Cabu Cabins Review: The Perfect Forest Escape in Cavan
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We're currently enjoying our second stay at Cabu Cabins in Cavan, and I think we've found our perfect spot for switching off. After spending both a November weekend and the start of January 2025 here, I wanted to share our experience for anyone considering a stay.
Cabin 2 in the frost
The Cabins
We've tried both a two-bed loft cabin and a three-bed lakehouse cabin. They're pretty similar in style - think wood, glass, and really good log burners. The interiors are lovely without being precious; you can actually relax without worrying about ruining anything.
Interior living spaces at Cabu
The kitchens are properly equipped with pots, pans, cutlery and utensils - but be warned there are no microwaves or dishwashers. Nice touches include handthrown pottery plates and dishes (which you can buy in the shop if you fall in love with them), and enamel plates and cups for picnics but that ended up being perfect for the kids. They also provide tea bags, washing up liquid, salt and pepper, toilet tissue, hand soap etc. The beds have crisp white linen and are decent enough, though if you're used to a super king at home, you might find the 4'6" doubles a bit cozy. Bathrooms are fine but basic - definitely the least exciting part of the cabins.
The vibe is definitely cocktails and board games - each cabin comes with cocktail shakers and proper glassware. The comfy seating in the living area has Loaf sofas and a wood burning stove. You can have logs delivered to your door for a very reasonable price.
Day-to-Day Life
Our days here fell into an easy rhythm. Long walks in Killykeen Forest Park (lots of small loops and random distractions for the kids), reading by the fire, board games and jigsaws. The WiFi works well too.
The Lake at Cabu
The Sitooterie
This became our favorite spot outside the cabin - it's a large covered area with a massive wood-burning stove and plenty of comfortable seating. The Cabin Club serves drinks and small snacks here, and there are giant versions of games like Connect Four and Jenga. Perfect for post-walk hot whiskeys (and other drinks from the full cocktail menu), especially on frosty days.
The Sitooterie
Games and cocktails at the Sitooterie
Cabin Club at Cabu
The absolute highlight for the kids (and secretly for us too) was roasting s'mores over the fire tables. You can buy s'mores kits from Cabu Corner, and it turned out to be the perfect solution - the kids stayed happily occupied with their marshmallow-roasting mission while we enjoyed our cocktails in peace. Win-win!
s'mores at the fire tables
Food & Drink
Cabu Corner shop stocks the basics plus some fancy bits - milk, butter, pizzas, ready meals, croissants, meat, and cheese. You could cobble together a meal from what's there, but it's better to come prepared with your main food supplies. The coffee situation could be better - whether you're at Cabu Corner or down at the boathouse, it's from a push button coffee machine and honestly isn't amazing. If you're particular about your coffee, bring your own setup.
Some of the food offerings inside Cabu Corner shop
All the homewares from the cabins are available in the Cabu Shop
The Cabu shop also sells gorgeous high-end homewares and lots of pinterest friendly (albeit pricey!) toys.
Maileg mice at Cabu Corner
Our kids managed to sweet talk their grandmother into their first Maileg mice here!
Indoor Life
Hot whiskey by the stove
The beauty of Cabu is embracing slower-paced entertainment. We spent hours around the cabin table with:
- Board games (Scrabble and Splendor were our favorites)
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Family games (Guess Who, Can You Find It First)
- Simple card games (we had this set with Old Maid, Go Fish, and Snap)
- OK Play (perfect for cabin life)
- Magnet Chess - a firm favourite in our house
The cabins feel made for this kind of entertainment - there's plenty of table space, good lighting, and something about being in the forest makes everyone happy to slow down and play.
Outdoor Activities
If you do want to venture out, there's plenty available:
- Boat trips (we visited a ruined castle on an island)
- Kayaks and paddle boards for hire (with wetsuits and life jackets)
- Bikes (with child seats and trailers)
- Hot tubs and a spa
- Forest walks
Forest walks
Hot tubs at night
Boat trip to a ruined castle
But honestly, we found ourselves doing less rather than more, and that felt exactly right.
What to Bring
For Everyone
- Main food supplies for your stay
- Drinks (alcohol is available to purchase in Cabu Corner)
- Coffee setup if you're fussy
- Favorite board games and jigsaws (though playing whatever you find in the cabin can be part of the fun)
- Warm clothes for walks
- Waterproofs
- Wellies or walking boots - we use the kids snow boots
- Cozy stuff for cabin time
- Torch for evening walks
- Swimming gear if you're planning to use the hot tubs
For Families
- Kinoculars were perfect for our three-year-old for wildlife spotting
- Big kid binoculars worked well for our five-year-old
- Walk in the Woods books turned our forest walks into treasure hunts. They're pocket-sized guides with over 140 things to spot and collect points for - everything from fungi to flowers, birds to badgers. Great for getting the kids engaged with nature (and away from screens). They can even claim a certificate when they hit 1000 points
- Card games: Old Maid, Go Fish, and Snap were big hits around the cabin table
- Board games - check out our list above
- Favorite bedtime books
- Toys: we never travel far without our trusty zipped bags of lego, sylvanian families and colouring supplies
Worth Noting
- The shop is handy for topping up but not for full catering
- Staff are lovely - helpful but not hovering
- It's properly dog-friendly
- There is very limited catering on site (small charcuterie/cheese plates)
The Verdict
We've already booked to go back, which probably says it all. Cabu is the kind of place where you can properly switch off. Yes, the bathrooms can be chilly and the coffee could be better, but for a few days of real relaxation in beautiful surroundings, it delivers.
Cabin at sunset
Note: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
