Set on 100 acres of parkland and gardens, there is much to discover and explore at Cabra Castle. However, it is also the ideal base from which to explore many neighbouring places of interest. Below are just some activities and places of interest we love to visit close by. If you have places you love to visit close to the Castle we’d love to hear about them.
DÚN A RÍ FOREST PARK
Dún A Rí Forest Park nestles on Cabra Castle's doorstep and indeed, historically was part of the Castle lands, once owned by the Pratt family. The park is truly beautiful in each of the seasons with blazes of colour as the Rhododendrons bloom in Spring and Summer and stunning Autumn colours. There are plenty of walking trails to choose from, both short and long distance, boasting incredible views to really help you relax.
Find out more - https://www.coillte.ie/site/dun-a-ri-forest-park/
PATRICK KAVANAGH CENTRE
Located in Inniskeen, County Monaghan, just over a 20-minute drive from the castle, is The Patrick Kavanagh Centre. This centre preserves, interprets, and celebrates the life and works of Patrick Kavanagh, one of Ireland’s greatest ever poets, and the surrounding environment through collections, exhibitions, research and events that embrace the area’s evolution and spirit.
Find out more - https://www.patrickkavanaghcentre.com/
CAVAN COUNTY MUSEUM
Cavan County Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of County Cavan. The museum is housed in the former Convent of St. Clare in Ballyjamesduff. It is now home to the largest outdoor replica World War 1 trench open to the public in Ireland and the UK. Cavan County Museum is just over a 40-minute drive from Cabra Castle.
Find out more - http://cavanmuseum.ie/
CAVAN BURREN PARK
The Cavan Burren itself dates back around 340 million years to the Carboniferous period when this whole area was covered in a shallow tropical sea. Today, you can experience a wonderful interpretative centre and five amazing walking trails around Cavan Burren Park, all highlighting the spectacular prehistoric tombs, fantastic geology and special stories that make this such a unique environment. Cavan Burren Park is a 1 hour and 40 minute drive from the castle.
Find out more - https://www.cavanburrenpark.ie/
ST. PETER’S TIN CHURCH
St. Peter’s Tin Church is a real hidden gem located just over 20 minutes from the Castle. Constructed of tin, St. Peter’s Tin Church in Laragh is a one of a kind in Co. Monaghan and unique on the island of Ireland for its quirky design and carefully considered features.
Find out more - https://monaghantourism.com/listing/st-peters-tin-tabernacle/
NEWGRANGE
Newgrange is passage tomb located in the Boyne Valley in Ireland's Ancient East less than 45 minutes from the castle. Newgrange is a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument and is the jewel in the crown of Ireland's Ancient East. It was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.) which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Find out more – https://www.newgrange.com/
TAYTO PARK
Tayto Park is a Theme Park & Zoo located in County Meath, just 50 minutes from Cabra Castle. It offers over 100 attractions and is Ireland’s only theme park offering exhilarating fun for all ages. As well as fun-filled rides, Tayto Park offers an exceptional and diverse animal collection which features many conservation dependent species.
Find out more - https://taytopark.ie/
THE PLAYCENTRE
The Playcentre is a purpose-built indoor play and party centre located in Kingscourt just 5 minutes from the castle. With 4 levels of play equipment, children
are guaranteed a stimulating and sociable experience during their visit here. While your kids are playing the adults can relax in a modern seating area which overlooks the play areas and serves a selection of food and beverages.
Find out more - http://theplaycentre.ie/
BREHON BREWHOUSE BREWERY TOURS
Located just a 20-minute drive from Cabra Castle, Brehon Brewhouse was founded by Dairy Farmer Seamus McMahon, who wanted to diversify his homestead taking inspiration from the wealth of literary and familial history in the area. Brehon Brewhouse offers an immersive experience for craft beer enthusiasts including a visit to the milking parlour. Visitors get to see the master brewer and his apprentice at work. The tour ends with a little beer taster in the surrounds of this magical place.
Find out more - https://brehonbrewhouse.ie/
NUREMORE GOLF CLUB
This 18-Hole Championship Golf Course has been described as one of the most picturesque parkland golf courses in Ireland. This superb, 71 par course makes superb use of surrounding lakes and landscape to be enjoyed at any time of the year and whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer a round of golf on the Nuremore course is bound to frustrate and delight in equal measure! Nuremore Golf Club is only a 15-minute drive from Cabra Castle.
Find out more - www.nuremore.com/golf.html
CARRICKMACROSS WORKHOUSE
Carrickmacross Workhouse, Co. Monaghan, was built in 1841, along with 130 others throughout Ireland, to house the poor; hence the Irish name of Teach na mBocht - The Poorhouse. Situated less than 15 minutes from Cabra Castle at the heart of the historical barony of Farney, Carrickmacross Workhouse, is one of the few remaining Irish Workhouses to be lovingly and carefully restored, showcasing our heritage and the best that South Monaghan has to offer.
Find out more - https://www.carrickmacrossworkhouse.com/
SLANE DISTILLERY
The Ultimate Irish Whiskey Experience just 30 minutes from the castle - There could be no finer setting in which to discover the nature of whiskey than Ireland’s mythical Boyne Valley. Housed within the 250 year old stables of the iconic Slane Castle Estate, our guided tours through the distillery and its surroundings uncover a craft and history like no other.
Find out more - https://www.slaneirishwhiskey.com/
CARLINGFORD VILLAGE
Carlingford is famous for many reasons. With the Mournes stretching down to the Lough on the Northern side of the Sea. The region boasts great activities, trips, restaurants, accommodation and wonderful tales just 1 hour from the castle. Carlingford Lough really has lots to offer.
Find out more - https://carlingford.ie/
Image credit - Tourism Ireland