There is a particular kind of Irish escape that feels both deeply rooted and quietly indulgent, where mossy forest paths meet well-designed cabins, and the only schedule worth keeping is when to light the barbecue or pour the next glass of Prosecco. CABÜ by the Lakes, hidden deep within Killykeen Forest Park in County Cavan, is exactly that kind of place.
We arrived as a joyful convoy of fifteen, adults, children and one very content dog, ready for a two-night break that promised fresh air, lake views and a little luxury without pretension. CABÜ’s woodland setting immediately works its magic. Log cabins and lake houses are scattered discreetly among the trees, creating a sense of privacy and calm while still feeling part of a shared retreat. We stayed across four cabins, ranging from cosy one-bedroom hideaways to generous three-bedroom lodges, each beautifully designed and thoughtfully equipped.
The rhythm of our stay quickly became deliciously simple. Days were spent outdoors, evenings around the grill. Each cabin comes with its own barbecue, so we took turns hosting relaxed dinners, sausages sizzling, children darting between decks, the dog stationed hopefully beneath the table. As twilight settled over the forest, the smell of woodsmoke drifted through the trees and conversations stretched long into the evening.
CABÜ lies directly on the shores of Lough Oughter, at the heart of Ireland’s lake district, and the water is very much the star of the show. With access from a private jetty, we spent a blissful day out on the lake by boat, skimming across still waters framed by reeds and ancient woodland. Kayaking offered a quieter way to explore, gliding through the complex system of lakes and rivers that makes this area so special. It’s easy to see why anglers, birdwatchers and nature lovers return again and again.
Back on land, Killykeen Forest Park provided endless opportunities for gentle adventure. We wandered along forest trails, the children collecting sticks and stories, while the adults leaned into the increasingly popular art of forest bathing—slowing down, breathing deeply, letting the woods do their work. Bikes are available for those keen to explore further, though we found that wandering without agenda was pleasure enough.
At the heart of CABÜ is the central CABÜ House, a quietly efficient hub where you can pick up groceries, organise excursions or learn about their “hoogai” philosophy,a forest-inspired way of living well, rooted in comfort, connection and nature. Nearby, The Sitooterie became our communal living room. With its inviting fire tables, it’s a place designed for lingering: reading a book, sharing a drink, or toasting marshmallows for impromptu s’mores as the night deepens.
And then there were the hot tubs. Tucked beside the cabins, surrounded by trees, they became our evening ritual. Glasses of Prosecco in hand, steam rising into the cool night air, we soaked beneath the stars while the forest hummed quietly around us.
CABÜ by the Lakes manages something rare: a retreat that feels equally suited to families, friends and four-legged companions, without ever compromising on style or serenity. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, with each other, and with the simple pleasure of doing very little, very well.
…And after all of that bliss , the forest walks, the kayaks slicing through glassy water, the communal BBQ feasts and evenings spent in hot tubs with Prosecco ,it’s worth knowing just how this kind of magic is priced.
CABÜ by the Lakes operates on a minimum two-night stay, with prices for a two-night break starting at around €350 for two people sharing a cabin. That roughly equates to about €175 per person for the full 48-hour escape, though larger cabins and peak-season dates can push that figure higher , especially for bigger groups or premium lodges.
But in return? Two nights of idyllic lakeside living, woodland adventures, lakeside boating and plenty of shared laughs under the Irish sky, memories worth every cent.
