Heritage

A planned town, built during the great Georgian era of urban development, Cootehill derives its name from the marriage of Thomas Coote, a Colonel in the Cromwellian forces, and Frances Hill from Hillsborough, Co Down. Situated amidst the rolling Drumlin hills of Cavan in an area of outstanding beauty, Cootehill offers the visitor a variety of outdoor and indoor activities. The area offers children the opportunity of exploring a safe, unspoilt environment and experiencing the great variety of local wildlife. Many species of birds and animals inhabit the woods and fields surrounding the town, which are rich in a variety of plants and wild flowers such as primrose, violets, bluebells and rhododendrons. A stay in Cootehill would not be complete without a visit to Cohaw Court Cairn. Described by experts as the ‘best example in Ireland’, it dates back to 4,000 B.C. and was constructed by Neolithic people who came to Drumgoon up the rivers Erne and Annalee. It was a burial tomb and during excavation in 1949 human bones, both buried and cremated, were found. A fine example of a double court-tomb, looking as if two single court-tombs were placed back to back. There is a semi-circular forecourt at each end, with five burial chambers between them. The tomb stands in a rectangular stone mound delineated by kerb-stones. A Stone Age pottery vessel was found during the excavations.