Cuilcagh Cafe opens at Trivia House in Swanlinbar

“Following the closure of the post office and all the bad publicity we have had recently, I think today just shows that the people of Swanlinbar will not take things lying down. We are determined to be one the main-stays in west Cavan, as we were in times gone by. There is great community spirit, great people.”
Those were the words of Tony McGovern, chair of the Swanlinbar Development Association, at the opening of the new Cuilcagh Cafe at Trivia House and the adjoining Community Garden last Saturday.
Minister for Enterprise and Development, Heather Humphreys, was on hand to officially open the new facilities.
The coffee shop is manned and run by volunteers and is open on Saturdays and Sundays. Produce grown in the tunnel in the community garden will be served in the coffee shop and new signage has also been erected in the village to promote the facilities.

 

Invest in tourism
Before handing over to the Minister to perform the honours, Mr McGovern urged her and her Government to invest in tourism facilities in the area.
“We are hugely fortunate to live in an area of unspoilt natural beauty, which has huge potential for development as a tourist destination. With the continued support of the fantastic community here in Swanlinbar and the progressive support of Cavan County Council, other development and Government agencies and any other agencies from which we can avail of funding, we look forward to building on the success achieved here today,” he implored.
Mr McGovern told all those gathered that “Cuilcagh Cafe is a fabulous community facility”.
Minister Humphreys said that the opening of the Cuilcagh Board Walk had brought increased footfall and new opportunities to the area.
She also noted the Government’s ongoing support of Trivia House - such as €18,000 in CLÁR funding in 2017 for parking facilities; and a further €37,000 under the under the Town and Village Renewal scheme for the new coffee shop and the community garden.
“I was delighted to hear that the Development Association plans don’t stop here for Trivia House and that your long-term vision involves developing a hostel facility. You can be sure of my support and the Oireachtas members in terms of progressing that further,” pledged Minister Humphreys.
The community co-ordinator for the Swanlinbar Community Development Association, Sharon Howe,Ms Howe said funding had been acquired from LEADER to do a feasibility study with a view of turning the remainder of the house into a hostel.
Speaking to The Anglo-Celt after the official opening, Mr McGovern said: “Today’s event heralds the start of a new Swanlinbar. We hope to increase tourism potential in the area and hopefully now apply for funding for a hostel accommodation.”
He pointed out that people are looking for cheaper accommodation in West Cavan. “In the late 1840s, I believe Swanlinbar was the hub of the country for tourism and the hotels attracted the members of Dáil Éireann, who used to adjourn down here for the Summer to partake of the Spa waters. Jonathan Swift was a frequent visitor here and it is understood that he got his inspiration here for ‘Gulliver’s Travels’,” contended Mr McGovern.

Childcare facilities
Serena Prior told the Celt that they are also endeavouring to establish a mother and toddler group.
“We would love to have after-school care facilities here as well. We would also love to get CLÁR funding to put a playground into our school. We have a playground, which is accessed by steps, but we would like to see a ramp put in place for easier access,” she said.
Aisling McGoldrick, secretary of the Development Association, said it is important to continue with new initiatives.
“We have a fantastic community here. We are in a fabulous location, We need to look to the positives and we need to go from there,” she said.