Cavan is an Irish county, located in the province of Ulster.
Cavan is a unique county in that it is the only Irish town established by a Native Irish family; the O' Reillys and not Anglo-Norman or Norse settlers.
Charming Cavan is known for its beautiful scenery, especially the lakes and striking hills. Cavan is rather famous for its lakes, having 365 dotted across the county. However, the county is also home to many historical and cultural attractions, such as Drumlane Abbey, Clogh Oughter Castle, and the ‘Shannon Pot’: the source of the River Shannon. Within Cavan, you’ll also find an abundance of beautiful places to stay, however, none more magical than Virginia Park Lodge, a truly unique Cavan hotel, garden and dining experience all rolled into one.
Explore Cavan
Cavan is a county in Ulster, bordered by the counties of Leitrim, Monaghan and Meath.
Cavan has a rich and long history, dating back to the Stone Age and the county is home to many archaeological sites, including megalithic tombs, standing stones, and hillforts.
In the early Christian period, Cavan was part of the Kingdom of Bréifne, which was ruled by the O'Rourke clan. Bréifne was a powerful kingdom, and it resisted Norman invasion for many years. In the 17th century, Cavan was planted with English and Scottish settlers which led to a period of conflict and displacement for the native Irish population.
Today, Cavan is a predominantly rural county and agriculture remains the main economic activity. However, the county has also become a popular destination for tourists, who are drawn to its beautiful scenery, rich history, and cultural attractions such as traditional Irish music, dance, and storytelling. Cavan is also home to many museums and historical sites, which tell the story of the county's rich past. When visiting Cavan, Cavan County Museum is a great day out and tells the story of Cavan's history, from the Stone Age to the present day. Clough Oughter Castle is another fantastic sight in Cavan, a castle located on an island in Lough Oughter and is regarded as one of the most picturesque castles in Ireland.
Hotels in Cavan
Virginia Park Lodge is a truly unique Cavan hotel known for its gorgeous gardens, peaceful surroundings and comfortable lodgings. The gardens supply the kitchens of The Park Café in Dublin, and the kitchen of this Cavan hotel too, with menus crafted by acclaimed chef Richard Corrigan. Virginia Park Lodge plays a significant role to Chef Corrigan as it is the place where he married his wife and later purchased to be part of the Corrigan Collection.
Not your average Cavan hotel, Virginia Park Lodge is described as a “Hometel”, and is a comfortable pairing between country house comforts and the efficiencies of a great hotel, with the included bonus of establishing a real sense of your own home and own staff when staying here. When staying at this charming hotel in Cavan town, you’ll be spoilt for choice with where to rest your head. From the main house to the Courtyard Cottages, and the cosy Shepheard’s Huts too, there’s something for everyone.
The main house at Virginia Park Lodge features 23 gorgeous en-suite bedrooms with the capacity for up to 47 guests. Choose between light and airy Heritage rooms, homely Courtyard Cottages, cosy Lodge Rooms, Studio Cottages, private Cabins and a selection of gorgeous Suites. This Cavan hotel is more than suitable for every occasion, be it romantic escapes, lively wedding parties, or family stays in the Irish countryside. Come as a pair or bring the entire family for a lavish and comfortable stay amidst the beautiful backdrop of county Cavan.
The gorgeous Bective Court is a beautifully restored courtyard at Virginia Park Lodge with 15 cottages, 7 of which are available self-catered. These rooms sleep between 2-4 guests in each and provide the perfect setting for a relaxed escape in Cavan. The cottages are beautifully furnished with modern, fitted kitchens, bathrooms and homely furnishings.
If you’d prefer a cosy nest to call your own, nestled in the Deerpark Forest, there are 12 cosy Shepherd’s huts and 2 cabins, both of which sleep 2 guests, ideal for a romantic getaway with the one you love most.
Plenty to do
Virginia Park Lodge is far more than your average Cavan hotel. It is known famously for the Gooseberry Gardens, where the dedicated teams grow an assortment of seasonal produce to be ferried away to a variety of restaurants within the Corrigan Collection. Virginia Park Lodge largely produces all the vegetables for the kitchens at Virginia Park Lodge. On a sunny day (or a wet one), you can stroll through the gardens and admire the loving care put into tending to the many plants and vegetables. Alternatively, perhaps take a stroll through the nearby forest or embark on the Deerpark walk and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Nearby, you can also visit the Loughcrew Cairns: megalithic tombs that are over 5,000 years old and one of the most important archaeological sites in Ireland.
Cavan Cuisine
Gooseberry Gardens is where a huge assortment of seasonal veg is grown year-round, supplying Virginia Park Lodge, Deerpark Inn and The Park Café just over the way in Dublin.
All menus at Virginia Park Lodge are exclusively created by Richard Corrigan, compiled using only the finest natural produce and representing a true reflection of Richard’s passion for wild, flavour-rich and unpretentious cooking. The menus are always changing, evolving and adapting to produce only the finest quality food. However, a sample menu of what is on offer at this incredible hotel in Cavan includes Court Yard Smoked Salmon and Ravigote Cream Crisp, Olives and Goat’s Cheese, Turrel Ham with fresh Melon and Ginger, and incredible Vietnamese Style Oysters.
Main courses include choices such as Saddle of Commenara Lamb with Spinach, caponata rosemary roast potatoes and Gooseberry garden greens or perhaps a more autumnal, Roast Sirloin of Hereford Beef. For dessert, imagine hearty rice puddings, beautiful seasonal fruits with cream and decadent cakes and puddings.
Nearby Deerpark Inn, just moments from Virginia Park Lodge also includes a divine menu crafted by Chef Corrigan, exclusively serving produce grown at Virginia Park Lodge to champion a fresh, homegrown and seasonally inspired menu.