Planning a family day out in Cavan? This lovely lakeland county has plenty to keep kids entertained, from teddy bear workshops and fairy forests to castles you can only reach by canoe. Whether you’re after an active adventure or a gentle wander through the woods, there’s something here for every family.
Here are our top 10 things to do in Cavan with kids.
In this guide:
1. Bear Essentials
2. The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark
3. Dún a Rí Forest Park
4. Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre
5. Erica’s Fairy Forest
6. ODD – Out Doors & Dirty
7. Killinkere Visitor & Pet Farm
8. Canoe to Clough Oughter Castle
9. Cavan County Museum
10. Tullydermot Falls
You might also enjoy our guide to free things to do in Cavan with kids.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Cavan
#1. Bear Essentials
At Bear Essentials, a handmade teddy bear gift shop, you can adopt an original handmade mohair bear or try a workshop and make your very own. Afterwards, let the kids loose in the garden, greenhouses and playground.
Bear Essentials runs family events and workshops throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you go.
You may also enjoy terrific teddy bear picnics and events for playful family fun.
#2. The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark
The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark spans the rugged uplands and gentle lowlands of counties Fermanagh and Cavan. Home to the world-famous Marble Arch Caves, the Geopark takes in some of the finest natural landscapes in Ireland and offers a glimpse into 650 million years of history.
Don’t miss the spectacular Lough Navar Forest, just outside the village of Derrygonnelly – one of the true jewels of the Geopark.
Also part of the Geopark is Cavan Burren Park, which has an interpretative centre and five walking trails taking in prehistoric tombs, striking geology and stories that make this landscape so unique.
You may also enjoy the best picnic places for families in Cavan.
#3. Dún a Rí Forest Park
Photo: Lorraine Teevan
Dún a Rí Forest Park near Kingscourt has four signposted walks ranging from 1km to 2km. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic – relax on the grass overlooking the river, or take one of the trails through the park and across the bridges. There’s even a wishing well to look out for.
You may also enjoy fun family walks in Cavan.
#4. Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre
Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre sits on the Cavan-Monaghan border and offers a huge range of outdoor activities, from camping and campcraft to archery, mountain biking, a low ropes course and hill walking.
If you don’t mind getting wet, try banana boating, canoeing, kayaking or raft building. There’s also an indoor climbing wall for days when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
You may also enjoy our guide to playgrounds in Cavan.
#5. Erica’s Fairy Forest
Erica’s Fairy Forest in Cootehill was created by parents Natasha and Ciaran in memory of their daughter Erica, who passed away at just five years old with an unshakable belief in fairies and magical kingdoms. The forest is also a thank you to the people of Cootehill and the surrounding area for their support during Erica’s journey.
Bring a letter and pop it in the Fairy Post Box – you never know, you might get a reply.
The Fairy Forest is free to visit from sunrise to sunset.
You may also enjoy places to find magical fairy trails in Ireland.
#6. ODD – Out Doors & Dirty
Get a good night’s sleep, because you’ll want it – ODD is a full day of thrilling outdoor action. Choose from paintball, buggy racing, dragster carts, hovercraft rides, archery, laser and clay pigeon shooting, canoeing, space hopper racing and plenty more.
#7. Killinkere Visitor & Pet Farm
The family-run Killinkere Visitor & Pet Farm is a genuine working farm run in the traditional way, with the kind of mixed farming and animals that would have been kept in the area for generations.
Alongside the usual farmyard favourites, the farm is also home to around 20 more unusual species you wouldn’t expect to find on a small farm – think llamas, miniature horses, chinchillas, guinea pigs, deer and rare birds and fowl.
You may also enjoy the best places to see animals, birds and beasts in Ireland.
#8. Canoe to Clough Oughter Castle
Clough Oughter Castle is a ruined circular castle perched on a small island in Lough Oughter, about 4km from Killeshandra.
The lough is a popular spot for angling, boating and canoeing. Canoes and kayaks are available for hire from Cavan Canoe Centre, who also run guided boat trips around the lake and out to the castle itself.
You may also enjoy fabulous fairytale castles in Ireland to show the kids.
#9. Cavan County Museum
Cavan County Museum is located in Ballyjamesduff. The museum houses a medieval dugout boat and sheela-na-gigs, alongside galleries covering folk life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Great Famine, Percy French and the GAA. There’s also a children’s playground, garden, shop and tea rooms on site.
Be sure to visit the WW1 Trench Experience, the largest outdoor replica WW1 trench open to the public in Ireland and the UK.
You may also enjoy the best museums in Ireland to take kids to.
#10. Tullydermot Falls
The dramatic Tullydermot Falls sit around 6km south-west of Swanlinbar, on the way to the Bellavally Gap. The falls are easy to reach, with a trail leading from an information point at the car park.
Around two miles further up the river, there’s a second waterfall that many say is even more impressive. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic or some angling, and – for the more adventurous – a swim in some of the clearest, darkest water in Ireland. The Tullydermot viewpoint looks out over Slieve Rushen and the lowlands of north Cavan, with a good view of the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain too.
You may also enjoy wonderful waterfalls in Ireland perfect for a family day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to plan a family day out in Cavan?
Pick one or two spots that are close together – for example, pairing a walk or forest park with a museum or farm visit – so you’re not spending the whole day in the car. Cavan is a compact county, so most of these places are within easy reach of one another.
Are these attractions suitable for younger children?
Most of the places on this list – including the farms, museum, forest parks and fairy forest – are well suited to younger children, with plenty of space to explore safely. A few, like the outdoor education centre and adventure activities, are better suited to older kids who can take part in more physical activities.
Is it worth checking ahead before visiting?
Yes. Several of these attractions run seasonal events, workshops or activity sessions, so it’s always worth checking directly with the venue for current opening details before you set off.
Related Articles
- Free Things to Do in Cavan with Kids
- The Best Picnic Places for Families in Cavan
- Great Family Walks in Cavan
- Playgrounds in Cavan
- Fabulous Fairytale Castles in Ireland to Show the Kids
Save These Ideas for Later
No printable this time, but it’s worth bookmarking this page or saving it to your phone so you’ve got these ten ideas handy next time you’re planning a Cavan day out.
Get More Family Day Out Ideas
Want more days out like these delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly ideas, competitions and offers for family fun near you.
Do you have a favourite place to visit in Cavan with kids? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!
Lead image © Tourism Ireland
