Other Attractions

Kingscourt (Dun a Ri)

The old town of Kingscourt called Cabra village was situated between Cabra cottage and Cromwell’s bridge in the Forest Park. Before 1760 , there was a thriving community of about 30 houses centered around the flax and corn mills at Cabra Cottage. With the building of the town of Kingscourt the houses were gradually demolished to provide building materials and little now remains.The present town of Kingscourt was built by Mervyn Pratt and later Rev. Joseph Pratt in the period 1760 to 1770. Its name derived from the fact that King James 11 held court for one night at Cabra Castle (then Cormey Castle) on his way to the battle of the Boyne.

Bailieborough (Coill an Chollaigh) – Meaning ‘Forest of the Boar‘

Bailieborough, like its neighbouring town Virginia has its origins in the plantation of Ulster. William Bailie, a Scottish ‘undertaker’ or Planter was granted the lands of Tonergie (Tandragee) in East Breffni  by James 1 of England. He built a castle and enclosed the demesne by 1629. On his death, the estate passed to his son William, Bishop of Clonfert. The Bishop’s daughter married James Hamilton and on the Bishop’s death they inherited Bailieborough Castle. Henry Hamilton, their son, was a member of the Irish House of Commons and during the Williamite War chose the winning side, but died at the Siege of Limerick in 1689.

Dun-a-Rí (Kingscourt) Forest Park

The park is situated 1 mile North of the town of Kingscourt on the R179 road to Carrickmacross. The park was the former grounds of the Cabra Estate. It was bought by the Department of Forestry and Lands in 1959 and was developed as a tourist attraction in the 1960’s. Walks were laid out and new trees planted and many of the old trees remain. A magnificent old Chestnut tree once stood in the middle of the park but unfortunately it fell victim to recent storms and had to be felled.

In the Forest Park there are still many remnants of the past. The Ice-House which served Fleming’s Castle still stands. However, Fleming’s Castle was later demolished by Cromwell. The remains of a military barracks stands quite near the ruins of the Castle. The wishing well itself is famed in a song by a local person Eilish Boland (nee Farrelly) whose 1950’s air ‘Doonaree’ became a chart hit, and was later recorded by many singers bringing International fame to Kingscourt.

Cabra Castle

Cabra Castle is set on 100 acres of gardens and parkland with delightful views over the Cavan Countryside, famous for it’s beautiful lakes and fishing. The origins of Cabra Castle date back to the 18th century when it was initially known as Cormey Castle. Like Muff Castle, the structure had been largely destroyed during the Cromwellian War, but its courtyard remained intact. In 1808, the Foster family rebuilt it, though they were left financially strained by the project. In 1813, the Pratt family purchased the estate and renamed the castle Cabra in 1820, a name it has kept ever since. Following a period of neglect, the Corscadden family, known for their hotelier expertise, purchased the property in 1991. With its landscaped  parkland and gardens and the magnificent backdrop of Dún a Rí  Forest Park to the west, today the castle has been extensively renovated and expanded, transforming it into a stunning 105-bedroom hotel as part of their Romantic Castles of Ireland collection.

The Church of the Immaculate Conception 

The church was built in 1870. It is a fine example of gothic architecture, which is the design of Mr William Hague, Dundalk. It accommodates 600 people and was built for £10,000 by Rev. Peter O’Reilly P.P. The site of the church was the gift of Rev. James Pratt of Cabra Castle on a lease of 999 years for the payment of one peppercorn annually. Fr James Birmingham built Kingsourt’s first Roman Catholic church in 1912. This church was built immediately in front of the present church. The church is home to four famous stained glass windows designed by the famous Artist Evie Hone.

Boyne Valley Greenways and Blueway

 The Boyne Valley is home to some fantastic tracks and trails, none more popular than our fantastic greenways and the majestic Boyne Blueway. Visit website HERE

Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway

The Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway is a 30km walkers’ and cyclists’ paradise along the route of the old railway line from Navan in Co. Meath to Kingscourt in Co. Cavan.

The Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway begins in Navan and passes through or close to the villages of Kilberry, Wilkinstown, Castletown Kilpatrick, Nobber and Kilmainhamwood before ending in Kingscourt. Visit website HERE.