Area Attractions Within 15 Miles

The towns of Oldcastle, Castle Pollard and Granard are all within a 15 minute drive from Ross Castle, while the hamlets of Finea and Mt. Nugent are only 5 kilometers and a comfortable walk away from the Castle. The two hamlets are situated on opposite ends of the Lough Sheelin and feature the obligatory pub, general store and some country amenities.

Cavan County Museum

This museum is housed in a magnificent 19th century building designed by Cavan architect William Hague. It is beautifully situated amid extensive grounds, nestling among the East Cavan lakes and drumlins.

Some of the facilities available at Cavan County Museum include picnic areas, gardens, trails and exhibition galleries, both temporary and permanent, audiovisual displays and interactives. The second floor houses temporary exhibitions of both, local and national importance. Artists, sculptors, craft workers, musicians, and quilters have all displayed their work in this gallery, which is also used for workshops. Click here for location/map.

Loughcrew Cairns

The Loughcrew Cairns are a group of Neolithic passage tombs dating to 3000 BC. Stunning views of Ireland as well as these magnificent ancient tombs make this place well worth a visit. Click here for location/map.

Tullynally Castle and Gardens

This castle, home of the Pakenham family since the 17th century, was later transformed into a romantic, gothic revival castle. It is one of the largest castles in Ireland, surrounded by romantic woodlands and walled gardens, laid out in the early 19th century and recently extended and replanted. The pleasure grounds include a grotto and two ornamental lakes. Click here for location/map.

Fore Abbey

Established in 630 AD by St. Fechin, Fore is one of Ireland’s preeminent religious centres. It is set in the rolling hills of Westmeath. This site now houses the remains of a 13th century Benedictine Priory, an anchorite cell and St. Fechins Church. Visitors will also discover the seven wonders of Fore. Click here for location/map.

Other Things to Do

Walking / Hiking

The Irish Midlands offer an abundance of hiking opportunities: Why not try the Boyne Way Navan to Slane, or the walking trails around the Loughcrew Hills? The Cavan Way offers excellent opportunities for the walker, as do the many unmarked trails and side roads. Mullaghmeen, an extensie forest park, only a 5 minute drive by car from Ross Castle, is the most well known in this area and one of the largest hardwood forests in Ireland. With its well developed network of trails and vistas of the surrounding countryside it is a destination and delight for walkers and nature enthusiasts throughout the seasons.

Cycling

Cycling is a unique and fitting way to experience the midlands around Lough Sheelin. The scenery around the Shannon and the loughs forms a beautiful accompaniment and fitting backdrop to any travel by bike. The roads are not busy and amenity areas are a regular occurrence and available to travellers. The Lough Sheelin Region has a particular attraction for the cyclist for its proximity to the dedicated cycling route from Killala in Co. Mayo to Ballinamuck in Longford as well as the Tan Trail, which passes by the lake. These and many small sideroads lend themselves to exploring rural Ireland by bike.

Bird Watching

Why not relax and listen to the rare corncrake on the water meadows of the Shannon near the monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise or take a walk through the forests at adjacent Mullaghmeen. Visit one of the many local bogs and shore areas teeming with an abundance of unique birdlife or travel the country roads looking for Irelands unique avi-fauna.

Fishing

Ross Castle is situated on the shores of Lough Sheelin, one of Ireland’s preeminent Brown Trout lakes. The castle lies also in an area, surrounding Lough Sheelin, which is blessed, within a short drive, with extensive waterways such as the River Shannon, River Inny, Gowna Lakes or Lough Ennel, Owel and Ramor. The region provides many a fine opportunity for some exciting game and coarse fishing. This is simply an angler's paradise !

Wild Brown - and Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Pike, Perch, Bream, Roach and Eel are only some of the more prominent species of fish available to anglers in this area. Guests can hire a boat at neighbouring Ross House or one of the many facilities catering to anglers in the area.

Horse Riding at Ross HouseHorse Riding

The Ross House Equestrian Centre is found within walking distance to Ross Castle and offers riding in state-of-the-art facilities as well as trekking over farmland, mountain and forest trails. Pony trekking, cross country and show-jumping arrangements can be made at the Equestrian Centre which will meet all your horse related needs. It is possible to stable horses there if required.

Golfing

Ireland is the home of Golf ! Numerous, excellent 18 hole parkland and link courses are situated in this region providing a challenge to golfers of all levels with a multitude of championship courses to choose from. The nearest course is only across the lake at Crover House where their is a 9 hole course. Click here for location/map

Greyhound Racing

Racing "the dogs" is an Irish tradition, a popular spectator sport where the thrill of the race ensures a thoroughly enjoyable night out. Greyhound Race tracks with frequent races are found in nearby Mullingar, Longford and Navan.

Horse Racing

County Meath is horse country and contains four well known horse racing tracks, which hold numerous races during the year. Point to Point events are very popular among local horse racing followers in the area. Horse racing at Kilbeggan is an action packed spectator sport and on racing nights the quiet midland town is transformed into a festival.

Flying Tours

Sheelin Airfield is an unlicensed airrfield. Where it is possible for you to have a flight over the green land of Cavan. You can plan a meeting on their website.

Cruising

The Shannon-Erne Waterway is the leading and most extensive waterway in the British Isles. Cruising on the River Shannon and the Grand Canal is an ideal way to experience the Irish countryside. Ross Castle is ideally located to serve as base for cruising-day trips on the areas waterways.

Sailing

Lough Sheelin offers opportunities for sailing enthusiasts on the lake. In the region, Dromineer and Garrykennedy on the River Shannon are ideally suited for those who sail for fun or in competition. Sailing courses are available in some areas.