Major city · Ireland
CavanAn Cabhán
One night in Cavan town is enough: use it as a bed for Killykeen and the drumlin lakes, and only if you have a car.
Cavan is the county town of County Cavan, a market town of about 12,000 on the N3 between Dublin and Enniskillen. Its own centre is a 19th-century main street with a cathedral and a handful of bars; the reason to stop is the drumlin belt and the flooded lakeland around Lough Oughter, 6–10 km out of town. Without a car the town is a bus stop, not a destination.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days)
- Airports
- DUB · BFS · NOC
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Cavan112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cavan, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyCavan is a quiet market town and street crime is low.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 or 999 police, ambulance, fire (gardaí) · 112 EU emergency (from any EU phone) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckDUB Dublin Airport (Expressway bus 30/X30 from the airport to Cavan, just under 2 h; check current timetable).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: Main St is one-way southbound, Farnham St with the bus station runs parallel 100 m west.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course€14–20 (≈ US$17–25)
- BeerPint of stout€5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across towncheck€8–12 (≈ US$10–14)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€15–25 (≈ US$18–30)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per room€160 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €95 (≈ US$120) · High €170 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DUB Dublin Airport (Expressway bus 30/X30 from the airport to Cavan, just under 2 h; check current timetable) · BFS Belfast International (No direct bus to Cavan; cross-border routes run from Belfast city via Enniskillen or Monaghan — check) · NOC Ireland West Airport Knock (Long car or bus transfer via Sligo; usually not worth it for Cavan)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Apr (14). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cavan: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
15 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
16 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
14 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
15 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
16 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
15 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
17 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
17 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable: Main St is one-way southbound, Farnham St with the bus station runs parallel 100 m west. For the lakes, Killykeen, Drumlane and Cootehill you need a car or bike — Local Link C1/C2/C3 cover Ballyhaise, Ballinagh and Farnham Estate roughly hourly to two-hourly, Mon–Sat only. Europcar has a base on Century Business Park, 1.5 km east of town.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Killykeen Forest Park and Cloughoughter Castle
goDoor to door: About 20 min by car
Drive 10 km (6.2 mi) west on R198/R201; no useful busDrive 6.2 mi (10 km) west on R198/R201; no useful bus
The best single stop for the drumlin-and-islet landscape; footbridge west to the Gartnanoul tomb.
Belturbet
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Bus 30 via Butlersbridge, or 20 min by car on N3
Head of the navigable River Erne; Drumlane Abbey and round tower at the north end of the lough.
Bailieborough
cautionDoor to door: About 35 min
Car via R165/R178, about 30 km (19 mi) eastCar via R165/R178, about 19 mi (30 km) east
Lakes and a castle demesne; thin public transport, so car or skip.
Virginia
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Expressway 30/X30 or 109X towards Dublin, about 25 min
Lough Ramor shore and a handy stop if you are heading to or from Dublin.
Cootehill
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Car via R188/R190, about 25 km (16 mi) eastCar via R188/R190, about 16 mi (25 km) east
Georgian streets and Bellamount Castle forest walk; no tours inside the house.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre (Main St / Farnham St)
Walk to bars, bus station and shops; Farnham Arms is the mid-range default.
Dublin Rd, east edge
Cavan Crystal and Kilmore hotels at the N3/N55 junction; car-first, 5–10 min drive to Main St.
Farnham Estate, 3 km west
Spa and golf resort in a rebuilt mansion; you need a car or taxi for everything else.
Killeshandra and Lough Oughter shore
Self-catering cottages on the lough, 15–20 min drive west; best base for the lakes.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €85–140 (≈ US$100–170) excl. bed
- High
- €140 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 1 night × €110 | €110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €95 | €190 |
| Expressway bus Dublin Airport → Cavan, one way2 × €20 · check | €40 |
| Car hire, one day, compact1 × €45 · check; fuel extra | €45 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €20 | €40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €43 |
| Trip total≈ €234 per person per day, bed included | €468≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in euro; cross-border trips and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Pint of stout | €5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Taxi across towncheck | €8–12 (≈ US$10–14) |
| Local Link single farecheck | €2–4 (≈ US$3–5) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €15–25 (≈ US$18–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Local Link buses run Mon–Sat only and a few times a day: check the last return before you go out.
- The Water Mill on River St is closed in 2026.
- Cavan is a border-county town: if you drive north past Belturbet you cross into Northern Ireland, where limits are in mph and the currency is sterling.
- Rural roads are narrow and unlit; avoid driving the lake lanes after dark.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire (Gardaí)
- 112 or 999
- EU emergency (from any EU phone)
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
CavanAn Cabhán
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance, fire112 or 999
- EU emergency112
Embassy
No embassies in Cavan; the US Embassy and most others are in Dublin. UK citizens use the British Embassy in Dublin.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Dublin Airport → Cavan, Expressway 30/X30: about €20 (≈ US$25), just under 2 h (check)
- Taxi Cavan town centre → Farnham Estate: €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) (check)
- Local Link C1 town service: €2–4 (≈ US$3–5) (check)
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-cha)
- Cá bhfuil an stáisiún bus? — Where is the bus station? (kaw will on staw-shoon bus)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
English is spoken everywhere; Irish is a courtesy, not a necessity.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cavan. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DUB: last Expressway 30/X30 departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Three walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main St and Church St, Farnham St and the bus station, the cathedral and Breffni Park.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Killykeen, Cloughoughter, Drumlane Abbey, Town Hall Arts Centre) and eat pages with last orders.
- Border and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.