Minister turns sod at Shannon Pot Discovery Centre Site, West Cavan

The sod has been turned on the new €10 million Shannon Pot Discovery Centre in, Derrylahan, West Cavan, an exciting new tourism attraction which will showcase the source of Ireland’s mightiest river, and tell the story of its geography, history, and mythology.

The project is being developed by Cavan County Council, which has received an award of €7.4 million in funding from Fáilte Ireland through its Platforms for Growth Investment Grants Scheme for Immersive Heritage and Cultural Attractions. A further €2.6 million in match funding will be provided by Cavan County Council from its own resources. The project is expected to drive over €30 million visitor spend and attract over 600,000 visitors by 2036, while creating 10 new jobs in the region as well as supporting many ancillary jobs and businesses in the region.

The attraction will incorporate an immersive visitor exhibition and interpretive space, along with reception, café, retail shop, public amenities, and a new 500-metre walking trail.

The project will also see development of new facilities at the nearby Cavan Burren Park including a unique sky walk through the trees, which will showcase the spectacular views around Ireland’s largest neolithic relict landscape, provision of an outdoor performance space, and increased parking facilities.

Both Cavan Burren Park and the Shannon Pot are key sites in Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, an internationally recognised area of outstanding geological and historical significance, which covers much of Counties Cavan and Fermanagh, and is jointly managed by Cavan County Council and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the world’s first cross-border Geopark.

The deep, ink-black waters of the 16-metre-wide Shannon Pot form the source of the Shannon, Ireland’s longest river, which starts out as a narrow stream and runs for 360km through 11 counties before entering the sea at the Shannon Estuary at a rate of more than 200,000 litres of water per second.

The Shannon Pot’s fame can be traced back to Irish mythology; legend has it that Sionnan, the granddaughter of the Celtic God of the Sea, Lír, came there in search of the Salmon of Knowledge. The great salmon was angered by the intrusion and caused the pool to overflow, drowning her. Thus, the Shannon was created and still bears her name.

Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council, Councillor TP O’Reilly said, “I am delighted to be here today as we commence the construction phase of this long-awaited tourism amenity for West Cavan and the border region. The Shannon is one of Europe’s most well-known and beloved waterways, and this ambitious project, combined with the wonderful new developments at Cavan Burren Park, will make this a must-visit attraction for visitors at home and abroad, and a source of sustainable commercial tourism opportunities for communities in the region.”

Turning the sod on the landmark tourism development, Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Thomas Byrne T.D. said:

“I am very pleased to turn the sod for the Shannon Pot Discovery Centre and Cavan Burren Park project here in Co. Cavan today. The investment of €10million from Fáilte Ireland and Cavan County Council will help enhance the tourism offering in Cavan and provide an excellent outdoor amenity for the local community. It will also encourage the spread of tourism across the region, inviting both domestic and international visitors to explore Cavan’s rich local heritage, which will benefit local businesses and communities in the region.”

Paddy Mathews, Head of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands at Fáilte Ireland said:

“Fáilte Ireland is committed to the sustainable development of unique visitor experiences and investing in standout attractions, particularly in regional areas. Today marks the beginning of the journey in developing a major new tourism amenity that will help transform the tourism offering in Co. Cavan. Shannon Pot and Cavan Burren Park are important parts of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, with so much potential to attract both international and domestic visitors. We look forward to working with Cavan County Council and the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark to create a truly immersive visitor experience that connects this destination’s local culture and heritage with its beautiful rural landscape and will encourage visitors to discover more, stay longer and explore the wider region.”

Chief Executive of Cavan County Council, Eoin Doyle said, “Today is a great moment for West Cavan, as we break ground on this world-class tourism facility. I want to acknowledge the support of Fáilte Ireland, which recognised the outstanding potential of both the Shannon Pot and Cavan Burren, and also the contribution of our local elected members who have provided the important match funds to allow us to pursue such an ambitious project. Finally, I want to acknowledge our own staff who have worked so hard with all stakeholders to put together what promises to be one of Ireland’s foremost heritage tourism attractions.

Estimated project completion time is 18 months, with both attractions expected to open to the public in early 2026.