Deerpark Forest Park 

Fill your lungs with fresh country air at Deerpark Forest Park just outside Virginia. Choose any of the three looped walking trails, as they’re all suitable for all walking levels and the shortest is buggy-friendly if you’re bringing a baby along. No matter which path you take, you'll find beautiful tree-lined paths skirting the banks of Lough Ramor. Stroll over stone bridges, past historic sites and let the kids run free as you take in the views.

Cavan County Museum 

Step back in time at Cavan County Museum to life in the World War I trenches at the largest outdoor replica trench in Ireland and the UK. Built to official specifications, the 350m long trench includes frontline, communication and support trenches, using over 6,000 sandbags in its construction. School the kids on the history of the war at the exhibitions before getting down in the trenches to see what life was like. Head for the playground and tea rooms to refresh before you leave. 

Erica’s Fairy Forest 

If you’ve got little ones with big imaginations, stop by Erica’s Fairy Forest near Cootehill, a boundless space where you can follow their small feet from fairy door to fairy castle and wishing chair to hobbit house. Watch their wide-eyed wonder as they explore all the hidden crevices of the forest before settling down for a picnic in the park.

Killykeen Forest Park

If you fancy a gentle amble through Cavan's scenic lakelands, the 3km nature trail through Killykeen Forest Park is a cinch. The family-friendly route, between Killeshandra and Cavan town, takes in lush forest paths as it meanders around one side of Lough Oughter. There's swimming spots and cycle paths too, and as all this exercise is hungry work, there's plenty of picnic areas to refuel at. 

Cavan Adventure Centre

Paddle your way around the inland island of Inishmore on a Cavan Adventure Centre tour and appreciate Cavan’s lakelands from the water. Whether a kayak or canoe is your transport of choice, guided tours explore the local geology, architecture, wildlife and history that lies in the UNESCO World Heritage Marble Arch Caves Geopark area. Don’t worry if your family are beginners – the instructors will have you at one with an oar in no time. 

Bear Essentials 

If you go down to the woods near Bawnboy today, Bear Essentials will surely be a big surprise. Kids love this designer teddy bear craft experience where all the bears are designed and handmade on-site. The gift shop stocks famous brands like Steiff, Charlie Bears and the owner Anke’s own one-off mohair teddy bear collection. Your little ones won’t be able to resist the collection of old teddies, including patients admitted to the Teddy Bear Hospital. The surrounding tranquil gardens and the playground in the woods are also worth a visit.

Cavan Burren Park 

If you’ve been saving your picnic for a special spot, Cavan Burren Park is the place to gather the family for a feast. One of Ireland's prehistoric landscapes, discover megalithic tombs and stone walls, while the kids try to decipher the ancient rock art. Learn about the area's history through the imaginative displays in the visitor centre or uncover the archaeological layers of the park's five walking trails.

Dún na Rí Forest Park 

Legend has it that Cú Chulainn camped in Dún na Rí Forest Park while fighting the armies of Queen Maeve of Connaught, and that’s just the start of this park’s history. Explore the 565-acre forest – that’s the size of 425 football pitches – to discover the Ice House, Toba na Splinne Holy Well and Cromwell’s Bridge along the walking trails. Make sure the kids are on the lookout for the varied wildlife who call the park home – squirrels and hares are common visitors, but only a lucky few will see otters along the river.