Lough Erne ( / l ɒ x ɜːr n / LOKH URN , from Irish Loch Éirne ) is the name of two connected lakes in County Fermanagh , Northern Ireland . It is the second-biggest lake system in Northern Ireland and Ulster , and the fourth biggest in Ireland . The lakes are widened sections of the River Erne , which flows north and then curves west into the Atlantic. The smaller southern lake is called the Upper Lough as it is higher up the river. The bigger northern lake is called the Lower Lough or Broad Lough. The town of Enniskillen lies on the short stretch of river between the lakes. The lake has more than 150 islands, along with many coves and inlets. The River Erne is 80 miles (129 km) long and drains an area of about 1,680 square miles (4,350 km ).
59-579: The Rag River is a river in County Cavan , Ireland . It rises in Mullaghdoo Lough, in the townland of Aghnacreevy , parish of Kildallan , and flows in a north-easterly direction through the lakes of Clonty Lough, Togher Lough, Lough Rud, Aghavoher Lough, Killywilly Lough, Cuillaghan Lough, Tomkinroad Lough, Lough Tee Lower and Corraback Lough. It discharges into the Shannon–Erne Waterway in
118-570: A national or provincial title . There are several athletics club and facilities in Cavan, including a 300m Tartan track in Shercock . There are five athletics clubs in the county, including Annalee AC , Bailieborough AC , Innyvale AC , Laragh AC and Shercock AC . Cavan has two rugby football clubs, County Cavan R.F.C. and Virginia R.F.C., both teams compete in the Ulster qualifying leagues. Fishing
177-399: A goddess from which the Érainn took their name. Since tribes were often named after a divine ancestor, T. F. O'Rahilly suggested that the Érainn took their name from a goddess named Érann and that Loch Éirne probably means "lake of (the goddess) Érann". O'Rahilly and other scholars have connected these names to Ériu (modern Éire ), the goddess after which Ireland is named. He writes that
236-453: A river is common in Irish mythology and typically represents the dissolving of her divine power into the water, which then gives life to the land". Another tale says that it was formed when a magical spring-well overflowed, similar to the tale of Lough Neagh . The third says that, during a battle between the Érainn and the army of High King Fíachu Labrainne , it burst from the ground and drowned
295-550: Is a very popular activity in Cavan because of its complex of large rivers and lakes. Below is a list of various sporting clubs in Cavan: As of 2016 Cavan had a population of 76,176, a modest increase on the 2011 census. the 2016 census reported the county's most numerous non-Irish nationalities as UK, Poland and Lithuania respectively. The 2016 census reported that of Cavan's 76,173 residents, 82% (62,393 people) identified as Roman Catholic . Other stated religions made up 11% of
354-572: Is based in Gublusk Bay. The Lough Erne Regatta is Ireland’s oldest event for racing under sail, with a lineage beyond 1820. The RNLI has an inland lifeboat and rescue watercraft based at Gublusk with a further station at Carrybridge on the Upper lake. Several historical sites on Lough Erne's islands attract tourists: Among them the monastic ruins on Devenish Island or the stone figures on Boa Island and White Island The Lough Erne Golf & Hotel Resort
413-718: Is based in Killeshandra and has manufacturing sites located throughout Cavan, is Ireland's second largest dairy co-operative with an annual revenue of €545 million. Cavan is one of Ireland's leading counties for pig production , with the county's farms raising a fifth of the national pig herd. Pig farming regulations have put pressure on the industry, which is highly dependent on affordable credit. Traditionally an agricultural economy, Cavan has since expanded in other industries, chiefly quarrying, energy production and manufacturing facilities. As of September 2014 , Cavan produced 113.14 MW of wind energy, on 9 windfarms. The largest wind farm
472-585: Is currently in division 2 of the National Football League . Cavan was the only county in Ireland without a senior hurling team, the county board having discontinued the team in 2011. The sport was on the decline and the senior team was disbanded to promote Hurling at junior level. Cavan's senior hurling team was reformed in 2017. They compete in division 3B of the National Hurling League and in
531-506: Is divided into three local electoral areas : Bailieborough-Cootehill, Ballyjamesduff-Virginia and Cavan-Belturbet, which hold 18 county council seats in total. The 2019 local elections in Cavan had an average voter turnout of 55.5%, roughly equalling the turnout in 2014 (56.42%). The highest turnout for an electoral area was Bailieborough-Cootehill with 57.1%. It was formerly divided into the rural districts of Bailieborough, Bawnboy, Castlerahan, Cavan, Enniskillen No. 2, and Mullaghoran, and
590-548: Is mainly confined to leisure craft on the River Erne and Shannon-Erne Waterway from Belturbet and Ballyconnell as well as for angling activities. Cavan also has 365 lakes all around, one for everyday of the year. In Gaelic football , the dominant sport in the county, Cavan GAA competes annually in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship , which it has won 5 times, between 1933 and 1952. The team
649-479: Is reputed to contain 365 lakes. At 18.8 km (7.3 sq mi), Lough Sheelin is the county's largest lake; it is situated in the south of the county and forms a three way border on its waters between counties Meath, Westmeath and Cavan. A large complex of lakes form in the north and west of Cavan into designated Specially Protected Areas (SPA); an example is Lough Oughter . Other important wildlife protected lakes such as Lough Gowna and Lough Ramor are in
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#1732869263324708-469: Is the local authority for the county, which had a population of 81,704 at the 2022 census. Cavan borders six counties: Leitrim to the west, Fermanagh to the north, Monaghan to the north-east, Meath to the south-east, Longford to the south-west and Westmeath to the south. Cavan shares a 70 km (43 mi) border with County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland . Cavan is the 19th largest of
767-443: Is the largest industry in the county, especially dairy milk processing as well as pig and beef farming. Much of Cavan's land consists of clay soils, which are rich in minerals, but heavy and poorly drained, making pasture farming the dominant farming system in the county. There is a total farmed area of 144,269 hectares (356,500 acres) in the county, and there are approximately 219,568 cattle in Cavan. Lakeland Dairies Group , which
826-418: Is €17,251, roughly €4,000 behind Dublin , Ireland's richest county and 89.3% of the state average. The county has seen a significant drop in average disposable income since the 2006 Census. 53°55′N 7°15′W / 53.917°N 7.250°W / 53.917; -7.250 Lough Erne Lough Erne (Loch Éirne) appears to be named after an ancient population group called the Érainn, or after
885-557: The Lory Meagher Cup . The first GAA club founded in Cavan was Ballyconnell in 1885. However the club didn't affiliate to GAA Central Council until March 1886 so that can be taken as the founding of the GAA in Cavan and Ulster. The most successful club in Cavan is Cornafean with 20 Senior Football Championship titles, their last title was won in 1956. Ramor United are the current senior football champions. No team from Cavan has ever won
944-761: The Second World War , RAF Castle Archdale was based on Lough Erne, providing an essential airbase for the Battle of the Atlantic and the battle against U-boats . A secret agreement with the Irish Government permitted flying boats based there to fly West straight across neutral Ireland to the Atlantic, avoiding the two-hour detour that would have been necessary for aeroplanes based in Northern Ireland. This flight path became known as ' The Donegal Corridor '. An example of
1003-472: The Ui Briuin Kingdom of Breifne was part of the western province of Connacht ruled over by the O'Rourke clan until around 1256 when under Norman occupation the kingdom was split in half. West Breifne still ruled by O'Rourkes and East Breifni ruled by O'Reillys. During the sixteenth century in the reign of Queen Elizabeth I the county of Cavan was formed and transferred to Ulster from 1584, following
1062-512: The urban districts of Cavan, Belturbet and Cootehill. The rural districts were abolished in 1925. Belturbet and Cootehill were downgraded to town commissioners in 1950. In 2002, the urban district of Cavan and the town commissioners of Belturbet and Cootehill became town councils . All town councils in Ireland were abolished in 2014. County Cavan is within the Dáil constituency of Cavan–Monaghan , which returns five deputies. This constituency
1121-630: The 1880s and the 1950s which dropped the water level by about 5 feet (1.5 metres). The Parliamentary Gazetteer of 1846 stated, "The islands are popularly fabled to be as numerous as the days of the year; but they have been more soberly estimated at 90 in the Upper Lake and 109 in the Lower". The largest islands are Inishmore at the northern end of Upper Lough Erne (not to be confused with "Inish More or Davy's Island" in Lower Lough Erne) and Galloon Island at
1180-524: The 32 counties in area and the 25th largest by population. The county is part of the Northern and Western Region , a NUTS II area, and in that region, is part of the Border strategic planning area , a NUTS III entity. The county is characterised by drumlin countryside dotted with many lakes and hills. The north-western area of the county is sparsely populated and mountainous. The Cuilcagh mountain range contain
1239-761: The A32. The N54 route from Monaghan and Clones joins the N3 at Butlersbridge . The N55 links Cavan to Athlone via Ballinagh and Granard. Bus Éireann provide bus services to villages and towns across the county, including a direct route from Cavan to Dublin Airport . In the mid-1850s the Midland Great Western Railway built a line between the Inny Junction in County Westmeath (along their expanding network which
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#17328692633241298-752: The Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh of the Church of Ireland. The Cavan Baptist Church is located in Oldtown and the Islamic Cultural Centre, which is primarily used as a mosque , is located in Cavan town. There are two Methodist churches located in Ballyconnell and Corlespratten. There are a number of Presbyterian churches throughout the county and a restored 1800s Wesleyan Chapel in Bailieborough . Agriculture
1357-770: The Erne Drainage and Development Act (1950). The drainage scheme was designed by Percy Shepherd . Water level control is undertaken in conjunction with the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) in the Republic of Ireland under the terms of an agreement made in 1950 when the River Erne was harnessed for hydroelectric power generation. The agreement requires that levels are maintained in the Upper Lough between 150 ft. and 154 ft. (Apr. – Sept.) / 155 ft. (Oct. – Mar.), and in
1416-520: The Fir Manach, and giving their name to Fermanagh and Monaghan . Mongán mac Fiachnai , a 7th-century King of Ulster , is the protagonist of several legends linking him with Manannán mac Lir . They spread across Ireland , evolving into historic Irish (also Scottish and Manx) clans. The Annals of Ulster were written in the late 15th century on Belle Isle, an island in Upper Lough Erne. During
1475-624: The Irish Peasantry (1888). In the tale, Conn-eda goes on a quest to procure three golden apples, a black steed and a supernatural hound from a city underneath Lough Erne. The city is ruled by a king of the Fir Bolg . The Menapii are the only known Celtic tribe specifically named on Ptolemy ’s AD 150 map of Ireland, where they located their first colony, Menapia, on the Leinster coast circa 216 BC. They later settled around Lough Erne, becoming known as
1534-521: The Lower Lough between 147 ft. and 152 ft. These levels relate to the Irish grid datum at Poolbeg Lighthouse . Water levels in Upper and Lower Lough Erne are managed by a control structures located at Portora in Enniskillen and by the hydro electric power station at Cliff between Belleek and Ballyshannon, in the Republic of Ireland. During the summer period it is aimed to keep the water level at
1593-433: The climate data for Cavan from their station at Ballyhaise . Under Köppen climate classification , Cavan experiences a maritime temperate oceanic climate with cold winters, mild humid summers, and a lack of temperature extremes. The average maximum January temperature is 8.2 °C (47 °F), while the average maximum July temperature is 19.8 °C (68 °F). On average, the sunniest months are May and June, while
1652-530: The composition of Breifne. In the south, the Lough Sheelin area was part of Leinster until the late 14th century. Under James VI and I , from 1610 the Plantation of Ulster saw the settlement and origins of several new towns within the county that include Bailieborough, Cootehill, Killeshandra and Virginia. Existing towns such as Cavan and Belturbet became over time more important as trading centres. Wars during
1711-625: The county for 60 km (37 mi) from the Meath border at Whitegate near Virginia and through Belturbet into Fermanagh . The N16 begins in Sligo and ends at Blacklion in the far northwestern tip of Cavan, it crosses the county for roughly 7 km (4.3 mi). Three national secondary routes pass through the county. The N87 road begins in Belturbet and passes through Ballyconnell and Swanlinbar before crossing into County Fermanagh where it becomes
1770-793: The county include the Blackwater River , which rises near Bailieborough and flows through Lough Ramor , joining the River Boyne at Navan; the Dee which springs near Bailieborough ; the River Annalee which flows from Lough Sillan and joins the Erne; and the Cladagh river which rises from Cuilcagh and flows into Fermanagh . The Glyde and the Owenroe also source in Cavan. Cavan is known as 'The Lakeland County' and
1829-553: The county. From around the thirteenth century the area (Cavan) was part of the petty kingdom of East Bréifne anglicized Breffny O'Reilly after its then ruling Gaelic family. This in turn was the east division Kingdom of Bréifne . For this reason the county is colloquially known as the Breffni County. A high degree of defense was achieved by using the natural landscape of drumlin hills and loughs. The poorly drained heavy clay soils contributed as an obstacle against invasion. From
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1888-464: The down steam side of Portora, at or above, 150 ft. to avoid the need for the gates to be closed requiring the use of the navigation lock. This is to prevent restriction to boat traffic using the navigation facilities at the peak tourist period. Rapid draw down of water levels in the Upper Lough is prevented by the restricted capacity of the inter-lough channel section. This means that Rivers Agency must anticipate significant inflows by drawing down
1947-590: The earlier forms of these goddess names were Everna/Iverna and Everiu/Iveriu and that both come from "the Indo-European root ei- , implying motion". In his view Érann and Ériu would thus appear to mean "she who travels regularly", explained as "the sun-goddess , for the sun was the great celestial Traveller". Alternatively, John T. Koch suggests that Ériu was a mother goddess whose name comes from an Indo-European word stem meaning "fat, rich, fertile". In Irish mythology and folklore, there are three tales about
2006-524: The event was moved to a different venue. A canal, the Shannon–Erne Waterway , runs between the upper end of the River Shannon and the River Erne, allowing boat movements from the Shannon estuary in southwest Ireland, through the western midlands of the country, across to the northwest and out to the Atlantic again (although the final section to the Atlantic side of Belleek is not navigable). The section of
2065-514: The geography of County Cavan , Ireland is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . County Cavan County Cavan ( / ˈ k æ v ən / KAV -ən ; Irish : Contae an Chabháin ) is a county in Ireland . It is in the province of Ulster and is part of the Northern and Western Region . It is named after the town of Cavan and is based on the historic Gaelic territory of East Breffny ( Bréifne ). Cavan County Council
2124-421: The highest point, Cuilcagh , at 665 metres (2,182 feet). Cavan is the source of many rivers. Shannon Pot on the slopes of Cuilcagh is the source of the River Shannon , the longest river in Ireland at 386 km (240 mi). The River Erne is a major river which rises from Beaghy Lough, two miles (3 km) south of Stradone in Cavan and flows for 120 km (75 mi) to Lough Erne . Other rivers in
2183-403: The lake's origins. One says that it is named after a mythical woman named Erne, Queen Méabh 's lady-in-waiting at Cruachan . Erne and her maidens were frightened away from Cruachan when a fearsome giant emerged from the cave of Oweynagat. They fled northward and drowned in a river or lake, their bodies dissolving to become Lough Erne. Patricia Monaghan notes that "The drowning of a goddess in
2242-512: The late twelfth century East Breifne were subjected to Norman influence and the remains of several motte and bailie fortifications are still visible, as well as the remains of stronger works such as Castlerahan and Clogh Oughter castle. The growing influence of several monastic orders in the new diocese called Tir Briuin Breifne from the mid twelfth century with abbey remains existent in locations such as Drumlane and later Trinity Island. Historically,
2301-539: The loughs to ensure flood storage is available. In November 2009 the Erne system experienced a very significant flood event. The water levels were the highest recorded since the changes to the system in the 1950s. The Erne Rivers Trust is a Rivers Trust NGO trying to help maintain the clean water in the Lough Erne catchment for all the flora and fauna. The Lough Erne area is popular for angling and watersports, with waterskiing , rowing and wakeboarding being amongst
2360-726: The lower end of Upper Lough Erne. Whether these are entirely bounded by the lake, or partly bounded by the River Erne, is a matter of opinion. The next largest is Boa Island , within Lower Lough Erne. All three of these comprise multiple townlands . Many of the next largest islands constitute a single townland. Islands in the lower lake include Boa Island , Cleenishmeen Island, Crevinishaughy Island, Cruninish Island, Devenish Island , Ely Island, Goat Island, Horse Island, Inish Doney, Inish Fovar, Inish Lougher, Inish More or Davy's Island, Inis Rath , Inishmacsaint , Inishmakill, Lustybeg Island , Lustymore Island and White Island . Those in
2419-528: The main Irish stronghold of the scarce garden warbler . Waterways Ireland , a cross-border organisation, established under the Good Friday Agreement in 1999, is responsible for navigation on the Erne System, as well the island of Ireland's other navigable waterways. Department for Infrastructure Rivers retains ownership of the bed and foreshore and manages water levels within the ranges specified in
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2478-490: The many ways Ireland assisted the allies while remaining neutral. In November 2012, it was announced that the Lough Erne Resort, a hotel on the southern shore of the Lower Lough, would host the 39th G8 summit . The lakes contain many small islands and peninsulas , which are also called "islands" because of the highly convoluted shoreline and because many of them were islands prior to two extensive drainage schemes in
2537-634: The mid-seventeenth century aimed at trying to unsettle the Plantation only led to further plantations of English and Scottish settlers into the county, bringing with them better farming methods and the beginnings of a thriving flax and linen industry. Some areas of Cavan were hard hit by the Great Famine potato blight between 1845 and 1849. The winter of 1847 is particularly noted for the high levels of deaths nationally caused by diseases such as typhus and cholera. Several instances of eviction also occurred during
2596-593: The most popular; the stretch of water alongside the Broadmeadow, Enniskillen , has hosted stages of the World Waterski Championships annually since 2005, and in 2007, a pro-wakeboard competition, 'Wakejam' was hosted by the Erne Wakeboard Club (EWC) after successful national wakeboard competitions in the previous years. Canoeing is also a popular recreational sport on the Erne. Lough Erne Yacht Club
2655-785: The nineteenth century, with one such story where the local landlord in Mountnugent parish decided to evict over 200 people. The famous ballad "By Lough Sheelin Side" is based on this event witnessed by the local Catholic priest. Edward Saunderson , founder of the Ulster Unionist Council , was born in the county. However, when the Irish Unionist Party met on 9 June 1916, the delegates from Cavan learnt that they would not be included in any "temporary exclusion of Ulster" from Home Rule ; they agreed only with very great reluctance. Cavan
2714-486: The north to 1,500 hours in the south. There are eight historic baronies in the county. While baronies continue to be officially defined units, they are no longer used for many administrative purposes. Their official status is illustrated by Placenames Orders made since 2003, where official Irish names of baronies are listed under "Administrative units". Townlands are the smallest officially defined geographical divisions in Ireland. There are approximately 1979 townlands in
2773-465: The popularity of GAA in Cavan grow, spectators could travel easily between towns. After World War II , due to the shortage of coal in the country, uneconomic lines were terminated. In 1947 all passenger services were terminated though the transport of freight and livestock continued. The Great Northern Railway (G.N.R.) continued to serve the Cavan and Leitrim Railway . However, in 1959 all services along
2832-561: The population (8,671 people). 5% (3,904 people) stated that they followed no religion. 2% (1,209 people) did not state their religion. The Cathedral of Saint Patrick and Saint Felim in Cavan town, is the seat of the Bishop of Kilmore and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kilmore . St Fethlimidh's Cathedral , near Cavan town in Kilmore , is one of two cathedral churches in
2891-414: The remaining rail lines were terminated and the stations along their routes were closed. Belturbet railway station is open as a railway museum. In the historical context and before water levels in lakes were lowered, water transport in the region was once very important through the complex of lakes and waterways that fed into the major river systems such as the Erne, Shannon and Boyne. Today however this
2950-456: The south and east of the county. Cavan has a mainly hilly (drumlin) landscape and contains just under 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) of forested area, 3.6% of Cavan's total land area. The county contains forests such as Bellamont Forest near Cootehill , Killykeen Forest Park at Lough Oughter (a Coillte state forest concern), Dún na Rí Forest Park and the Burren Forest. Met Éireann records
3009-820: The townland of Corraback. It has a fish population of pike, bream, rudd, roach, gudgeon and perch. Archaeological finds in the river include dugout canoes, socketed bronze axes and Irish elk antlers. The structures of interest along the river include Ardlougher Bridge, Greenville Corn Mill, Togher Bridge, Cranaghan Bridge, Killywilly Cavan & Leitrim Railway Level Crossing, Killywilly Corn Mill [1] , Killywilly Bleach Mill, Killywilly Bridge, Tomkinroad Cavan & Leitrim Railway Bridge, Tomkinroad Cavan & Leitrim Railway Station & Level Crossing, Tomkinroad Creamery, Drumrush Corn Mill & Weir, Droghill Bridge, Feedarragh Bridge & Stepping Stones. 54°08′02″N 7°28′01″W / 54.134°N 7.467°W / 54.134; -7.467 This article related to
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#17328692633243068-442: The upper lake include Bleanish Island, Crehan Island, Dernish Island, Inishcorkish, Inishcrevan, Inishfendra, Inishleague, Inishlught, Inishrath, Inishturk, Killygowan Island, Naan Island and Trannish. Several of the islands are privately owned, and occasionally come on to the open market. In 2007 Inishturk went on the market at the price of £695,000. In 2012 Inisliroo went on the market at the price of £600,000. The lake islands are
3127-405: The wettest month is October with 104.4 mm (4 in) of rain, and the driest months are May and June with 67.8 mm (3 in) and 67.9 mm (3 in) respectively. Humidity is high year round and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with the annual precipitation at Ballyhaise being 1,006 mm (40 in) On average, snow showers occur between November and March. In
3186-573: The winter of 2010–11, record low temperatures for November, December and January were recorded in Cavan. In late December, the temperature at the station fell to −15.4 °C (4 °F), its lowest ever. On 21 December 2010, a daily maximum of −9.4 °C (15 °F) was recorded at Ballyhaise, the lowest daily maximum ever recorded in Ireland. Summer daytime temperatures range between 15 °C (59 °F) and 22 °C (72 °F), with temperatures rarely going beyond 25 °C (77 °F). The average annual sunshine hours range between 1,300 hours in
3245-570: The Érainn. In Cath Maige Tuired ("the Battle of Moytura"), it is listed as one of the twelve chief loughs of Ireland. Historically, the lake was also called Loch Saimer ( Samhaoir ). In folklore Partholón killed his wife's favourite hound, Saimer, in a fit of jealous rage, and the lake was named after it. Lough Erne is the setting of a folk tale known as "The Story of Conn-eda" or "The Golden Apples of Lough Erne", which appears in Fairy and Folk Tales of
3304-600: Was created in 1977, replacing the constituency of Cavan , which had been in existence from 1921. From 2016 to 2020, the area of West Cavan was within the constituency of Sligo–Leitrim . For elections to the European Parliament , the county is part of the Midlands–North-West constituency. Two national primary routes pass through the county, The N3 road and the N16 road . The N3 is the longest route in Cavan, crossing
3363-420: Was eventually to reach Sligo ) and Cavan town. The first railway station to open in Cavan, was Cavan railway station in 1856. Many notable railway stations were built in the 19th century such as Kingscourt railway station and the Cavan and Leitrim Railway . The railways were an important part of the economic development of Cavan and carried passengers and freight to all over Ireland . The railways also helped
3422-547: Was in Bindoo townland, with a capacity of 48 MW. Peat cutting exists in the northwest of the county, in the Cuilcagh range. Major industries such as Quinn Quaries and Gypsum Industries are also important employers within the county. There are a number of quarries located in the county and the Quinn cement facility is located in Ballyconnell . Average Disposable Income per Person in Cavan
3481-409: Was opened in October 2007 by Irish businessman Jim Treacy. It is situated on a 600-acre peninsula between Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne. On 12 May 2011 it was announced that the owner of the hotel, Castle Hume Leisure Limited, had gone into administration . The Lough Erne Resort hosted the Lough Erne Challenge in 2009 and 2010. It was also due to host the 2017 Irish Open golf tournament but
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