Cavan Town is the main town of County Cavan and an essential stop on any tour of Ireland. We often visit while based at the historic Cabra Castle.
Cavan lies in a hollow and first grew around a castle and abbey in the 13th century. The castle was once the seat of the powerful O’Reilly clan, rulers of East Breifne. Sadly, the castle was burned in 1576, leaving only traces today.
Below the castle, a Franciscan friary was founded around 1300 by Giolla O’Reilly. It survived until 1451, when it burned down due to the carelessness of a friar.
History lovers with family ties to the area can also explore records at the former prison on the hill, where local authority workers keep lists of births, deaths, and marriages. It is a must-visit spot for anyone tracing their Cavan ancestry.
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