If you’re looking for somewhere genuinely different to spend a few nights in Ireland, Cabü by the Lakes in County Cavan might just be the place you’ve been searching for. Tucked into the landscape along the shores of Lough Oughter, this collection of striking lakeside cabins has been turning heads since it opened, and for good reason.
The setting alone is worth the trip. Cavan’s lakelands are seriously underrated as a destination, and Cabü makes the most of every inch of the surroundings. The cabins are positioned to give guests the feeling that they’ve completely escaped, with water views, dense woodland and a quietness that’s hard to find anywhere close to a main road. It genuinely feels remote without actually being miles from anywhere useful.
The cabins themselves are the real talking point. They are architecturally bold, which is not something you say about Irish accommodation very often. Clean lines, floor-to-ceiling glass, timber finishes and smart interiors that manage to feel warm rather than cold or overly designed. Each cabin has its own outdoor space, and sitting out in the evening watching the light drop over the lake is the kind of simple pleasure that makes you wonder why you don’t do this sort of thing more often.
Inside, everything is well thought out. The beds are comfortable, the bathrooms are well finished, and there’s enough kitchen equipment to self-cater if you want to. The whole place has a Scandinavian feel to it, which suits the landscape surprisingly well. It doesn’t try to be a luxury hotel in the traditional sense, and that works in its favour. The vibe is relaxed, unhurried and genuinely restorative.
One of the things that makes Cabü stand out is how it handles the balance between comfort and nature. You’re not roughing it by any stretch, but you’re also not sealed off from the outdoors behind thick curtains and air conditioning. The design pulls the outside in, and guests are encouraged to actually use the landscape rather than just look at it through a window.
There are kayaks and paddleboards available, and getting out on the water is absolutely worth doing. The lough system around Cavan is stunning from the water level, and even a short paddle gives you a completely different perspective on the area. Cycling routes are also accessible from the property, and the surrounding countryside is quiet enough to make it genuinely enjoyable rather than stressful.
Food options on site are decent, and the team running the place clearly care about what they’re doing. The service throughout has been noted by guests as friendly and helpful without being intrusive, which is exactly the right tone for this kind of retreat. Nobody wants to feel like they’re being managed when they’ve come somewhere specifically to switch off.
Cavan as a county doesn’t always get the credit it deserves from Irish tourists, many of whom tend to head west by default when they want scenery and space. But the lakelands offer something genuinely special, and Cabü has tapped into that in a way that feels authentic rather than forced. It isn’t trying to compete with coastal destinations by pretending to be something it’s not. It leans into what Cavan actually has, and the result is a place with a real sense of identity.
Prices are on the higher end for a self-catering cabin stay, but given the quality of the accommodation and the setting, most guests seem to feel it’s worth it. It’s the kind of place that works well for couples looking for a proper break, but the larger cabins also suit small groups or families who want space without chaos.
If you haven’t considered Cavan for a short break before, Cabü by the Lakes is a pretty compelling reason to start.
honestly looks incredible, might have to drag the missus over there for a weekend. Ireland always delivers with scenery like that.