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Ten years after saying their vows at Cavan Cathedral, journalist Glenn Kelly and his wife returned to Farnham Estate Resort and Spa — this time as invited guests for a review stay. The visit mixed personal memory with a fresh look at the hotel’s rooms, spa facilities and nearby attractions.
A personal return to Farnham
Driving up the tree-lined avenue felt like stepping into a photograph. The 16th-century estate still carries its formal charm, and familiar sights quickly stirred memories from the wedding day.
Staff at reception were warm and efficient, offering the same easy hospitality the couple remembered. Their suite felt more like an apartment: Room 304 included a separate living area, a master bedroom with a dressing space, and a large bathroom with a freestanding bath overlooking grazing cows in the adjacent fields.
Rooms and the spa
The accommodation across the newer wings of the estate blends contemporary comforts with the property’s historic character. The couple said the modern rooms manage to retain a sense of charm without sacrificing amenities.
The spa visit was calm and restorative. The pool area remains a highlight, with indoor and outdoor sections that connect seamlessly. The outdoor heated section in particular was a pleasant place to sit in cool spring air.
The pool is adult-only, which helps preserve the quiet atmosphere. It can be busy at peak times, and loungers may be scarce on arrival days. The sauna and steam room off the pool, however, looked unchanged from a decade ago and could benefit from refurbishment to match the standards of some leading spa hotels, such as those in the Galgorm group.
New dining: Cedars Steakhouse
One notable change since the wedding is the arrival of Cedars Steakhouse. Housed in an old cut-stone building that once accommodated estate managers, the restaurant takes its name from the prominent Cedar of Lebanon on the front lawn.
The meal impressed. Both diners chose steaks cooked to their liking, and staff offered helpful wine suggestions, including a Marlborough Sauvignon. The standout dish for Kelly’s wife was a dulce de leche cheesecake with pecans — a dessert she described as memorable.
Lakeside activities and history
On the second day the couple left the estate for a short drive to the Cavan Adventure Centre, about 20 minutes away. The facility, set amid the county’s network of lakes, offers kayaking, canoeing and boat tours and says sustainability is central to its operation.
The centre also welcomes school groups throughout the year. For their visit the pair joined a guided boat tour led by a guide named Fergal, whose commentary covered birds, fishing and local history. Calm waters and several continental visitors underscored the area’s appeal to overseas anglers, particularly those after pike.
The tour reached a small island where Clough Oughter Castle stands. Accessible only by boat, the largely intact 13th-century ruin carries a long history of local significance. The guide’s on-site commentary added context to the visit. The attraction is due to see further development, including an expanded programme of activities aimed at families.
Cavan town and People’s restaurant
For their final evening they drove into Cavan town. Before dinner they returned briefly to Cavan Cathedral, where they had married, pausing for a photograph and some reflection on the day.
Their dinner at People’s was busy even on a Monday night, a sign that advance booking is advisable. Dishes that stood out included a ginger-beer fish and chips and pork belly starters described as tender. Dessert choices — a brownie with honeycomb ice cream — also received praise. The restaurant’s owner, Lubo, mentioned he operates another venue in Navan.
Practical details
Rates and bookings mentioned by the reviewer: a two-night B&B stay for two at Farnham Estate Resort and Spa starts from €300; the Farnham Estate website is farnhamestate.ie. Boat tours at the Cavan Adventure Centre start from €39 per adult; cavanadventure.ie. People’s restaurant can be booked at peoples.ie. Other nearby hotels include Slieve Russell and Hotel Kilmore.
Journalist Glenn Kelly was invited to stay at the Farnham Estate Resort for the purpose of review.
RTÉ Lifestyle reviews are independent. Accommodation was provided by Farnham Estate. This article was updated to reflect this on 28/05/2026.
