailieborough
, the River Annalee
which flows from Lough Sillan
and joins the Erne, the Cladagh
river rises from Culicagh and flows into Fermanagh
. The Glyde
and the Owenroe
also source in Cavan.
Cavan is known as 'The Lakeland County' and is reputed to contain 365 lakes. At 18.8 km2 (7.3 sq; mi), Lough Sheelin
is the county's largest lake situated in the south of the county and forms a three way border on its waters between counties Meath and Westmeath and Cavan. A large complex of lakes form in the north and west of Cavan into designated Specially Protected Areas (SPA), example of this being Lough Oughter
. Other important wildlife protected lakes such as Lough Gowna
and Lough Ramor
are in the south and east of the county. Cavan has a mainly hilly (drumlin) landscape and contains just under 7,000 hectares (17,297 acres) of forested area, 3.6% of Cavan's total land area. The county contains forests such as Bellamont Forest near Cootehill
, Killykeen Forest Park
at Lough Oughter (a Coillte state forest concern), Dún na Rí Forest Park
and the Burren Forest.
records the climate data for Cavan from their station at Ballyhaise
. Under Köppen climate classification
, Cavan experiences a maritime temperate
oceanic climate
with cold winters, mild humid summers, and a lack of temperature extremes. The average maximum January temperature is 8 °C (46 °F), while the average maximum July temperature is 19.1 °C (66 °F). On average, the sunniest months are May and June, while the wettest month is October with 98 mm (4 in) of rain, and the driest months are May and June with 57 mm (2 in) respectively. Humidity is high year round and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with the annual precipitation at Ballyhaise being 832 mm (33 in)
On average, snow showers occur between November and March. In 2010, record low temperatures for November, December and January were recorded in Cavan. In late December, the temperature at the station fell to -15.4 °C, its lowest ever. On Tuesday 21st of December 2010, a daily maximum of -9.4 °C was recorded at Ballyhaise, the lowest daily maximum ever recorded in Ireland. Summer daytime temperatures range between 15 °C (59 °F) and 22 °C (72 °F), with temperatures rarely going beyond 25 °C (77 °F). Like much of Ireland, the county experiences long summer days and short winter days. The annual sunshine hours the county receives on average range between 1,300 and 1,500 hours.
of East Bréifne
or Brefney O'Reilly after its ruling Gaelic family. This in turn was a division of the 11th century Kingdom of Bréifne
. For this reason the county is colloquially known as the Breffni County. A high degree of defence was achieved by using the natural landscape of drumlin hills and loughs. The poorly drained heavy clay soils contributed as an obstacle against invasion.
Historically, Cavan was part of the western province of Connacht
, but was transferred to Ulster
in 1584 when Bréifne was shired and became the county of Cavan. In the south, the Lough Sheelin
area was part of Leinster until the late 14th century.
Parts of Cavan were subjected to Norman influence from the twelfth century and the remains of several motte and bailie fortifications are still visible mainly in the east of the county, as well as the remains of stronger works such as Castlerahan and Clogh Oughter castle. The influence of several monastic orders also owes its origins to around this time with abbey remains existent in locations such as Drumlane and Trinity Island.
The Plantation of Ulster
from 1610 saw the settlement and origins of several new towns within the county that include Bailieborough, Cootehill, Killeshandra and Virginia. Existing towns such as Cavan and Belturbet became over time more important as trading centres. Wars aimed at trying to unsettle the Plantation only led to further plantations of English and Scottish settlers into the county and the beginnings of a thriving flax and linen industry.
Some areas of Cavan were hard hit by the Great Famine potato blight between 1845-49. The winter of 1847 is particularly noted for the high levels of deaths nationally caused by diseases such as typhus and cholera. Several instances of eviction also occurred during the nineteenth century, with one such story where the local landlord in Mountnugent
parish decided to evict over 200 people. The famous ballad "By Lough Sheelin Side" is based on this event witnessed by the local Catholic
priest.
into one Dáil national government constituency, Cavan–Monaghan
(five seats). The 2011 general election had a voter turnout of 72.7%. After the election, the TDs elected to the constituency were; Sean Conlan
(Monaghan FG), Heather Humphreys
(Monaghan FG), Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
(Monaghan SF), Joe O'Reilly
(Cavan FG) and Brendan Smith
(Cavan FF). Members of the 24th Seanad are Senators Diarmuid Wilson
(Cavan FF) and Kathryn Reilly
(Cavan SF). The county falls within the Border, Midland and Western region
for certain European Union
purposes. It is also a part of the Border Regional Authority
.
Cavan is divided into Four County Electoral Areas: Bailieborough, Ballyjamesduff, Belturbet and Cavan. There are three Town Councils: Cavan Town, Belturbet and Cootehill. The politics of the county can be considered conservative. The centre-right parties Fine Gael
and Fianna Fáil
are the largest parties with 13 and 8 councillors respectively with democratic socialist Sinn Féin
representing the left-wing with four councillors. The 2009 Cavan Local Elections had an average voter turnout of 64.48%, the highest electoral area being Belturbet with just under 70%.
into Fermanagh
. The N16 begins in Sligo
and ends at Blacklion
in the far northwestern tip of Cavan, it crosses the county for roughly 7 km (4 mi).
Three national secondary routes pass through the county. The N87 road
begins in Belturbet and passes through Ballyconnell
and Swanlinbar
before crossing into County Fermanagh
where it becomes the A32. The N54
route from Monaghan and Clones joines the N3 at Butlersbridge
. The N55
links Cavan
to the large town of Athlone via Ballinagh and Granard.
Bus Éireann
provide bus services to villages and towns across the county, including a direct route from Cavan
to Dublin Airport
.
built a line between the Inny Junction in Co. Westmeath (along their expanding network which was eventually to reach Sligo) and Cavan town. The first railway station to open in Cavan, was Cavan railway station in 1856. Many notable railway stations were built in the 1800s such as Kingscourt railway station
and the Cavan and Leitrim Railway
. The railways were an important part of the economic development of Cavan and carried passengers and freight to all over Ireland
. The railways also helped the popularity of GAA
in Cavan grow, spectators could travel easily between towns.
After World War II
, due to the shortage of coal
in the country, uneconomic lines were terminated. In 1947 all passenger services were terminated though the transport of freight and livestock continued. The Great Northern Railway
(G.N.R.) continued to serve the Cavan and Leitrim Railway
. However, in 1959 all services along the remaining rail lines were terminated and the stations along their routes were closed.
, Cavan GAA
competes annually in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
, which it has won 5 times between 1933 and 1952. The team is currently in division 3 of the National Football League
and division 4 of the National Hurling League
. Hurling
is a declining sport in the county and the Cavan county board has discussed disbanding the senior team to promote the sport at junior level. The current senior football captain is Seanie Johnston
.
The first GAA club founded in Cavan was Ballyconnell
in 1885. However the club didn’t affiliate to GAA Central Council until March 1886 so that can be taken as the founding of the GAA in Cavan and Ulster. The most successful club in Cavan is Cornafean
with 20 Senior Football Championship titles, their last title was won in 1956. The most successful club in recent years has been Cavan Gaels GAA which has won 8 of the last 11 Senior Football Championships. Cavan Gaels are the current senior football champions, defeating Castlerahan in the 2011 decider. No team from Cavan has ever won a national
or provincial title
.
There is a strong history of athletics in Cavan, with a 300m Tartan track
in Shercock
and other athletics facilities throughout the county. There are five athletics clubs in the county at present, but there have been many more over the years. The current athletics clubs are Annalee AC
, Bailieborough AC
, Innyvale AC
, Laragh AC
and Shercock AC
.
Fishing
is a very popular activity in Cavan because of its complex of large rivers and lakes.
Below is a list of various sporting clubs in Cavan:
. In 2009, Cavan (according to CSO statistics) had a natural population increase of 703 people (1,212 births minus 509 deaths). Cavan has a higher percentage than the state average of people in the dependency age, 0-14 and over 65 with 34.7% in 2006, which is a drop from 36.6% in 2002. Cavan had a high age dependency ratio in 2002 of 66.91%, this was due to the migration of people who went for third level education elsewhere or who looked for work, most likely in the Greater Dublin Area
. The language spoken in the county is predominantly English, with just 35% of the Cavan population also Irish speaking. The national census of April 2011 shows net migration slowing to a rate of 16.2% over that of previous periods. Between 2002 and 2006 Cavan had a population increase of 13.2%, and of this growth 83.4% was due to inward migration. In 2006 it was estimated that by 2011 the population of the county would surpass 70,000 people.
The preliminary 2011 Census results (published in July 2011) show a County Cavan population increase of 13.9%, the largest population growth in Ireland after County Laois
. The population rose from 64,003 to 72,874 persons with an average increase of 15% seen in electoral areas in the southeast of the county. This increase is due to the continued population growth of N3/M3 proximity commuter towns such as Virginia
, Ballyjamesduff
, Bailieborough
and Mullagh
. Virginia is now the second largest populated town in the county. However a continued decrease as seen from earlier census results in areas of the north and west of the county, including urban areas such Cavan and Cootehill towns. The 2011 preliminary census results also listed the highest percentage of partially constructed and vacant houses situated in the north and west of the county, representing over 20% of its dwellings vacant.
The county's largest town is Cavan and the population density is 37 persons/km² (96 persons/sq mi)
Other major industries such as Quinn Quaries and Gypsum Industries are also important employers within the county.
There is a total farmed area of 138,314 hectares (341,781 acres) in the county, and there are approximately 249,217 cattle in Cavan.
By disposable income per person, Cavan ranks between Clare and Laois at 17th out of 27 in Ireland, at 94% of the State average.
Counties of Ireland
The counties of Ireland are sub-national divisions used for the purposes of geographic demarcation and local government. Closely related to the county is the County corporate which covered towns or cities which were deemed to be important enough to be independent from their counties. A county...
in Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. It is part of the Border Region
Border Region
The Border Region is a NUTS Level III region of Irelandand is governed by the Border Regional Authority. It consists of the area under the jurisdiction of the county councils of counties Donegal, Cavan, Louth, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo. The Border region spans 12,156 km2, 17.3% of the total...
and is also located in the province
Provinces of Ireland
Ireland has historically been divided into four provinces: Leinster, Ulster, Munster and Connacht. The Irish word for this territorial division, cúige, literally meaning "fifth part", indicates that there were once five; the fifth province, Meath, was incorporated into Leinster, with parts going to...
of Ulster
Ulster
Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
. It is named after the town of Cavan
Cavan
Cavan is the county town of County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. The town lies in the north central part of Ireland, near the border with Northern Ireland...
. Cavan County Council
Cavan County Council
Cavan County Council is the local authority which is responsible for County Cavan in Ireland. The Council is responsible for housing and community, roads and transportation, urban planning and development, amenity and culture, and environment. The head of the council has the title of Cathaoirleach...
is the local authority
Local government in the Republic of Ireland
Local government functions in the Republic of Ireland are mostly exercised by thirty-four local authorities, termed county or city councils, which cover the entire territory of the state. The area under the jurisdiction of each of these authorities corresponds to the area of each of the 34 LAU I...
for the county. The population of the county is 72,874 according to the 2011 census.
Geography and political subdivisions
Cavan borders six counties; LeitrimCounty Leitrim
County Leitrim is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the village of Leitrim. Leitrim County Council is the local authority for the county...
to the west, Fermanagh
County Fermanagh
Fermanagh District Council is the only one of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland that contains all of the county it is named after. The district council also contains a small section of County Tyrone in the Dromore and Kilskeery road areas....
and Monaghan
County Monaghan
County Monaghan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Monaghan. Monaghan County Council is the local authority for the county...
to the north, Meath
County Meath
County Meath is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the ancient Kingdom of Mide . Meath County Council is the local authority for the county...
to the south-east, Longford
County Longford
County Longford is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Longford.Longford County Council is the local authority for the county...
to the south-west and Westmeath
County Westmeath
-Economy:Westmeath has a strong agricultural economy. Initially, development occurred around the major market centres of Mullingar, Moate, and Kinnegad. Athlone developed due to its military significance, and its strategic location on the main Dublin–Galway route across the River Shannon. Mullingar...
to the south. Cavan shares a 70 km (43 mi) border with County Fermanagh
County Fermanagh
Fermanagh District Council is the only one of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland that contains all of the county it is named after. The district council also contains a small section of County Tyrone in the Dromore and Kilskeery road areas....
in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
. Cavan is the 19th largest of the 32 counties in area and the 25th largest by population. It is also the sixth largest of Ulster's nine counties in size and the seventh largest by population.
Baronies
There are eight historic baroniesBarony (Ireland)
In Ireland, a barony is a historical subdivision of a county. They were created, like the counties, in the centuries after the Norman invasion, and were analogous to the hundreds into which the counties of England were divided. In early use they were also called cantreds...
in the county. While baronies continue to be officially defined units, they are no longer used for many administrative purposes. Their official status is illustrated by Placenames Orders made since 2003, where official Irish names of baronies are listed under "Administrative units".
- Castlerahan (Caisleán Raithin)
- Clankee (Clann Chaoich)
- Clanmahon (Clann Mhathúna)
- Loughtee Lower (Lucht Tí Íochtarach)
- Loughtee Upper (Lucht Tí Uachtarach) - whose chief town, Cavan, is also the county townCounty townA county town is a county's administrative centre in the United Kingdom or Ireland. County towns are usually the location of administrative or judicial functions, or established over time as the de facto main town of a county. The concept of a county town eventually became detached from its...
- Tullygarvey (Teallach Ghairbhíth)
- Tullyhunco (Teallach Dhúnchadha)
- TullyhawTullyhawTullyhaw is a Barony in County Cavan. The area has been in constant occupation since pre-4000 B.C....
(Teallach Eathach) - the largest in the county at 89,852 acres (363.6 km2)
Civil parishes and townlands
Townlands are the smallest officially defined geographical divisions in Ireland, there are approximately 1979 townlands in the county.Towns and villages
- ArvaghArvaghArvagh or Arva, is a town in County Cavan, Ireland, on the shores of Garty Lough and overlooked by Bruse Hill. It is a scenic town situated in the centre of the drumlin belt...
- BailieboroughBailieboroughBailieborough or Bailieboro is a medium-sized town in the townland of Tanderagee, County Cavan, Ireland.Bailieborough is a thriving town in co cavan and is also experiencing a large population increase, its population now stands at 3,908+ which makes it the second largest town in Cavan.The town is...
- BallinaghBallinaghBallinagh, officially Bellananagh , is a village in County Cavan, Ireland. It lies on the N55 midlands route.-Buildings of note:* Ballinagh Market House is a 5 bay 2 storey building built in 1821 currently derelict...
- BallyconnellBallyconnellBallyconnell is a town in County Cavan, Ireland. It is situated on the N87 national secondary road at the junction of four townlands Annagh, Cullyleenan, Doon and Derryginny in the parish of Tomregan, Barony of Tullyhaw. The town has an altitude of 55 metres above sea level...
- BallyhaiseBallyhaise-See also:* List of towns and villages in Ireland* List of Market Houses in Ireland...
- BallyjamesduffBallyjamesduffBallyjamesduff is a medium-sized town with a population of 2,240 in County Cavan in Ireland, located on the R194 regional road. Formerly a market town and winner of the 1966 and 1967 Irish Tidy Towns Competition, Ballyjamesduff is now one of the fastest growing towns in the region due to its...
- BallymagauranBallymagauranBallymagauran is a village and townland in County Cavan, Ireland. It lies on the border with County Leitrim, within the parish of Templeport and barony of Tullyhaw on the Ballinamore to Ballyconnell road.-History:...
- BawnboyBawnboyBawnboy is a small village in a valley at the foot of Slieve Rushen, between Ballyconnell and Swanlinbar, in County Cavan, Ireland). The current population is about 250. A bawn is the defensive wall surrounding an Irish tower house...
- BelturbetBelturbetBelturbet is a town in County Cavan, Ireland. It is from Cavan town from Dublin city. Belturbet lies on the N3 road. It is from the border with Northern Ireland between the counties of Cavan and Fermanagh and is south of Enniskillen.- History :...
- BlacklionBlacklionBlacklion is a border village in west County Cavan, Ireland. It is situated on the N16 national primary road, just across the border from the County Fermanagh village of Belcoo.- History :The village is within the townland of Tuam...
- ButlersbridgeButlersbridgeButlersbridge is a village in County Cavan in Ireland, north of Cavan Town just off the N3 National primary road. It was well known as point on the N3 but it was bypassed in 1999. The bridge in the village crosses the River Annalee, a tributary of the River Erne.-Transport:The former GNR line...
- CavanCavanCavan is the county town of County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. The town lies in the north central part of Ireland, near the border with Northern Ireland...
- CootehillCootehillCootehill, known before the Plantation of Ulster as Munnilly , is a prominent market town in County Cavan, Ireland.-History:Cootehill was established as a market town in 1725 when a charter was obtained to hold markets and fairs, and developed strong ties to the Irish linen industry...
- CrossdoneyCrossdoneyCrossdoney or Crosdoney is a village in County Cavan on the R154 regional road where it terminates at a junction with the R198. Peculiarly, all buildings in the village sit on one side of the road, and this gives rise to the widely used local expression: "All to one side like...
- DowraDowraDowra is a small village in northwest County Cavan, Ireland. It is the first village on, and marks the most uppermost navigable point of, the River Shannon. On one side of its bridge is County Cavan; on the other is County Leitrim...
- GlangevlinGlangevlinGlangevlin or The Kingdom of Glan is situated in the northwest of County Cavan, Ireland. It is surrounded by the Cuilcagh Mountains and borders the counties of Leitrim and Fermanagh....
- KilcogyKilcogyKilcogy , is a small village and townland in the parish of Mullahoran in south-western County Cavan. It is located on the R394 road.KIlcogy is in the parish of Mullahoran. It has a strong sporting tradition, winning numerous title from underage to senior both men and women.-See also:* List of towns...
- KilleshandraKilleshandraKilleshandra or Killashandra is a village in County Cavan, Ireland, located 20 km northwest of Cavan town and is central to County Cavan's lakeland and geopark region, set in the unique Erne catchment environment of rivers, lakes, wetlands and woodland...
- KilnaleckKilnaleckKilnaleck or Kilnalec is a small village in County Cavan, Ireland on the R154 regional road. Kilnaleck was once the centre of a mining boom when in 1879 some local businessmen and a school headmaster decided to develop the coal that existed nearby...
- KingscourtKingscourtKingscourt, historically known as Dunaree , is a town in County Cavan, Ireland. It is located near the Cavan-Meath border and has a population of over 3,000 making it the fourth largest town in Cavan. The town was founded near the site of the old village of Cabra, by Mervyn Pratt, towards the end...
- Lough GownaLough GownaLough Gowna is a fresh water lake which is the uppermost lake on the River Erne. It is located on the border between County Longford and County Cavan, with the largest part of the lake being in County Longford....
- MullaghMullagh, County CavanMullagh is a village in County Cavan province of Ulster, Ireland. It had a population of 679 in 2006. It lies in the south-east of the county, at the junction of the R191 and the R194 regional roads near the town of Virginia, County Cavan and the border with Kells, County Meath and the village of...
- MountnugentMountnugentMountnugent, historically known as Dalysbridge , is a village in southern County Cavan, in the province of Ulster, Ireland. It is located on the R194 regional road on the River Inny near Lough Sheelin.-Facilities:...
- RedhillRedhill, County CavanRedhills , is a village located in northern County Cavan, Ireland. It is near the N54 road and is home to Redhills GAA, which has produced four Cavan Inter-County players....
- ShercockShercockShercock is a small town situated in the east of County Cavan, Ireland. The current population of the town is 1032 people with almost triple this amount in the surrounding areas....
- StradoneStradone, County CavanStradone is identified in the current County Cavan, Ireland, Development Plan 2003-2009 as a smaller urban community. These small communities are recognised as having what could be described as proto-urban characteristics and may provide a valued local retail service to the surrounding...
- SwanlinbarSwanlinbarSwanlinbar is a small village on the N87 national secondary road in north-west County Cavan, Ireland, close to the Cladagh river and near the Fermanagh border.The village is in the barony of Tullyhaw....
- VirginiaVirginia, County CavanVirginia is a small town of 3,939 inhabitants in County Cavan, Ireland. It was founded at Aghanure during the Plantation of Ulster and was named Virginia after Queen Elizabeth I of England....
Geography
Drumlin
A drumlin, from the Irish word droimnín , first recorded in 1833, is an elongated whale-shaped hill formed by glacial ice acting on underlying unconsolidated till or ground moraine.-Drumlin formation:...
countryside dotted with many lakes and hills. The north-western area of the county is sparsely populated and mountainous. The Breifne mountains contains the highest point, Cuilcagh
Cuilcagh
Cuilcagh, historically Slieve Cuilcagh , is the highest mountain in the Breifne area and the 165th highest on the island of Ireland . The summit lies on the border between County Fermanagh and County Cavan , and is the highest point in both counties...
at 665 metres (2,182 ft).
Cavan is the source of many rivers in Ireland. Shannon Pot
Shannon Pot
Shannon Pot is a small lake in the Karst topography found on the slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain in County Cavan, Ireland. An aquifer-fed naturally fluctuating pool, it is the traditional source of the River Shannon.The pool itself is approximately in diameter. It was first explored by divers in 1971...
on the slopes of Culicagh is the source of the River Shannon
River Shannon
The River Shannon is the longest river in Ireland at . It divides the west of Ireland from the east and south . County Clare, being west of the Shannon but part of the province of Munster, is the major exception...
, the longest river in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
at 386 km (240 mi). The River Erne
River Erne
The River Erne , in the northwest of Ireland, rises in Beaghy Lough, two miles south of Stradone in County Cavan and flows 64 miles through Lough Gowna, Lough Oughter and Upper and Lower Lough Erne, County Fermanagh, to the sea at Ballyshannon, County Donegal...
is a major river which rises from Beaghy Lough, two miles (3 km) south of Stradone
Stradone, County Cavan
Stradone is identified in the current County Cavan, Ireland, Development Plan 2003-2009 as a smaller urban community. These small communities are recognised as having what could be described as proto-urban characteristics and may provide a valued local retail service to the surrounding...
in Cavan and flows for 120 km (75 mi) to Lough Erne
Lough Erne
Lough Erne, sometimes Loch Erne , is the name of two connected lakes in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. The lakes are widened sections of the River Erne. The river begins by flowing north, and then curves west into the Atlantic. The southern lake is further up the river and so is named Upper...
. Other rivers in the county include the Blackwater River from Lough Ramor
Lough Ramor
Lough Ramor is a large natural lake of 741 hectares situated near Virginia, County Cavan. From early records Vita Tripartita identified as being in the territory of Cenal Muinreamhair. The literal meaning of the term Muinreamhair is 'fat-neck' and appears to be derived from a prehistoric or...
which joins the River Boyne
River Boyne
The River Boyne is a river in Leinster, Ireland, the course of which is about long. It rises at Trinity Well, Newbury Hall, near Carbury, County Kildare, and flows towards the Northeast through County Meath to reach the Irish Sea between Mornington, County Meath and Baltray, County Louth. Salmon...
at Navan. the Dee
River Dee, County Louth
The River Dee is a river in Ireland, which springs near Bailieboro in County Cavan and flows in an easterly direction for over 30 miles through County Meath and County Louth before entering the River Glyde at the village of Annagassan. The Dee is a tributary of the River Glyde and has three main...
which springs near Bailieborough
Bailieborough
Bailieborough or Bailieboro is a medium-sized town in the townland of Tanderagee, County Cavan, Ireland.Bailieborough is a thriving town in co cavan and is also experiencing a large population increase, its population now stands at 3,908+ which makes it the second largest town in Cavan.The town is...
, the River Annalee
River Annalee
The River Annalee is a river in Ireland. It flows from Lough Sillan in County Cavan and heads westwards to Butlersbridge. From there is flows into the River Erne, which it joins at a complex of lakes west of the village....
which flows from Lough Sillan
Lough Sillan
Lough Sillan is a lough located near the town of Shercock in County Cavan, Ireland.-Facilities:There is a mobile home park as well as a well-equipped playground on the lake, a few hundred metres along the Cootehill Road out of Shercock...
and joins the Erne, the Cladagh
River Cladagh (Swanlinbar)
The Cladagh River or Swanlinbar River is a moderately large river which forms from a number of small streams rising on the south-eastern slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain, County Cavan and flows through the village of Swanlinbar, before crossing the border into County Fermanagh and eventually flowing...
river rises from Culicagh and flows into Fermanagh
County Fermanagh
Fermanagh District Council is the only one of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland that contains all of the county it is named after. The district council also contains a small section of County Tyrone in the Dromore and Kilskeery road areas....
. The Glyde
River Glyde
The River Glyde rises in the town of Bailieborough in Cavan. Some smaller tributaries of the Glyde are the River Dee and the Killanny Rivers which contain stocks of sea trout and salmon. The Glyde flows in a south-easterly direction before entering the sea at Annagassan in Louth, site of the...
and the Owenroe
River Owenroe
The Owenroe River or Moynalty River rises from Mullagh Lough in County Cavan and flows southeast through Mullagh and Moynalty before joining the River Boyne east of Kells. The Boyne discharges into the Irish Sea at Drogheda....
also source in Cavan.
Cavan is known as 'The Lakeland County' and is reputed to contain 365 lakes. At 18.8 km2 (7.3 sq; mi), Lough Sheelin
Lough Sheelin
Lough Sheelin is a limestone freshwater lough in Ireland located in County Westmeath, County Meath and County Cavan near the village of Finea and the town of Granard County Longford....
is the county's largest lake situated in the south of the county and forms a three way border on its waters between counties Meath and Westmeath and Cavan. A large complex of lakes form in the north and west of Cavan into designated Specially Protected Areas (SPA), example of this being Lough Oughter
Lough Oughter
Lough Oughter is a lake, or complex of lakes, in County Cavan covering approximately 8931 hectares. It is on the River Erne, and forms the southern part of the Lough Erne complex...
. Other important wildlife protected lakes such as Lough Gowna
Lough Gowna
Lough Gowna is a fresh water lake which is the uppermost lake on the River Erne. It is located on the border between County Longford and County Cavan, with the largest part of the lake being in County Longford....
and Lough Ramor
Lough Ramor
Lough Ramor is a large natural lake of 741 hectares situated near Virginia, County Cavan. From early records Vita Tripartita identified as being in the territory of Cenal Muinreamhair. The literal meaning of the term Muinreamhair is 'fat-neck' and appears to be derived from a prehistoric or...
are in the south and east of the county. Cavan has a mainly hilly (drumlin) landscape and contains just under 7,000 hectares (17,297 acres) of forested area, 3.6% of Cavan's total land area. The county contains forests such as Bellamont Forest near Cootehill
Cootehill
Cootehill, known before the Plantation of Ulster as Munnilly , is a prominent market town in County Cavan, Ireland.-History:Cootehill was established as a market town in 1725 when a charter was obtained to hold markets and fairs, and developed strong ties to the Irish linen industry...
, Killykeen Forest Park
Killykeen Forest Park
Killykeen Forest Park straddling Lough Oughter is situated in County Cavan, Ireland approximately five miles from Cavan town. Responsibility for the upkeep of Killykeen is through the states commercial forestry service Coillte together with the National Parks and Wildlife Service where Lough...
at Lough Oughter (a Coillte state forest concern), Dún na Rí Forest Park
Dún na Rí Forest Park
Dún na Rí Forest Park is a forest park is situated on the County Cavan-County Monaghan border, in Ireland. The park itself borders the Shercock and Carrickmacross roads more specifically at Magheracloone and Kingscourt.- Fauna and Location :...
and the Burren Forest.
Climate
Met ÉireannMet Éireann
Met Éireann is the national meteorological service in Ireland, part of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.-History:...
records the climate data for Cavan from their station at Ballyhaise
Ballyhaise
-See also:* List of towns and villages in Ireland* List of Market Houses in Ireland...
. Under Köppen climate classification
Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
, Cavan experiences a maritime temperate
Temperate
In geography, temperate or tepid latitudes of the globe lie between the tropics and the polar circles. The changes in these regions between summer and winter are generally relatively moderate, rather than extreme hot or cold...
oceanic climate
Oceanic climate
An oceanic climate, also called marine west coast climate, maritime climate, Cascadian climate and British climate for Köppen climate classification Cfb and subtropical highland for Köppen Cfb or Cwb, is a type of climate typically found along the west coasts at the middle latitudes of some of the...
with cold winters, mild humid summers, and a lack of temperature extremes. The average maximum January temperature is 8 °C (46 °F), while the average maximum July temperature is 19.1 °C (66 °F). On average, the sunniest months are May and June, while the wettest month is October with 98 mm (4 in) of rain, and the driest months are May and June with 57 mm (2 in) respectively. Humidity is high year round and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with the annual precipitation at Ballyhaise being 832 mm (33 in)
On average, snow showers occur between November and March. In 2010, record low temperatures for November, December and January were recorded in Cavan. In late December, the temperature at the station fell to -15.4 °C, its lowest ever. On Tuesday 21st of December 2010, a daily maximum of -9.4 °C was recorded at Ballyhaise, the lowest daily maximum ever recorded in Ireland. Summer daytime temperatures range between 15 °C (59 °F) and 22 °C (72 °F), with temperatures rarely going beyond 25 °C (77 °F). Like much of Ireland, the county experiences long summer days and short winter days. The annual sunshine hours the county receives on average range between 1,300 and 1,500 hours.
History
In medieval times, the area of Cavan was part of the petty kingdomPetty kingdom
A petty kingdom is one of a number of small kingdoms, described as minor or "petty" by contrast to an empire or unified kingdom that either preceded or succeeded it...
of East Bréifne
East Breifne
East Breifne was an historic kingdom of Ireland roughly corresponding to County Cavan....
or Brefney O'Reilly after its ruling Gaelic family. This in turn was a division of the 11th century Kingdom of Bréifne
Kingdom of Breifne
The Kingdom of Breifne or Bréifne was the traditional territory for an early Irish tribal group known as the Uí Briúin Bréifne...
. For this reason the county is colloquially known as the Breffni County. A high degree of defence was achieved by using the natural landscape of drumlin hills and loughs. The poorly drained heavy clay soils contributed as an obstacle against invasion.
Historically, Cavan was part of the western province of Connacht
Connacht
Connacht , formerly anglicised as Connaught, is one of the Provinces of Ireland situated in the west of Ireland. In Ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for...
, but was transferred to Ulster
Ulster
Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
in 1584 when Bréifne was shired and became the county of Cavan. In the south, the Lough Sheelin
Lough Sheelin
Lough Sheelin is a limestone freshwater lough in Ireland located in County Westmeath, County Meath and County Cavan near the village of Finea and the town of Granard County Longford....
area was part of Leinster until the late 14th century.
Parts of Cavan were subjected to Norman influence from the twelfth century and the remains of several motte and bailie fortifications are still visible mainly in the east of the county, as well as the remains of stronger works such as Castlerahan and Clogh Oughter castle. The influence of several monastic orders also owes its origins to around this time with abbey remains existent in locations such as Drumlane and Trinity Island.
The Plantation of Ulster
Plantation of Ulster
The Plantation of Ulster was the organised colonisation of Ulster—a province of Ireland—by people from Great Britain. Private plantation by wealthy landowners began in 1606, while official plantation controlled by King James I of England and VI of Scotland began in 1609...
from 1610 saw the settlement and origins of several new towns within the county that include Bailieborough, Cootehill, Killeshandra and Virginia. Existing towns such as Cavan and Belturbet became over time more important as trading centres. Wars aimed at trying to unsettle the Plantation only led to further plantations of English and Scottish settlers into the county and the beginnings of a thriving flax and linen industry.
Some areas of Cavan were hard hit by the Great Famine potato blight between 1845-49. The winter of 1847 is particularly noted for the high levels of deaths nationally caused by diseases such as typhus and cholera. Several instances of eviction also occurred during the nineteenth century, with one such story where the local landlord in Mountnugent
Mountnugent
Mountnugent, historically known as Dalysbridge , is a village in southern County Cavan, in the province of Ulster, Ireland. It is located on the R194 regional road on the River Inny near Lough Sheelin.-Facilities:...
parish decided to evict over 200 people. The famous ballad "By Lough Sheelin Side" is based on this event witnessed by the local Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
priest.
Politics
The county is merged with MonaghanCounty Monaghan
County Monaghan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Monaghan. Monaghan County Council is the local authority for the county...
into one Dáil national government constituency, Cavan–Monaghan
Cavan–Monaghan (Dáil Éireann constituency)
Cavan–Monaghan is a parliamentary constituency represented in Dáil Éireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament or Oireachtas. The constituency elects 5 deputies...
(five seats). The 2011 general election had a voter turnout of 72.7%. After the election, the TDs elected to the constituency were; Sean Conlan
Seán Conlan
Seán Conlan is an Irish Fine Gael politician. He was elected as a Teachta Dála for the Cavan–Monaghan constituency at the 2011 general election. He lives in Ballybay in County Monaghan...
(Monaghan FG), Heather Humphreys
Heather Humphreys
Heather Humphreys is an Irish Fine Gael politician. She was elected at the 2011 general election as a Teachta Dála for the Cavan–Monaghan constituency....
(Monaghan FG), Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin is a Sinn Féin politician from Ireland. He has been a Teachta Dála for the Cavan–Monaghan constituency since 1997 and was the parliamentary leader of Sinn Féin in Dáil Éireann from 1997–2011.-Biography:Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin was born in Monaghan in 1953. He was educated at St....
(Monaghan SF), Joe O'Reilly
Joe O'Reilly
Joe O'Reilly is an Irish Fine Gael politician. A former Senator, he was elected at the general election in February 2011 as a Teachta Dála for the Cavan–Monaghan constituency.Born in Cootehill, County Cavan, he was educated at St...
(Cavan FG) and Brendan Smith
Brendan Smith (politician)
Brendan Smith is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician. He has been a Teachta Dála for the Cavan–Monaghan constituency since 1992. He previously served as the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister for Justice and Law Reform .Born in Cavan in 1956, Smith was educated at Bawnboy...
(Cavan FF). Members of the 24th Seanad are Senators Diarmuid Wilson
Diarmuid Wilson
Diarmuid Wilson is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician and member of Seanad Éireann, elected by the Administrative Panel since September 2002....
(Cavan FF) and Kathryn Reilly
Kathryn Reilly
Kathryn Reilly is an Irish Sinn Féin politician and member of Seanad Éireann.She grew up in Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan. She has a degree in Economics from Dublin City University. She previously worked as a parliamentary assistant to former Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan...
(Cavan SF). The county falls within the Border, Midland and Western region
Region (Europe)
The European Union created a Committee of the Regions to represent Regions of Europe as the layer of EU government administration directly below the nation-state level...
for certain European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
purposes. It is also a part of the Border Regional Authority
Border Region
The Border Region is a NUTS Level III region of Irelandand is governed by the Border Regional Authority. It consists of the area under the jurisdiction of the county councils of counties Donegal, Cavan, Louth, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo. The Border region spans 12,156 km2, 17.3% of the total...
.
Local government
Main Article: Cavan County CouncilCavan County Council
Cavan County Council is the local authority which is responsible for County Cavan in Ireland. The Council is responsible for housing and community, roads and transportation, urban planning and development, amenity and culture, and environment. The head of the council has the title of Cathaoirleach...
Cavan is divided into Four County Electoral Areas: Bailieborough, Ballyjamesduff, Belturbet and Cavan. There are three Town Councils: Cavan Town, Belturbet and Cootehill. The politics of the county can be considered conservative. The centre-right parties Fine Gael
Fine Gael
Fine Gael is a centre-right to centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland. It is the single largest party in Ireland in the Oireachtas, in local government, and in terms of Members of the European Parliament. The party has a membership of over 35,000...
and Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil
Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál...
are the largest parties with 13 and 8 councillors respectively with democratic socialist Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin is a left wing, Irish republican political party in Ireland. The name is Irish for "ourselves" or "we ourselves", although it is frequently mistranslated as "ourselves alone". Originating in the Sinn Féin organisation founded in 1905 by Arthur Griffith, it took its current form in 1970...
representing the left-wing with four councillors. The 2009 Cavan Local Elections had an average voter turnout of 64.48%, the highest electoral area being Belturbet with just under 70%.
| Party | Seats | % of Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Gael Fine Gael Fine Gael is a centre-right to centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland. It is the single largest party in Ireland in the Oireachtas, in local government, and in terms of Members of the European Parliament. The party has a membership of over 35,000... |
13 | 45.3% | |
| Fianna Fáil Fianna Fáil Fianna Fáil – The Republican Party , more commonly known as Fianna Fáil is a centrist political party in the Republic of Ireland, founded on 23 March 1926. Fianna Fáil's name is traditionally translated into English as Soldiers of Destiny, although a more accurate rendition would be Warriors of Fál... |
8 | 34.5% | |
| Sinn Féin Sinn Féin Sinn Féin is a left wing, Irish republican political party in Ireland. The name is Irish for "ourselves" or "we ourselves", although it is frequently mistranslated as "ourselves alone". Originating in the Sinn Féin organisation founded in 1905 by Arthur Griffith, it took its current form in 1970... |
4 | 12% | |
| Labour Party Labour Party (Ireland) The Labour Party is a social-democratic political party in the Republic of Ireland. The Labour Party was founded in 1912 in Clonmel, County Tipperary, by James Connolly, James Larkin and William X. O'Brien as the political wing of the Irish Trade Union Congress. Unlike the other main Irish... |
0 | 2.4% | |
| Green Party Green Party (Ireland) The Green Party is a green political party in Ireland. It was founded as the Ecology Party of Ireland in 1981 by Dublin teacher Christopher Fettes. The party became the Green Alliance in 1983 and in 1987 was renamed to its current title in English... |
0 | 0.5% | |
| Independent | 0 | 5.3% | |
Places of interest
- Magh SléchtMagh SléchtMagh Slécht is the name of an historic plain in Ireland. It comprises an area of about three square miles situated in the south-eastern part of the Parish of Templeport, Barony of Tullyhaw and County of Cavan. It is bounded on the north by Templeport Lough, on the east by Slieve Rushen mountain,...
- Castle SaundersonCastle SaundersonCastle Saunderson is a castle near Belturbet, County Cavan, Ireland. It was the family seat of the Saunderson family, who acquired the original castle in 1573 during the Ulster plantation. The original castle was inhabited by the O'Reillys of Breffni and formerly known as Breffni Castle since the...
- Cabra CastleCabra CastleCabra Castle is the name given to two castles, one now ruined, the other now used as an impressive hotel. They are near the village of Cabra near Kingscourt in County Cavan.- External links :...
- Cloughoughter CastleCloughoughter CastleCloughoughter Castle is a ruined circular castle, situated on a small island in Lough Oughter, 4 kilometres east of the town of Killeshandra in County Cavan, Ireland.-History:...
- Drumlane MonasteryDrumlaneDrumlane is a monastery located in Milltown, County Cavan, Ireland. Located at the monastic site is an abbey, church and round tower which date back to 555. Drumlane was founded by Saint Columba, although Saint Mogue is generally associated with the monastery's foundation, evidence suggests that...
Natural Attractions
- Killeshandra Loop Walk
- Dún na Rí Forest ParkDún na Rí Forest ParkDún na Rí Forest Park is a forest park is situated on the County Cavan-County Monaghan border, in Ireland. The park itself borders the Shercock and Carrickmacross roads more specifically at Magheracloone and Kingscourt.- Fauna and Location :...
- Killykeen Forest ParkKillykeen Forest ParkKillykeen Forest Park straddling Lough Oughter is situated in County Cavan, Ireland approximately five miles from Cavan town. Responsibility for the upkeep of Killykeen is through the states commercial forestry service Coillte together with the National Parks and Wildlife Service where Lough...
- Marble Arch Caves Global GeoparkMarble Arch Caves Global GeoparkThe Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark straddles the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It is centred on the Marble Arch Caves and in 2001 it became one of the first Geoparks to be designated in Europe....
- Lough SheelinLough SheelinLough Sheelin is a limestone freshwater lough in Ireland located in County Westmeath, County Meath and County Cavan near the village of Finea and the town of Granard County Longford....
- CuilcaghCuilcaghCuilcagh, historically Slieve Cuilcagh , is the highest mountain in the Breifne area and the 165th highest on the island of Ireland . The summit lies on the border between County Fermanagh and County Cavan , and is the highest point in both counties...
- Shannon-Erne WaterwayShannon-Erne WaterwayThe Shannon-Erne Waterway is a canal linking the River Shannon in the Republic of Ireland with the River Erne in Northern Ireland. Managed by Waterways Ireland, the canal is in length, has sixteen locks and runs from Leitrim village in County Leitrim to Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh...
Road
Two national primary routes pass through the county, The N3 road and the N16 road. The N3 is the longest route in Cavan, crossing the county for 60 km (37 mi) from the Meath border at Whitegate near Virginia and through BelturbetBelturbet
Belturbet is a town in County Cavan, Ireland. It is from Cavan town from Dublin city. Belturbet lies on the N3 road. It is from the border with Northern Ireland between the counties of Cavan and Fermanagh and is south of Enniskillen.- History :...
into Fermanagh
County Fermanagh
Fermanagh District Council is the only one of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland that contains all of the county it is named after. The district council also contains a small section of County Tyrone in the Dromore and Kilskeery road areas....
. The N16 begins in Sligo
Sligo
Sligo is the county town of County Sligo in Ireland. The town is a borough and has a charter and a town mayor. It is sometimes referred to as a city, and sometimes as a town, and is the second largest urban area in Connacht...
and ends at Blacklion
Blacklion
Blacklion is a border village in west County Cavan, Ireland. It is situated on the N16 national primary road, just across the border from the County Fermanagh village of Belcoo.- History :The village is within the townland of Tuam...
in the far northwestern tip of Cavan, it crosses the county for roughly 7 km (4 mi).
Three national secondary routes pass through the county. The N87 road
N87 road (Ireland)
-Route:Belturbet – Ballyconnell – Swanlinbar – -See also:*Roads in Ireland*Motorways in Ireland*National primary road*Regional road-References:* – Department of Transport...
begins in Belturbet and passes through Ballyconnell
Ballyconnell
Ballyconnell is a town in County Cavan, Ireland. It is situated on the N87 national secondary road at the junction of four townlands Annagh, Cullyleenan, Doon and Derryginny in the parish of Tomregan, Barony of Tullyhaw. The town has an altitude of 55 metres above sea level...
and Swanlinbar
Swanlinbar
Swanlinbar is a small village on the N87 national secondary road in north-west County Cavan, Ireland, close to the Cladagh river and near the Fermanagh border.The village is in the barony of Tullyhaw....
before crossing into County Fermanagh
County Fermanagh
Fermanagh District Council is the only one of the 26 district councils in Northern Ireland that contains all of the county it is named after. The district council also contains a small section of County Tyrone in the Dromore and Kilskeery road areas....
where it becomes the A32. The N54
N54 road (Ireland)
The N54 road is a national secondary road in Ireland.-Route:*Monaghan – Clones – Butlersbridge near Cavan...
route from Monaghan and Clones joines the N3 at Butlersbridge
Butlersbridge
Butlersbridge is a village in County Cavan in Ireland, north of Cavan Town just off the N3 National primary road. It was well known as point on the N3 but it was bypassed in 1999. The bridge in the village crosses the River Annalee, a tributary of the River Erne.-Transport:The former GNR line...
. The N55
N55 road (Ireland)
The N55 road is a national secondary road in Ireland linking Athlone on the River Shannon in the centre of the country to Cavan town.-Route:...
links Cavan
Cavan
Cavan is the county town of County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. The town lies in the north central part of Ireland, near the border with Northern Ireland...
to the large town of Athlone via Ballinagh and Granard.
Bus Éireann
Bus Éireann
Bus Éireann provides bus services in Ireland with the exception of those operated entirely within the Dublin Region, which are provided by Dublin Bus. Bus Éireann, established as a separate company in 1987, is a subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann. The logo of Bus Éireann incorporates a red Irish...
provide bus services to villages and towns across the county, including a direct route from Cavan
Cavan
Cavan is the county town of County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. The town lies in the north central part of Ireland, near the border with Northern Ireland...
to Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport, , is operated by the Dublin Airport Authority. Located in Collinstown, in the Fingal part of County Dublin, 18.4 million passengers passed through the airport in 2010, making it the busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland, followed by Cork and Shannon...
.
Rail
In the mid 1850s the Midland Great Western RailwayMidland Great Western Railway
The Midland Great Western Railway was the third largest Irish gauge railway company in Ireland. It was incorporated in 1845 and absorbed into the Great Southern Railway in 1924. It served part of Leinster, County Cavan in Ulster and much of Connaught...
built a line between the Inny Junction in Co. Westmeath (along their expanding network which was eventually to reach Sligo) and Cavan town. The first railway station to open in Cavan, was Cavan railway station in 1856. Many notable railway stations were built in the 1800s such as Kingscourt railway station
Kingscourt railway station
Kingscourt Railway station is a former passenger station in Kingscourt, County Cavan, in Ireland. It was created by the Navan and Kingscourt Railway in 1865. This was purchased by the Midland Great Western Railway in 1888. The line ceased passenger services in 1947, and was then a freight only...
and the Cavan and Leitrim Railway
Cavan and Leitrim Railway
The Cavan & Leitrim Railway was a narrow-gauge railway in the counties of Leitrim and Cavan in the north-west of Ireland, which ran from 1887 until 1959.Unusually for Ireland, this 914mm -gauge line survived on coal traffic, from the mine at Arigna...
. The railways were an important part of the economic development of Cavan and carried passengers and freight to all over Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. The railways also helped the popularity of GAA
Gaelic Athletic Association
The Gaelic Athletic Association is an amateur Irish and international cultural and sporting organisation focused primarily on promoting Gaelic games, which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders...
in Cavan grow, spectators could travel easily between towns.
After World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, due to the shortage of coal
Coal
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock usually occurring in rock strata in layers or veins called coal beds or coal seams. The harder forms, such as anthracite coal, can be regarded as metamorphic rock because of later exposure to elevated temperature and pressure...
in the country, uneconomic lines were terminated. In 1947 all passenger services were terminated though the transport of freight and livestock continued. The Great Northern Railway
Great Northern Railway (Ireland)
The Great Northern Railway was an Irish gauge railway company in Ireland.The Great Northern was formed in 1876 by a merger of the Irish North Western Railway , Northern Railway of Ireland, and Ulster Railway. The Ulster Railway was the GNRI's oldest constituent, having opened between Belfast and...
(G.N.R.) continued to serve the Cavan and Leitrim Railway
Cavan and Leitrim Railway
The Cavan & Leitrim Railway was a narrow-gauge railway in the counties of Leitrim and Cavan in the north-west of Ireland, which ran from 1887 until 1959.Unusually for Ireland, this 914mm -gauge line survived on coal traffic, from the mine at Arigna...
. However, in 1959 all services along the remaining rail lines were terminated and the stations along their routes were closed.
Water
In the historical context and before water levels in lakes were lowered, water transport in the region was once very important through the complex of lakes and waterways that fed into the major river systems such as the Erne, Shannon and Boyne. Today however this is mainly confined to leisure craft on the River Erne from Belturbet and Ballyconnell as well as for angling activities.Sport
In Gaelic footballGaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
, Cavan GAA
Cavan GAA
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Cavan...
competes annually in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
, which it has won 5 times between 1933 and 1952. The team is currently in division 3 of the National Football League
National Football League (Ireland)
The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
and division 4 of the National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
. Hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
is a declining sport in the county and the Cavan county board has discussed disbanding the senior team to promote the sport at junior level. The current senior football captain is Seanie Johnston
Seanie Johnston
Seanie Johnston is a Gaelic footballer from County Cavan, Ireland. He plays with the Cavan county team and with his club side Cavan Gaels, with whom he has won 7 Cavan Senior Football Championships in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 and 2009. He also played with DCU and helped them to win their...
.
The first GAA club founded in Cavan was Ballyconnell
Ballyconnell
Ballyconnell is a town in County Cavan, Ireland. It is situated on the N87 national secondary road at the junction of four townlands Annagh, Cullyleenan, Doon and Derryginny in the parish of Tomregan, Barony of Tullyhaw. The town has an altitude of 55 metres above sea level...
in 1885. However the club didn’t affiliate to GAA Central Council until March 1886 so that can be taken as the founding of the GAA in Cavan and Ulster. The most successful club in Cavan is Cornafean
Cornafean GAA
Cornafean is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the rural parishes of Killeshandra and Kilmore, in County Cavan, Ireland. The club plays Gaelic Football and competes in Cavan GAA competitions. Cornafean is the most successful club in Cavan, having won 20 Cavan Senior Football...
with 20 Senior Football Championship titles, their last title was won in 1956. The most successful club in recent years has been Cavan Gaels GAA which has won 8 of the last 11 Senior Football Championships. Cavan Gaels are the current senior football champions, defeating Castlerahan in the 2011 decider. No team from Cavan has ever won a national
All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship is an annual Gaelic football tournament run since 1971, played between the thousands of senior football clubs in Ireland. The current champions are Crossmaglen Rangers of Armagh, who defeated St. Brigid's of Roscommon on March 17, 2011 to win their...
or provincial title
Ulster Senior Club Football Championship
The Ulster Senior Club Football Championship is an annual Gaelic football club competition played between the top clubs in Ulster. The trophy awarded to the winners is the Seamus McFerran Cup...
.
There is a strong history of athletics in Cavan, with a 300m Tartan track
Tartan track
Tartan Track is the trademarked all-weather synthetic track surfacing made of polyurethane which is used for track and field competitions. It lets athletes compete in bad weather without serious performance loss and improves their results over other surfaces...
in Shercock
Shercock
Shercock is a small town situated in the east of County Cavan, Ireland. The current population of the town is 1032 people with almost triple this amount in the surrounding areas....
and other athletics facilities throughout the county. There are five athletics clubs in the county at present, but there have been many more over the years. The current athletics clubs are Annalee AC
Cavan
Cavan is the county town of County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. The town lies in the north central part of Ireland, near the border with Northern Ireland...
, Bailieborough AC
Bailieborough
Bailieborough or Bailieboro is a medium-sized town in the townland of Tanderagee, County Cavan, Ireland.Bailieborough is a thriving town in co cavan and is also experiencing a large population increase, its population now stands at 3,908+ which makes it the second largest town in Cavan.The town is...
, Innyvale AC
Crosserlough
Crosserlough, historically known as Cros Ar Loch, is a large civil parish in southern County Cavan, in the province of Ulster, Ireland. It is located between Ballyjamesduff and Lough Sheelin....
, Laragh AC
Laragh
-Villages in Ireland:* Laragh, County Wicklow* Laragh, County Cavan* Laragh, County Monaghan...
and Shercock AC
Shercock
Shercock is a small town situated in the east of County Cavan, Ireland. The current population of the town is 1032 people with almost triple this amount in the surrounding areas....
.
Fishing
Fishing
Fishing is the activity of trying to catch wild fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild. Techniques for catching fish include hand gathering, spearing, netting, angling and trapping....
is a very popular activity in Cavan because of its complex of large rivers and lakes.
| Club | Sport | League |
|---|---|---|
| Cavan Gaels GAA | Gaelic Football Gaelic football Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland... |
Cavan Senior Football Championship |
| Killinkere Killinkere Killinkere is a civil and ecclesiastical parish of County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. It is located between the towns of Virginia and Bailieborough.-Civil parish:... |
Basketball Basketball Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules... |
North East League |
| Bailieboro Celtic FC | Football | Meath & District League County Meath County Meath is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the ancient Kingdom of Mide . Meath County Council is the local authority for the county... |
| Mullahoran GFC Mullahoran GFC Mullahoran GFC are a Gaelic football club from County Cavan in Ireland founded in 1888. They are affiliated to Cavan GAA. The club are also known by their nickname, the Dreadnoughts. Mullahoran GFC are a rural club located in the parish of Mullahoran in south Cavan, approximately 10 miles from... |
Hurling Hurling Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and... |
Cavan Senior Hurling Championship |
| Bailieborough AC Bailieborough Bailieborough or Bailieboro is a medium-sized town in the townland of Tanderagee, County Cavan, Ireland.Bailieborough is a thriving town in co cavan and is also experiencing a large population increase, its population now stands at 3,908+ which makes it the second largest town in Cavan.The town is... |
Athletics | Cavan County Championships |
| Cornafean GAA Cornafean GAA Cornafean is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in the rural parishes of Killeshandra and Kilmore, in County Cavan, Ireland. The club plays Gaelic Football and competes in Cavan GAA competitions. Cornafean is the most successful club in Cavan, having won 20 Cavan Senior Football... |
Gaelic football | Cavan Junior Football Championship Cavan Junior Football Championship The Cavan Junior Football Championship is an annual Gaelic Athletic Association club competition between the third-tier Cavan Gaelic football clubs. It was first competed for in 1913. The winner qualifies to represent their county in the Ulster Club Championship and in turn, go on to the... |
Demographics
As of April 2011, Cavan has a population of 72,874 making it the 25th largest county by population, ahead of Sligo and behind OffalyCounty Offaly
County Offaly is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the ancient Kingdom of Uí Failghe and was formerly known as King's County until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. Offaly County Council is...
. In 2009, Cavan (according to CSO statistics) had a natural population increase of 703 people (1,212 births minus 509 deaths). Cavan has a higher percentage than the state average of people in the dependency age, 0-14 and over 65 with 34.7% in 2006, which is a drop from 36.6% in 2002. Cavan had a high age dependency ratio in 2002 of 66.91%, this was due to the migration of people who went for third level education elsewhere or who looked for work, most likely in the Greater Dublin Area
Greater Dublin Area
Greater Dublin Area , or simply Greater Dublin, is a term which is used to describe the city of Dublin and various counties in the hinterland of the city in Ireland. The term has no basis in law and no local government, department of government or agency of the state is bound by the term...
. The language spoken in the county is predominantly English, with just 35% of the Cavan population also Irish speaking. The national census of April 2011 shows net migration slowing to a rate of 16.2% over that of previous periods. Between 2002 and 2006 Cavan had a population increase of 13.2%, and of this growth 83.4% was due to inward migration. In 2006 it was estimated that by 2011 the population of the county would surpass 70,000 people.
The preliminary 2011 Census results (published in July 2011) show a County Cavan population increase of 13.9%, the largest population growth in Ireland after County Laois
County Laois
County Laois is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It was formerly known as Queen's County until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. The county's name was formerly spelt as Laoighis and Leix. Laois County Council...
. The population rose from 64,003 to 72,874 persons with an average increase of 15% seen in electoral areas in the southeast of the county. This increase is due to the continued population growth of N3/M3 proximity commuter towns such as Virginia
Virginia, County Cavan
Virginia is a small town of 3,939 inhabitants in County Cavan, Ireland. It was founded at Aghanure during the Plantation of Ulster and was named Virginia after Queen Elizabeth I of England....
, Ballyjamesduff
Ballyjamesduff
Ballyjamesduff is a medium-sized town with a population of 2,240 in County Cavan in Ireland, located on the R194 regional road. Formerly a market town and winner of the 1966 and 1967 Irish Tidy Towns Competition, Ballyjamesduff is now one of the fastest growing towns in the region due to its...
, Bailieborough
Bailieborough
Bailieborough or Bailieboro is a medium-sized town in the townland of Tanderagee, County Cavan, Ireland.Bailieborough is a thriving town in co cavan and is also experiencing a large population increase, its population now stands at 3,908+ which makes it the second largest town in Cavan.The town is...
and Mullagh
Mullagh
Mullagh can refer to:*Mullagh, County Cavan*Mullagh, County Clare*Mullagh, County Galway*Mullagh, County Meath*Mullagh, County Down, a townland in County Down, Northern Ireland*Johnny Mullagh, Australian cricketer...
. Virginia is now the second largest populated town in the county. However a continued decrease as seen from earlier census results in areas of the north and west of the county, including urban areas such Cavan and Cootehill towns. The 2011 preliminary census results also listed the highest percentage of partially constructed and vacant houses situated in the north and west of the county, representing over 20% of its dwellings vacant.
Nationalities
| Nationality 2006 | Irish Irish people The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha... |
UK British people The British are citizens of the United Kingdom, of the Isle of Man, any of the Channel Islands, or of any of the British overseas territories, and their descendants... |
Polish Poles thumb|right|180px|The state flag of [[Poland]] as used by Polish government and diplomatic authoritiesThe Polish people, or Poles , are a nation indigenous to Poland. They are united by the Polish language, which belongs to the historical Lechitic subgroup of West Slavic languages of Central Europe... |
Lithuanian | Other EU European Union The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958... |
Rest of World | Not Stated | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 56,906 | 1,884 | 810 | 776 | 858 | 1,356 | 674 | 63,264 |
| Percentage | 89.95% | 2.98% | 1.28% | 1.23% | 1.36% | 2.14% | 1.07% | 100% |
The county's largest town is Cavan and the population density is 37 persons/km² (96 persons/sq mi)
Economy
Traditionally industry derived from agriculture; chiefly dairy milk processing as well as pig and beef farming.Other major industries such as Quinn Quaries and Gypsum Industries are also important employers within the county.
There is a total farmed area of 138,314 hectares (341,781 acres) in the county, and there are approximately 249,217 cattle in Cavan.
By disposable income per person, Cavan ranks between Clare and Laois at 17th out of 27 in Ireland, at 94% of the State average.
See also
- List of abbeys and priories in Ireland (County Cavan)
- Lord Lieutenant of CavanLord Lieutenant of CavanThis is a list of people who have served as Lord-Lieutenant of Cavan. The office was created on 23 August 1831.* Thomas Taylour, 2nd Marquess of Headfort 17 October 1831 – 6 December 1870* John Young, 1st Baron Lisgar 3 April 1871 – 6 October 1876...
- High Sheriff of CavanHigh Sheriff of CavanThe High Sheriff of Cavan was the British Crown’s judicial representative in County Cavan, Ireland from the 16th century until 1922, when the office was abolished in the new Free State and replaced by the office of Cavan County Sheriff. The sheriff had judicial, electoral, ceremonial and...
External links
- Cavan County Council
- Cavan Heritage website
- http://www.cavancoco.ie/cavanweb/publish/domain/cavancoco/file/development-plans/county-cavan/Retail%20Strategy%20County%20Cavan%20and%20Cavan%20Town%20Environs.pdf Cavan Retail Strategy
- http://www.cavancoco.ie/cavanweb/publish/domain/cavancoco/file/community/development-board/strategy-for-the-economic-social-and-cultural-development-of-county-cavan.pdf Cavan Development plan for 2012, using data from 2000.
- http://www.cso.ie/studentscorner/statsfactscavan.htm CSO statistics