Anyone looking to combine a stay with architecture and crafts will find several distinct points of interest in Mount Nugent: the Carraig Craft Visitor Centre, two churches with different building histories, a limestone bridge over a tributary of Lough Sheelin, and Lisnabrin House on the southern approach. The sights range from traditional crafts to buildings from different eras.
Crafts and churches
The Carraig Craft Visitor Centre in Mount Nugent is a museum with exhibitions on traditional basket weaving. Its focus on crafts offers a different perspective from the churches and historic buildings. Check the museum’s current opening arrangements before visiting.
St Bride's Church of Ireland Church in Mount Nugent is a Gothic Revival hall-and-tower church dating from 1804. Most of its historic features remain intact. The interior has also been altered only slightly and retains an excellent staircase, gallery, woodwork and other appealing features.
St Brigid's Roman Catholic Church has a different building history: the detached Roman Catholic church, with its T-shaped plan, was built around 1820. Its Gothic Revival chancel and sacristy extensions date from around 1890. The decorative ceiling design probably dates from the late 19th century. The site therefore offers a chance to see different architectural forms and several phases of church history without confusing the two buildings.
Bridge and historic house
The four-arch limestone road bridge in Mount Nugent was built around 1750 and crosses a tributary of Lough Sheelin. Its multiple arches, robust construction, rustic cutwaters and substantial wing walls contribute to its picturesque appearance; the bridge also forms part of the approach to the village. As an example of a bridge type that is now relatively rare, it combines a distinctive design with its waterside location.
Lisnabrin House, a historic building that has retained its traditional form, stands on the southern approach to Mount Nugent. Its surviving sash windows and striking porch contribute to the character and charm of the house. These finer architectural details complement the larger structures in the village.
More destinations in County Cavan
County Cavan also offers distinctive landscapes for broader trip planning. The Cavan Way is 21.7 km long and connects Dowra and Blacklion. Its route passes along rural and riverside paths, quiet roads, karst terrain and open bogland. Killykeen Forest Park is located around the Lough Oughter lake system; it has accessible walking trails and a family cycling route.
The Killeshandra Lake and Forest Walk in County Cavan is a 6 km waymarked trail suitable for a family outing. The associated map was last updated in 2021; check current local conditions before setting out. The two trails differ in length: the Cavan Way is 21.7 km, while the Killeshandra Lake and Forest Walk is 6 km.
Discover more destinations: Loch Gowna, Blacklion, Cavan, Swanlinbar, Lavagh, Ballyconnell, Mullagh, Corlough.
For the broader travel overview: County Cavan.
