Discover our Lakeland town
Welcome to Killeshandra
local highlights
Environment and heritage
From the historic ruins of Clough Oughter Castle, the tranquil woodlands of Killykeen Forest Park, & scenic walking routes, these local gems offer a glimpse into the unique environment of County Cavan
Rath Church
The Rath church is one of the few Jacobean-style churches remaining in Ireland and has national architectural importance.
The ‘Church of the Rath’ developed from a ringfort settlement dating to the early medieval period. Ringforts (also known as fairy forts) were enclosed farmsteads and were a common feature of the Irish countryside.
The first record of a church on the site is from around 1390 when Augustinian monks from nearby Drumlane Abbey established a church here.
Killykeen Forest Park
Killykeen Forest Park is a picturesque forest park located in a very scenic area of County Cavan, on the shores of the Lough Oughter lakes system.
The forest park consists of approximately 240 hectares.
Facilities include car parking, picnic area, bike and canoe hire, cycle and walking trails
Clough Oughter Castle
Clough Oughter Castle was built in the early 13th century by the Anglo-Normans but was seized by the O’Reillys who controlled it until the 16th century.
The castle and lands were granted to Captain Hugh Culme as part of the Plantation of Ulster but were then seized by Irish rebels during the 1641 rebellion
A welcoming community
Proud of our heritage, culture and environment
Killeshandra is located 20 kilometres (12 mi) west of Cavan Town and is a gateway to the UNESCO Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark region, part of the Erne catchment environment of rivers, lakes, wetlands and woodland.
Killeshandra owes its name to the Church of the old Ráth (ringfort). The church was first noted in Papal registers during the medieval 14th century. The early Killeshandra town began during the seventeenth-century Ulster Plantation period.
While Killeshandra has long been recognised for superb angling, it is now a centre for walking, cycling, and many other outdoor activities. There are several looped walking and cycling trails around the town and within Killykeen Forest Park. The community hosts the annual Killeshandra Camino, a 35km walk that takes place in June.
Traditional Irish music and culture are central to our community –we are proud of our award-winning local musicians, stalwarts at trad sessions and local festivals.