CAVAN MUSEUMS & CULTURAL CENTRES
Cavan Museums and Cultural Centres
While visiting us here in Clonandra Cottages, County Cavan be sure to visit some of our most popular attractions.
Bear Essentials Workshop and Showroom
Tiernawannagh, Bawnboy, Co Cavan
Open 7 days Mon – Sat 9.30am – 6pm Sun 11am – 6pm
Visit the Bear Essentials workshop and showroom in Bawnboy and watch as a bear is being made or participate in a workshop and make your own bear. The collection includes artist bears, Steiff, Gund and Russ bears, bear accessories, teddy bear making kits, wildlife animals, soft toys, dolls, doll’s houses, candles, jewellery, hand-woven scarves, woodwork, baby gifts, cards, local photography and local paintings. Classes for children take place at Easter, Summer and Halloween.
Carraig Craft Visitor Centre
Mountnugent, Co Cavan
Carraig Craft Visitor Centre is a basketry museum with exhibitions of traditional baskets in rod, rush and straw. The museum also features an audio-visual presentation. Craft workshops are available. Lectures and demonstrations available on request. The centre also features a craft shop, coffee shop, tourist information and car and coach parking. Opening times: Mon – Fri 10.00 – 18.00 Sun 14.00 – 18.00 Season: 1st Apr to 31st Oct and the museum will also be opened on request between Nov and Mar.
Adm: €3.50 adults €3 children and seniors. Children under 6 years free
Cavan County Museum
Virginia Road, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan
Cavan County Museum houses the material culture of County Cavan and surrounding districts. Exhibition galleries feature unique Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Medieval artefacts.
The Museum of the Master Saddler
Corlough, Co Cavan
This museum is unique being the only museum in the world dedicated exclusively to the ancient craft of the Saddler and Harness Maker. 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.
Ballyhugh Arts and Cultural Centre
Ballyhugh, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan
Ballyhugh Arts and Cultural Centre is dedicated to the promotion and sharing of the rich cultural heritage of West Cavan. Ballyhugh runs courses and workshops in arts, traditional crafts, Irish music and dance, creative writing and yoga. Exhibitions, live shows, ceilis, concerts and lectures are held all year round. Acting as a guide for visitors interested in local history, the centre also houses a unique collection of artefacts and local photographs.
Cavan Crystal Showroom
Dublin Road, Cavan, Co Cavan t: +353 (0)49 4331800
Established in 1969, Cavan Crystal has is known all over the world. The factory is no longer open for tours, but visitors can explore the extensive showroom Choose from tableware, furniture, textiles, pottery, ceramics, jewelers, wood, linen, iron craft, candles, sculpture and paintings. The showroom is located in the Cavan Crystal Hotel.
Maudabawn Cultural Centre
Maudabawn, Cootehill, Co Cavan
Maudabawn is a place of excellence for an informative and entertaining taste of Ireland. Based in a delightful stone walled, thatched building, Maudabawn organises guided tours of Cavan & Monaghan cultural weekends, history & heritage classes and is also open for day visits.
St. Kilian’s Heritage Centre
Mullagh Co Cavan
St. Kilian’s Heritage Centre celebrates the life and times of Kilian, a 7th Century saint born in Mullagh. During his mission to modern-day Germany, Kilian was martyred, and is now one of the patron saints of Wurzburg in Germany. His life and death are represented through artefacts and an audio-visual presentation in the heritage centre.
The audio-visual room, with seating for 53 people, and 15-minute film illustrate the life of St Kilian, his martyrdom in Wurzburg, his substantial cult following and the Germany/Mullagh connection. A well-stocked exhibition room brings to life the work of the Irish missionaries in Europe during the 6th and 7th centuries, through maps, photographs, statuettes, manuscript facsimiles and art reproduction.
Ogham stones found in Cavan can be seen at the centre. A craft shop and tea room are also available.
Opening times: Easter to Oct, Tues-Fri 10am – 6pm, Sat, Sun and Bank Holidays 2pm – 6pm
Admission: Adults €3 Students, OAP’s & Groups, €2.50
Solart Art Gallery and Framing Services
1A Church View Square, Cavan town
A collection of emerging Cavan artists and established Irish artists. Limited edition prints and framing services.
The Wesleyan Chapel Arts, Cultural & Tourism Centre
Adelaide Row, Bailieborough, Co Cavan beautifully restored 1800’s Wesleyan Chapel is a dedicated centre of learning and education for all disciplines of the arts, including performance, visual and literacy. The Chapel was built in 1833 and served as the meeting place of the Wesleyan Methodists in Bailieborough for over 160 years, until the Methodist faith faded from the area in the mid 1990’s. The centre is now run by local arts activists, Maura and Niamh Smyth. Activities include lectures, workshops, dance classes, performances, film shows and teacher training courses. The chapel operates a year round programme of events.