Ballyjamesduff

Gently rolling hills and sparkling lakes surround Ballyjamesduff, a town in County Cavan. Famous for its connection to Percy French's song "Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff", this town has a strong sense of community spirit. The Cavan County Museum, housed in a 19th-century building, showcases the county's culture and heritage with exhibits featuring archaeological artefacts from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages.

Overlooking Lough Sheelin, Ballyjamesduff offers spectacular views and a range of outdoor activities, including coarse fishing and boat hire on nearby lakes Nadrageel and Lackan. Visitors can explore the museum's large grounds, which include gardens and a children's playground. Nearby attractions, such as Castle Saunderson, a neogothic castle with tearooms and world-famous gardens, provide plenty of opportunities for exploration. A scenic 1km walk, known as Nun's Walk, winds its way through the museum grounds, offering a peaceful stroll.

Quiet country roads surround Ballyjamesduff, making it an ideal location for cycling and leisurely rides. The town is home to a variety of shops, including traditional Irish pubs, restaurants, and takeaways, catering to different tastes and preferences. With its warm community spirit and stunning landscapes, Ballyjamesduff is a place where visitors can experience the best of County Cavan's culture and heritage. Nearby lakes, such as Lough Errill and Lough Ramor, offer opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and water sports, adding to the town's appeal as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Things to See and Do

Image: Courtesy Failte Ireland

Cavan County Museum

The Cavan County Museum in Ballyjamesduff showcases the diverse culture, heritage, and history of County Cavan. The museum's collection features archaeological artifacts from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages, including the unique Corleck Head and a 1,000-year-old dug-out boat. Exhibits also include 18th-20th Century costumes and pictorial histories of local life, sports, and traditions. The museum offers interactive experiences, such as the WW1 Trench Experience and 1916 Rising Experience, along with a Peace Garden, shop, cafe, playground, and scenic walkways. Its historic setting in the former Convent of St Clare adds to the overall atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and families alike.

More Information

Image: Courtesy Celtic Routes

Fishing and Recreation at Lough Sheelin

The lakes of Nadrageel and Lackan are a haven for anglers, with an abundance of coarse fish waiting to be caught. Located near Ballyjamesduff, these twin lakes provide a serene setting for a day of fishing. For those who want to explore the lakes further, boat hire is available, allowing visitors to try their luck at catching a variety of fish species. The peaceful surroundings and picturesque views make this an ideal spot for both experienced and novice fishermen.

Lough Sheelin Lakeside Golf Course

This hotel is situated on the shores of Lough Sheelin, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It features a range of amenities, including a restaurant and bar, as well as a golf course that runs along the lake's edge.

WWI Trench Reconstruction

Step into a meticulously recreated WWI trench, based on historical manuals from the Irish Guards and Royal Irish Fusiliers. This outdoor exhibit offers a rare chance to explore a replica of the trenches used during the Somme battle, providing insight into the lives of soldiers during World War I.

More Information

Getting There

History

Ballyjamesduff's history dates back to 1714, when it was first mentioned in The Registry of Deeds. The town's strategic location on the old mail-coach road from Virginia to Cavan made it an important stopover. By 1837, Ballyjamesduff was described as an old market town, with a parish created in 1831 by disuniting several townlands from neighboring parishes.

John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, preached in Ballyjamesduff and built a church here in the 18th century. The town's Market House, constructed in 1815, commemorates the Duke of Wellington's military achievements at Waterloo. Notable figures like Percy French, who wrote the song "Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff," and Marcus Daly, the "Montana Copper King," have strong connections to the town.

Ballyjamesduff played a significant role in Ireland's struggle for independence, with the garrison at Ballyjamesduff barracks coming under attack in July 1922. The town's history is also marked by its contribution to World War I, with many locals serving and losing their lives in the conflict. Today, visitors can explore the Cavan County Museum, which features an impressive outdoor WW1 replica trench, opened in 2014.

The town's architectural heritage includes St Joseph's Town Hall, built in 1959 and officially opened in 1968 by Big Tom and The Mainliners. Ballyjamesduff was once famous for having the largest pub to person ratio in Ireland, with approximately one pub for every 34 persons in the town. This unique aspect of the town's culture and history continues to fascinate visitors and locals alike.