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What if the future of rural enterprise was sitting beside the milk dispenser in your local shop? As Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) celebrates 30 years of supporting innovation, enterprise and community development across County Cavan, the story of Cavan farmer Ben Tierney demonstrates how rural entrepreneurs are embracing new ideas to overcome traditional challenges and create sustainable businesses. AI generated image Recently featured on RTÉ Radio 1's Countrywide, Be

Woodcarving classes in Dowra and Belturbet this July are bringing opportunities to people in rural and disadvantaged communities (as defined by the Pobal Deprivation Maps) to learn tradition skills, many for the first time, in a friendly and encouraging environment. The summer school has also sought to engage 18-25 year-olds as a target group alongside other adults. Under the guidance of tutor Joey Burns, participants are creating woodcarvings of quality and the goal of the s

Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) was proudly represented at the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) pre‑budget event in Buswells, Dublin, as community leaders and politicians gathered to highlight the importance of sustained investment in Ireland’s communities. The event centred on the LDCN’s submission, “Invest in the Ambition – Delivering on the Vision of Stronger Communities and a Fairer Ireland,” bringing into sharp focus the vital role local development compa

What happens when creativity, community spirit, and inclusion come together in one place? On Friday, 10 July 2026, Belturbet will provide the answer—through an inspiring, family-focused celebration of co. Cavan National Play Day 2026 that highlights the power of play to shape brighter futures. Cavan Local Development (CCLD) is proud to host “Every Little Hand Can Change the World – Play For All”, a free community event taking place at the Belturbet Goods Store from 14:00 to 1

Communities across Ireland are being called to take a powerful step forward this September—and in Cavan, that call is already being answered. At the recent launch of the National Alzheimer Memory Walk at the Aviva Stadium, strong representation from Cavan highlighted the county’s ongoing commitment to supporting individuals and families living with dementia. With participation from local community leaders, including Iris O’Callaghan of CCLD and Carole Beattie, Chair of the Ca

On June 23rd, the Cavan Crystal Hotel became a launchpad for ambition, as Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) welcomed a full room of aspiring entrepreneurs to a dynamic information and networking seminar designed to turn ideas into enterprise. Great attendance by aspiring entrepreneurs from the Ukrainian community in Cavan. From the outset, the energy in the room signalled something significant: individuals from across County Cavan—many currently out of work or in part-tim

Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) is happy to have supported the networking event, held Friday 5th of June, designed to bring together community organisations, services, and groups from across the region to share ideas, build relationships, and explore ways of supporting local communities on a budget. “Knowing Me Knowing You – Connecting on a Budget” took place on Friday, 5th June 2026, from 10:00am to 1:00pm at Gallonray House, Madabawn, County Cavan (H16 X409). This eve

No experience required. Tools and wood provided. Come along and enjoy the craic under the guidance of tutor Joey Burns. When : Tuesday and Wednesdays in July Where - Belturbet Men's Shed or Dowra Men's Shed (Doobally Hall) Cost - Membership fees of the men's Shed and refreshments €30. How to book - contact Sandy Holland sholland@ccld.ie 087 6664108 or apply online at [https://forms.office.com/e/vZV4h0UAsp](https://forms.office.com/e/vZV4h0UAsp?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZB

Thinking About Starting Your Own Business? Have you ever considered becoming your own boss but weren’t sure where to begin? Whether you have a business idea already taking shape or are simply exploring self-employment as a future option, this free event is designed to help you understand the supports, guidance and opportunities available to you. Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) is delighted to invite anyone interested in starting a business to attend A to Z Start Your Ow

Womens Intro To Lawn Bowls for adults 50+: 6 week programme begins next week on Wednesday 17th of June at 10am-11am at Cavan Leisure Centre H12 Y9W4, the cost is 30 euro. To Book: https://cavansportspartnership.ie/event/womens-intro-to-lawn-bowls-age50/ Learn To Swim Adults, Beginner: 6 week programme begins Friday 10th of July at8am at Cavan Leisure Centre H12 Y9W4, the cost is 30 euro. To Book:https://scanner.topsec.com/?d=1281&r=show&u=https%3A%2F%2Feventmaster.ie%2Fevent

WorkAbility staff recently had the opportunity to visit the Accessibility Discovery Centre at Google. The visit provided valuable insights into how technology can be designed to be more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. Staff explored a range of innovative tools and features that support communication, mobility, learning, and independent living. The experience highlighted the importance of accessible design and demonstrated how technology can remove barri

Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) is proud to be part of a powerful new national movement that is using creativity to support wellbeing, challenge stigma, and amplify lived experience. The Traveller Wellbeing Through Creativity Programme (TWTC) is opening new pathways for expression and inclusion—placing Traveller voices at the centre of the story. Delivered in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Arts Council, Creative Ireland and Healthy Ireland, und

Sandy Holland, who organised the training said "It is an important support to give the Group to fulfill the requirements of their Insurance Policy and to give the Group scope to expand their programme of activities over the next year". The Certificate gained is also useful for people in their employment, on the farm and in everyday life. The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Co

Students at St Mogue’s College in West Cavan have been taking part in a series of workshops designed to help build confidence in writing skills. The ‘Words to Music’ programme, delivered by Sandy Holland of Cavan County Local Development (CCLD), uses writing song lyrics to make the process enjoyable and inclusive. The students also contributed to the writing of the music and decided to have a go at singing their composition themselves. Sandy explains ”There is real value in l

A significant boost for adult education and community development in County Cavan was marked with the official opening of the new Adult Guidance CMETB building at St Augustine’s — a development set to enhance opportunities for learners and strengthen regional support services. Staff from Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) were delighted to attend the event, which offered a first look at the modern, purpose-built facilities designed to support individuals at all stages of t

A quiet but powerful transformation is taking place every week in community centres across County Cavan. From Kingscourt to Belturbet, from Virginia to Cavan Town, people are coming together not just to learn English, but to build confidence, connection and opportunity. These Fáilte Isteach English Conversational Classes, supported and coordinated by Cavan County Local Development (CCLD), are proving that accessible, local learning can have a lasting impact on individuals and

We are pleased to announce that Bruse Hill Trail in Coronea, Arvagh will benefit from this latest funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. The funding will go towards improving the trail, enhancing the overall experience for walkers. #EmbracingIrelandsOutdoors Cavan Cavan County Council

We are delighted to invite community groups to take part in our Family Day event to mark World Refugee Day on 20 June 2026 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Cavan Rugby Club. This special event is all about bringing communities together to celebrate the many cultures, traditions, and talents that make our area so vibrant and diverse. We would love for groups to share something from their culture or community, such as: Traditional food Music and dance Cultural clothing Arts and

Generation Nature’ is a 30-hour, cross-border programme designed for 15 –16-year-olds in the Fermanagh Cavan region. The programme supports a generation to speak up and care for nature, together by combining hands-on conservation, youth voice, and practical leadership in real local places. Click here to see full leaflet.