Cootehill Town
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.
Cootehill Heritage Town Trail
Cavan Country Museum
Distance: Approx. 20 minutes
Virginia Road, Ballyjamesduff
t: +353 (0)49 854 4070
web: www.cavanmuseum.ie
Cavan Genealogy Centre
Distance: Approx. 30 minutes
Johnston Library; Farnham Centre, Farnham Street, Cavan
T: +353 (0) 49 436 1094
Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark
Distance: Approx. 90 minutes
Cavan and Fermanagh
www.marblearchcavesgeopark.com
The Museum of the Master Saddler
(Distance from Hotel: Approx. 95 minutes)
The Museum of the Master Saddler, in Corlough County Cavan, is dedicated exclusively to the ancient craft of the saddler and harness maker and is the only museum of its kind in the world.
The museum documents the various 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.
There is no entrance charge but please phone in advance to let them know you are planning to visit.
Corlough
Cavan
Republic of Ireland
M: +353 86 3946467 E: rob@museumofthemastersaddler.com
W: www.museumofthemastersaddler.com
Heritage Sites
Distance: 10 minutes to 90 minutes
Arts / Theatre
The Ramor Theatre
Distance: 35 minutes
Main St, Virginia
t: +353 (0)49 854 7074
w: www.ramortheatre.com
The Gonzo Theatre
Distance: Approx. 30 minutes
The Imperial, Main Street, Cavan
T: +353 (0)87 1689430 / +353 (0)86 1275310
The Garage Theatre
Distance: Approx. 25 minutes
Armagh Road, Monaghan
T: 047 81597