The development of a new discovery centre at the Shannon Pot, the start of Ireland’s longest river, will be the newest attraction in the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Geopark.
A treetop walk and viewing platform in the nearby Cavan Burren Park is also part of the project, which is expected to open to the public in early 2026.
It is hoped the developments will drive tourism in the area.
The Geopark stretches across Cavan and Fermanagh and is the first cross-border UNESCO geopark in the world and is home to geology of international significance.
It already takes in the Marble Arch Caves in Fermanagh, the Cavan Burren Park and the Cuilcagh mountains boardwalk.
Geopark manager Gráinne O’Connor said they want to highlight that this 16 metre-wide Shannon Pot is where it all begins for Ireland’s longest river and celebrate what she called a “sacred landscape”.
“We call it a hidden jewel, we think of it like an upside-down world, there’s a mirade of caves under here, this is a fabulous limestone landscape and we hope to highlight to people, at this small site here, is the start of the biggest river in Ireland,” she said.
Ms O’Connor said they were excited by the huge potential to develop the area in a sustainable, environmental and economical way, as well as highlighting the geology, mythology and stories of the Shannon.
The project was one of four selected to receive major funding from Fáilte Ireland and will receive more than €7m from the organisation, and a further €2.2m from Cavan County Council.
Paddy Matthews, Head of Operations for Ireland’s ‘Hidden Heartlands’ said that this project will “build up a cluster of new visitor experiences in the region”.
Mr Matthews said the project is about “regionalising tourism” and trying to spread the benefit to more communities.
That benefit, he estimated, will be worth an extra €30m in extra revenue and 600,000 additional visitors in the first ten years from when the new attraction opens.
Cavan County Council sees this as a significant investment in the broader region of Cavan and Fermanagh.
“It’s an opportunity for us to market everything we have to offer. It links the Shannon pot to the Cavan Burren, and the Marble Arch Caves over the border in County Fermanagh.
“It’s an opportunity to market and sell Cavan as an area for slow tourism, adventure tourism and a place just to get away from it all,” he said.
The sod was turned on the project by Minister of State Thomas Byrne.
It is expected that both the new Shannon Pot Discovery Centre and the treetop walk in the Cavan Burren will be open to the public in 18 months’ time.
