The landscape of 365 lakes and the history of a divided kingdom
In short: Known as 'The Lakeland County,' Cavan is a terrain of drumlin hills and heavy clay that once served as a natural fortress. From the ancient Gaelic territory of East Breffny to the complex waterways of the Shannon and Erne, discover how geography shaped this Irish borderland.
The geography of County Cavan is defined by its 'drumlin' landscape—a series of hills and lakes that earned it the reputation of containing 3ly 65 lakes, one for every day of the year. This complex network of water includes the largest lake, Lough Sheelin, and the mountainous north-western region, where the Cuilcagh mountain range reaches a peak of 665 metres. These waterways are not merely scenic; they are the sources of vital Irish arteries, including the Shannon Pot, which feeds the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland.
Historically, the county's identity is rooted in the Gaelic territory of East Breffny. Originally part of the Ui Briuin Kingdom, the region was split in 1256 under Norman occupation, separating West Breffne, ruled by the O'Rourkes, from East Breffni, ruled by the O'Reillys. This landscape of hills and poorly drained clay soils provided a significant defensive advantage against invaders. By the sixteenth century, under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the area was officially transferred to the province of Ulster.
The county's character has been further shaped by waves of settlement and industry. The 1610 Plantation of Ulster introduced new towns like Bailieborough and Virginia, bringing English and Scottish settlers who established a thriving flax and linen industry. While the nineteenth century brought the hardships of the Great Famine and mass evictions, the arrival of the railway in 1856 spurred economic growth and even helped popularize Gaelic football. Today, Cavan remains a distinct borderland, maintaining a population of approximately 81,704 as of the 2022 census.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: County Cavan
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