Activities

Potter around

The number one recommended activity is pottering around, i.e. "to spend time in a relaxed way doing small jobs and other things that are not very important". It is therapeutic, but it's also one of the few things you can do given there's not much around.

The fundamentals of pottering are: make do with what you've got, don't try too hard, move (a little), keep it local, keep it real (not digital). We hope this retreat creates the mindset for you to potter around.

Indoor activities

Chill by the fireplace under/on a duvet.
Listen to music on the audio cassette / CD player.
Paint. We've got canvases, paint and even paint-by-numbers.
Write. We've got a few writing prompts and poetry games and a desk. And a typewriter-feel keyboard.
Read a book. We've got a few books and cozy reading spots.
Play video games. We've got a PlayStation 5 and two controllers.
Make cocktails. We've got a cocktail making set and a cocktail book.
Cook. Self-explanatory.
Watch a movie. We've got a TV and a DVD player (and Netflix too, but that's not as cool).
Hack on electronics, we've got a Raspberry Pi starter kit to learn and play around.
Gardening. We don't maintain it all that well, but you're welcome to spruce it up.
Nap. A lot.
Play board games. You'd need company for that, but we might be free.
Skim through magazines.

Local Recommendations

Follow the Anglo-Celt publication for local news and events. See Ten Best Things to Do in Cavan for a list of things they recommend.

Places and activities

There's a LOT to see around this part of Ireland: Donegal and the gorgeous west coast of Ireland with it's surfing towns, beaches, mountains and literary and cultural history are just above an hour away. But in the spirit of 'keep it local', we'll list some of the most local things you can do.

Car or bus

You can rent a Go-Car by the hour from the parking lot nearby, or use the (infrequent) public transport for some of these.

Lakeside sauna (10 mins): Sauna and dip at Annagh Lake, by a sandy, lake 'mini-beach'. A BBQ is available at site too, if the weather lets you.
Killykeen Forest Park (15 mins): Grab a coffee and stroll through the woods by the river. Kick a football around. Check out Cabu by the Lakes, maybe spend a night there!
Riverside sauna (25 mins) Scenic sauna by a river at Erica's Fairy Forest in Cootehill, where you can also take a dip.
Erica's Fairy Forest (25 mins) This, magical, Fairy Forest is dedicated to the memory of Erica Ní Draighneain, (2010-2016). A place full of wonder, and adventure. Located near Cootehill, the forest is free to visit and open all day, every day.
Discover Belturbet (15 mins) A stroll by the river, along the old railway track, visit the railway museum. Catch live music at the Widows Pub if you're lucky. Also known for fishing and kayaking.
Kayaking at Cavan Adventure Centre (12 mins): beautiful landscapes, fun adventures including kayak and bike trails, and even a water park. The most popular activity is a 45-min kayak to Clough Oughter Castle, a 13th century tower that lies amidst the islands of the lake.
Catch a show at the Ramor Arts Centre in Virginia (30 mins) Music, theatre, comedy. Check out their schedule.

Walking

There's enough to do in Cavan town without having to drive.

Catch a performance at Cavan Townhall Arts Centre Music, theatre, comedy. Less frequent than Ramor Arts Centre, but still a good option. Checkout their schedule.
Hangout at the Cavan Library Books to CDs, reading areas and print out facilities. Maybe you'll catch a poetry reading or a book club meeting.
Stroll around the Con Smith Park. Or catch the weekly Park Run at the park on Saturdays.
Watch live music at the Blessings Bar.
Treat yourself to a meal at People's Restaurant or Shades Grill, recommended!
Grab a cocktail and party at the Metric or at the Imperial Bar
Watch a movie at the Odeon Cinema Cavan, only 6 euros on a Wednesday!
Attend a swordfighting class at the Cavan Kendo Kai
Use the sauna, jacuzzi, pool and gym at Cavan Crystal Hotel's Zest Fitness Centre