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After months of high-pressure work, PR professional and lifestyle influencer Rob Kenny and his partner chose a short break focused on recovery rather than sightseeing. Their three-night stay at CABÜ by the Lakes in County Cavan offered a quiet reset and a chance to slow down.
A deliberately slow weekend
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Set among the woods and waterways of Killykeen, CABÜ balances clean design with a relaxed, informal feel. The new two-storey cabins feel modern without being showy, and stepping inside brought an immediate sense of calm.
Small details mattered. A private hot tub, a warm fireplace and a layout that encourages lingering made it easy to leave screens aside. The accommodation seemed to invite simple rituals: cook, sleep, soak, sit by the fire.
How we spent our time
Rather than racing between attractions, the couple focused on slow activities. Long walks through forest trails and around the lakes filled whole afternoons. There were stretches of comfortable silence, interspersed with good conversation.
On-site options meant they could choose social evenings or quiet nights in. CABÜ has a bar and restaurant for guests who want to eat out, but for this stay the pair preferred to cook. A small shop on the grounds covers forgotten items or treats, while a full supermarket stop in Virginia before arrival proved essential.
Beyond the cabin, quieter experiences stood out. A private Japanese bath tucked under the trees offered deep privacy and stillness, and the venue arranges local therapists for massage treatments. The team also organised a lake boat tour, a gentle way to take in the scenery—weather permitting.
Practical tips for visitors
There are a few practicalities worth noting before booking. CABÜ operates on a minimum stay basis: three-night bookings are required. The best value comes from stocking up before you arrive; having groceries on hand turns a cabin into a real retreat.
Some experiences — the Japanese bath and certain treatments — are easiest to secure by booking ahead. For outdoor activities such as the boat trip, check wind conditions first. And while the site includes a small convenience store, it is not a substitute for the main supermarket run.
Verdict
The weekend was simple in execution but effective in result. With a combination of nature, warmth and low expectations, Kenny says the break felt restorative: he and his partner returned to Dublin feeling calmer and more like themselves.
CABÜ will suit people seeking a restorative pause as much as those after stylish, comfortable accommodation with on-site social options. For this reviewer, the strongest asset was the permission it gives visitors to stop doing and start resting.
The details
Rob Kenny was invited to CABÜ by the Lakes as a press guest for the purpose of this review. A typical three-night stay at the venue ranges from approximately €685 to €1,050, depending on the cabin type.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.
