Page 47 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
CAVAN
features a collection of uniforms, weapons, medals and memorabilia dating back to the 17th Century.
FLORENCE COURT
TAKE THE A4 SLIGO ROAD AND A32 SWANLINBAR ROAD 4 miles from Marble Arch Caves
Florence Court, owned by the National Trust, in County Fermanagh consists of a mansion, gardens, visitor centre and forest parks walks. A day could easily be spent exploring all that Florence Court has to offer. The grounds include a walled garden, holiday cottage, a sawmill and an ice house. If it’s variety you’re after then look no further and you know what they say about variety, it’s the spice of life.
who ruled until the Norman conquest in the 12th century. Some 142 kings are said to have been crowned here. Comprehensive guided tours at the site explain the history, myths and legends of the hilltop enclosure and the Stone of Destiny, said to cry out when touched by a new king. The hill offers superb views and it is said that on a clear day, 23 of Ireland’s 32 counties are visible from the top.
VIRGINIA CHURCH
VIRGINIA TOWN CENTRE, COUNTY CAVAN, ON N3
In the centre of the town of Virginia, almost hidden at the end of a long avenue flanked by trees,stands the historic Church of Ireland church.The present church in the town was built in 1821, on a site overlooking the old Fair Green and dominating the roads that meet in the centre of the town.
Built in striking gothic style, it had an ill-fated early few years with a storm downing the steeple shortly after completion which, falling on the roof, completely destroyed it. It was soon rebuilt, but its run of bad luck continued when, on Christmas night 1832, the rebuilt church ‘was entirely consumed by fire, which was accidental”.
CAVAN BURREN PARK
ON N16 BETWEEN SLIGO AND ENNISKILLEN, OFF M3
Cavan Burren Forest Park is a fascinating geological and archaeological forest landscape in north-west Cavan with new trails and an interpretative centre.
Cavan Burren is an underrated treasure, with huge sinkholes where streams disappear, a sunken valley and the ‘Giant’s Leap’ among some of the amazing features found here There are more than 80 archaeological monuments from the ‘Giant’s Grave and ‘Calf-House Dolmen’ to stone circles and rock art throughout the site. The region also has breathtaking views of Cuilcagh Mountain and the surrounding landscapes of Lough MacNean, Cavan and Fermanagh.
www.cavanburrenpark.ie
CAVAN COUNTY MUSEUM
FOLLOW M3 TO N3 TO R194 IN CAVAN
21 minutes from Cavan via Ballinagh Rd
Various exhibitions themed around the Stone Age right up to the 20th century and material spanning over 6,000 years can be found in Cavan County Museum. Established in 1996, the museum is housed in a 19th-century former convent of the Poor Clare nuns. Exhibitions include GAA History, The Great Famine, The Nun’s Story, Percy French and the WW1 Trench Experience, a replica of a WW1 trench including sound and visual effects.
ENNISKILLEN CASTLE
FOLLOW MARBLE ARCH RD AND DERRYLIN RD/A509
27 mins from Marble Arch Caves
Enniskillen Castle is situated by the River Erne in County Fermanagh. It was built almost 600 years ago by the ruling Maguire clan.
Once the stronghold of the local Gaelic Maguire chieftains, it later became used as a Plantation castle and military barracks. Two museums are housed here, Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum. The former covers the prehistory and natural history of Fermanagh while the latter
TRIP HIGHLIGHT
HILL OF TARA
JN 7 (R147) TOWARDS SKRYNE 3 min from exit
According to tradition, the Hill of Tara was the seat of Ireland’s High Kings
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST 45