Killeshandra

Killeshandra, owing to its location near Lough Oughter is an angling centre of international renown. The town is surrounded by water and is a excellent location for canoeing and boating alike.

A number of B&Bs and self catering accommodations in the area offer many options to visitors wishing to stay in the locality. The many pubs in the town also offer a warm and inviting hand of friendship to visitors, who can catch a traditional Irish music session on Thursday and Saturday nights in the town.

The Killeshandra Festival of the Lakes takes place annually over the June bank holiday weekend. With music and craic in many of the pubs, the festival features a family fun day on the Strand, table quiz, car treasure hunt, sports day and children's talent show. A fishing festival takes place in September - see below for details.

Also near Killeshandra is the impressive Lough Oughter Castle, which is sited on an island in the middle of Lough Oughter (see image above).  Built by the Anglo-Normans in the 13th century, it was then captured by the O'Reillys, the rulers of east Breifne. Owen Roe O'Neill, leader of the anti-English revolt of the 1640s, died here in November 1649.

PLACES TO EAT IN KILLESHANDRA
Lough Bawn Hotel t: +353 (0)49 433 4423
(restaurant open Sat/Sun, bar food served daily)
O Dowd's Cafe & Diner t: +353 (0)49 433 4314
Colettes Pub t: + 353 (0)49 436 4974

FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Festival of the Lakes
May 31st - June 2nd 2008
Four day festival taking place over the June Bank Holiday Weekend. Weekend activities include children's fancy dress, talent show, treasure hunt, table quizzes, traditional music, performance by Swiss Band and all round family fun.  t: +353 (0)49 433 4990

Killeshandra Open Coarse Angling Festival
5th - 7th September 2008
Entry: €75 t: +353 (0)87 9311 467 e: killeshandraanglingfestival@yahoo.com

THINGS TO DO NEAR KILLESHANDRA
Guided Nature Walks
Always wanted to know your trees, birds or insects? Enjoy a nature walk through the splendid Lough Oughter district, near Killeshandra in County Cavan, as your guide points out birds, wild flowers, trees, mini-beasts, spiders, dragonflys etc. For further info contact heatherbothwell@eircom.net  or t: +353 (0)87 669 9681. Suitable for adults and accompanied children.

ODD (Out-Doors & Dirty)
Bawnboy, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan t: +353 (0)49 952 3877 e: hello@odd.ie  
ODD is a dedicated venue for extreme fun activities,. Age 16 and over. Rage Off-Road Mud Buggy Rally, Conflict! Woodland Laser Combat, Hovercrafting Experience, Powerturn Twin Engine Dragsters or Clay Pigeon Laser Shoots.  Private parties, clubs, stags and hens, corporate fun days and team building events. ODD can bring an event to your corporate venue. Book Commando Kidz  for ages10+.    www.odd.ie

The Museum of the Master Saddler, Corlough, Co Cavan (15 miles near Bawnboy)
t: +353 (0)49 952 3956 or +353 (0)86 394 6467 e: museum@robsteinke.com
Dedicated exclusively to the ancient craft of the Saddler and Harness Maker, the museum documents the demands placed upon the saddler from farming, sports, military and transport. The museum exhibits include: 1920's side saddle, shire harness, over 60 leather samples, harness decoration and buckles, driving collars, coaching coats, whips, saddle trees, muzzles, lamps and poultice boots. The museum also houses several driving carriages and horse drawn farm implements.

Bear Essentials, Tiernawannagh, Bawnboy (15 miles)   t: +353 (0)49 952 3461
View a unique collection of limited edition Teddy Bears or watch as a mohair bear is being hand crafted. Participate in a workshop and make your own bear. Open 7 days Mon - Sat 9.30am - 6pm Sun 11am - 6pm  e: anke@irishbears.com

Kilmore Motte-and-Bailey, Kilmore
Across the road from  Kilmore Cathedral (3 miles west of Cavan town) are the remnants of a motte-and-bailey. There is no public access but the site can be viewed from the cathedral.  Click here for more info on Kilmore Cathedral.

TRADITIONAL MUSIC SESSIONS
Thursday Nights: Maggies Bar 9.30pm t: +353 (0)49 433 4407
Saturday Nights: The Shamrock Inn 10pm t:+353 (0)49 433 4139

LIVE MUSIC
Saturday Nights:
Gilsenan's Bar t: +353 (0)49 433 4770
Colettes Pub t: + 353 (0)49 436 4974
Lough Bawn Hotel t: +353 (0)49 433 4423

BOAT HIRE
Sean O Reilly, Eonish, Killeshandra t: +353 (0)49 433 4487
Alan Kells, Castlehamilton Farm, Killeshandra t: +353 (0)87 207 5013


EVENTS

Wed 27th Aug
Bat Walk
Led by Tina Aughney at Killeshandra Co. Cavan. As part of Heritage Week, see local press for details. 

Sat 4th Oct
Geopark Nature Walk: Killeshandra
Guided Walk through some of the stunning countryside of Co.Cavan including a creepy crawly hunt led by Heather Bothwell.


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