The Keepers Arms

Where People Rest, Relax & Return – Looking for a warm and welcoming traditional family run Bed & Breakfast with the addition of an Irish pub, that’s perfectly placed to explore the northwest of Ireland and where guests are top priority? Then look no further!

From the moment you step through the doors at The Keepers Arms, you will experience genuine Irish hospitality and will be made to feel very welcome. Our aim is to deliver such a fantastic customer service that everyone enjoys their time with us so much they return again and again.

The Keepers Arms is ideally positioned for all that the North West of Cavan & the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark has to offer. With its remarkable landscapes, rivers, lakes, acers of forest parks, rich culture, and heritage this really is one of Ireland’s undiscovered areas. Having hosted guests here for over 29 years, we will share with you the hidden gems that you can discover in this corner of Ireland, and with a little folklore thrown in.

Stay in one of our comfortable spacious ensuite bedrooms, with amazing countryside and heritage buildings. The guest rooms separate from the bar, all offer an ideal place to rest and relax and include all the facilities needed to make your stay perfect. After a great night’s sleep, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the light and airy dining room with a view out to the neighbour’s baby spring lambs in the field, before setting out for a day of exploring.

Choose from an extensive breakfast menu, with everything freshly cooked to order just as you like it. Whether you want the full Irish fry-up or something lighter, there is plenty to choose from and you definitely won’t go hungry!

When you return back at the end of a memorable day you can either escape to your room to kick back, unwind and plan your next day of exploring or you can spend some time in the traditional Keepers Arms bar. With its inviting atmosphere and local banter, you are guaranteed an authentic Irish pub experience!

You can relax over a pint of Guinness or your favourite glass of wine and if you are feeling hungry, you can choose from a varied menu of delicious home-made dished, all produced using locally sourced produce. If you are here on a Sunday you can enjoy one of our famous roast dinners with all the trimmings, especially the garlic potatoes!

At a glance:
• Ideally located to access the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and the wider Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark
• Traditional family run Irish pub
• The perfect base for exploring the northwest of Cavan and Fermanagh
• A fishing haven – famous for course and pike fishing
• Genuine Irish welcome, warmth and true hospitality
• Popular Keepers Arms bar menu serving a delicious selection of home-cooked meals
• Excellent guest reviews
• Spacious, comfortable guest rooms, separate from the bar
• Extensive breakfast menu using locally sourced produce
• Private guest parking with ample space
• Spacious storage and cold room for fishermen
• Perfect for walkers in the Geopark – The Cavan Burren, The Cavan Way, Goldenway Walks
• Close to the Shannon Erne Waterway

The Keepers Arms carries a depth of history that spans more than three centuries. Constructed in 1852 approximately, with local stone, this imposing building tells a story or two. Evidence of the fine craftsmanship can be noted in the facade of the Public House. The premises changed hands numerous times and has played host to a variety of functions over the past 150 years. Bryan and Sheila purchased the property in May 1991 with a view to creating a modern yet comfortable public house catering for a busy local and tourist trade. Plans were also in the pipeline to establish a guesthouse. A major refurbishment plan was put in place beginning with the bar area and upstairs, where the bedroom accommodation was increased to five. In 1994, two ensuite bedrooms were developed over the lounge area. Then in 1995/96 the main staircase area received a major overhaul. In October 1998 the old kitchen and dining area were demolished to make way for nine ensuite bedrooms, kitchen, dining and living area development. 2006 brought about restoring the old courthouse and the granary to its original stonework. 2009 outreach tutor for cookery for Cavan Monaghan Educational Board. 2012 extended our business to offering an outdoor catering service. This has been a dream turned to reality, with a lot of luck attached.

Facilities: 9 ensuite guest rooms with bar and food available.

How did the Business Sustainability Training Programme benefit you and your business?
The programme helped in so many ways, even showed what we were already doing!

What is the main sustainability focus of your business?
We looked at our energy – having records, have regular talks with our suppliers on price. We were made aware of waste reduction, composting, to be more efficient in our day to day workings of our business. We have changed the cleaning products used in our business to minimize the impact on the environment. We source local produced product. We employ local people. We promote our business on a local level and to communities in other counties we have forged links with.