CABÜ by the Lakes is one of those rare places where it really doesn’t matter if it rains and in Ireland, a country where the nation is undeniably obsessed with the weather, that’s really refreshing.
You might think two dreary grey days with an 18-month-old is a recipe for disaster (that exact thought may have fleetingly crossed my mind when checking the forecast in the days before we left) but when you’re staying in a woodland retreat built in a special area of conversation, it’s not. Then it’s pure magic.
Our little boy is very much in his animal era, so when he saw a rabbit bouncing along the path in front of us and a red squirrel flitting from one tree to the next, it blew his tiny mind.
The sense of wonder this gave him was a joy for us as parents and it highlighted just how special the setting of CABÜ is, nestled deep in the heart of Killykeen Forest Park on the lakes of Cavan’s Lough Oughter.
The luxury log cabins are straight out of a glossy magazine spread with wood burner stoves, sofas you can sink into (warning – you won’t want to get up), hotel grade beds, rattan furniture, and floor to ceiling windows that showcase the stunning forest views.
Discover CABÜ by the Lakes
We stayed for two nights in a three bed barnhouse cabin and there were a few things that stood out for us which I would highlight as helpful for fellow mums and dads. You can book a cot or highchair if you need it and they will be set up in your cabin ahead of checking in. As parents know, travelling with kids means multiple lists (where despite best laid plans you inevitably forget something) but with an on-site shop and a fully equipped kitchen, the stress is somewhat removed.
It also means that you can cater for fussy eaters by cooking and having all the comforts of home but in a stunning location. Every last detail is thought of to the point that if you wanted to bake a loaf of bread, you could using the bread tin provided, and if you didn’t have the inclination to redecorate your home you might after visiting the cabins!
CABÜ is dog friendly with designated cabins for furry friends who are in their element with lots of new places to explore. As a dog owner when you go away, you need to have someone to look after your pup but the beauty of CABÜ by the Lakes is that they can come along for the trip too.
We brought our five-year-old King Charles Cavalier and from the specifically built dog wash station to the staff who clearly all adore dogs, it was so easy from start to finish. Pups can get involved in the activities too from walks along the lakeside to getting pulled along in a cycle trailer so whether you’re bringing kids, dogs or both, you can take advantage of everything Cabü has to offer.
Enjoy a family motorboat ride departing from CABÜ’s private jetty with unrivalled views of Cloughoughter Island or get out on the bikes where kids can ride happily (and safely) in a children’s cycle trailer attached to their parent or caregiver’s bike. They’re secured with safety harnesses and it’s a brilliant way to see the scenic loops and nature trails dotted around the forest. You’ll get a map with lots of different options depending on how long you want to cycle for (or how long the kids will let you!), and it was one of our favourite parts of the trip.
Make sure you tag team for childcare so you can take turns for a sauna and or a hot tub session, you get one complimentary with your stay. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds of the forest around you – the rustle of leaves, birds flitting from branch to branch on the towering spruce trees, and breathe in the fresh, fresh, air – it’s an experience like no other.
Then comes nap time where (and please allow me to set the scene) a toddler sleeps soundly and you’re curled up under a cosy blanket with a steaming cup of coffee soaking up the forest views through the full-length windows – akin to a weekend spa break for an exhausted parent. The Bothy at The Boathouse is open from 8am where you can treat yourself to fresh pastries (I recommend the pistachio croissant) and a Badger & Dodo coffee, daily parenting essentials in my book. It’s worth noting that the coffee is from a push button machine so if you’re fussy about the perfect brew then it might be wise to pack an AeroPress or moka pot so you can make multiple cups from the comfort of your cabin.
In the evening, walk over to the Sitooterie where they serve charcuterie boards, cocktails, soft drinks, beers, wine and snacks. Think cosy couches with comfortable throws, pretty lights bedecking the ceiling, and the opportunity to toast marshmallows over the aesthetically pleasing fire tables. If you’d rather stay in, the cabins have classic board game and competitive quiz cards to keep you occupied when the kids are in bed.
CABÜ was the perfect place to switch off and enjoy time together as a family in what can only be described as idyllic surroundings. As parents balancing full time work, busy commutes, house renovations and lots of other commitments, this was the perfect place to press pause on the chaotic pace of real life for a little while. It’s an idyllic hideaway where you can cosy up with your favourite people and simply breathe.
Whether it’s a curious toddler wobbling on unsteady legs or bigger kids eager to explore nature and play outdoors, CABÜ by the Lakes has an appeal for all ages – bring the baby, add the grandparents, convince the teenagers, rope in your friends. You can make it your own and that’s the beauty of this lakeside retreat.
When checking out, the people ahead of us spoke of how it was their second time to visit. They were upset to leave the first time, came back for a second go and said they love it so much that from now it’s going to be an annual trip… you don’t get a better recommendation than that! I was very intrigued to learn that CABÜ has two further locations, CABÜ by the Sea in St. Mary’s Bay, Kent and soon a third cabin escape in The Cotswolds. Whether you’re a fan of forest adventures, a sea and sand worshipper or keen to visit the charming villages of Oxfordshire, there’s a CABÜ sure to suit your taste.
Two-night stays start from €485 for a one-bed cabin, €585 for a two-bed cabin and €650 for a three-bed cabin. Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is 10am with late checkout options available. This writer stayed in Cabü on a press trip.
