Hotel review: These cabins are some of the most striking accommodation in the country
There’s a lovely vibe at Cabü by the Lakes
Cabü by the Lakes in Co. Cavan
Sun, 16 Aug, 2026 - 17:33
Thom Breathnach
Cabü by the Lakes
Killykeen, Co. Cavan
Our rating: 9/10
Location
One of the Cabins at Cabü by the Lakes
Could any accommodation epitomise Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands more than perennially cool Cabü? Nestled within Cavan’s under-hyped lakelands (and indeed woodlands) and enveloped by Killykeen Forest Park, this wholesome, rustic cabin resort offers the ultimate alternative retreat to Ireland’s more touristed coasts. There’s a grounding allure to the setting and many of Cabü’s guests don’t venture far beyond its environs after checking in. And whether you land during a lush summer, ambient autumn, or cosy winter, it truly makes an all-season delight to visit.
9/10
Style and design
Launched in 2020, during the peak era of the social media aesthetic, today Cabü continues to mature into its sylvan setting.
A stylish reception building loaded with cool furniture and retro fishing memorabilia sets the tone of wilderness chic. Expect colour, warmth, and texture throughout the resort, from fire pits and fir prints to tartans and sheepskin throws.
Interestingly, Cabü’s original two dozen cabins and lake houses were actually fashioned from existing Coillte showhouses created by the Office of Public Works to highlight the usages of Irish timber, but in their current evolution they make some of the most striking accommodation in the country.
9/10
Service
The sitooterie at Cabü.
There’s a lovely vibe at Cabü. A slight delay in check-in after a long drive is always a disappointment, but we’re immediately offered a complimentary coffee from the Cabü Store which, enjoyed in the sitooterie, offered a welcome unwind before soon unpacking.
Given its rural setting, I was quite taken by the largely younger team of staff who were consistently friendly, personable, generous with their time, and indeed nature-savvy. It was nice to chat about daily wildlife sightings — from pine martens to red squirrels and crested grebes — with various members of the team.
9/10
Guest rooms
Cabü makes for a particularly charming, earthy escape.
New to the offering this season are Cabü’s barnhouses and woodland cabins which complement the existing cabins. The new set-up is impressive, looking, almost like some Canadian residential utopia, and while the exterior landscaping appeared stark in late spring, it has already greened up impressively during the summer season. The barnhouses sleep up to six and are noteworthy for their unique selling point of a private hot-tub on each overlooking the lakes; while the new woodland cabins, where I stayed, offer more intimate spaces for smaller gatherings.
While lacking the character of the (I must say absolutely gorgeous) original cabins, the woodland cabins retain many of the hallmarks of their neighbours with characterful, cosy interiors. There are a couple of design issues; rustic sliding doors in bedrooms and bathrooms would absorb little noise (should two couples, for instance, be staying together) and bedroom space is limited and a little dark. However, this is cabin living, and whether curled up by the log fire or tucked into a very comfy leaba, it does make for a particularly charming, earthy escape.
8.5/10
In-room perks
The rustic character of the rooms at Cabü.
Cabins are self-catering and there is little in the line of perks, but they do feature one night’s supply of wood, some kitchen basics, and products from the Handmade Soap Company.
7/10
On the menu
The store at Cabü
Cabü’s Cabin bar offers a full range of drinks with snacks available too, while the Cabü Store not only offers very tempting homewares, but also a very decent stock of grocery provisions to rustle up a feast, from local steaks to fresh pastries, or indeed gluten-free bread. They also offer Badger & Dodo Coffee, and the routine of wandering through the woods for a cup of my morning Joe became a routine I could very much get used to.
7/10
Activities & amenities
All guests can enjoy a complimentary hot tub session
Cabü has great unplug-and-do-nothing appeal, but there is plenty to do if you’re feeling more active. Lake and woods based activities include stand-up paddle boarding and e-biking; I took a glorious solo kayak around Inch Island and did a self-drive boat tour to the beautiful castle islet of Lough Oughter.
In the sitooterie, you can toast marshmallows, play table tennis, or avail of the giant Jenga or Connect 4. The resort’s Nature Spa is a fine asset too and all guests also enjoy a complimentary hot tub session: You could call it forest bathing at its finest. Indeed you could call Cabü a staycation at its finest too.
9/10
The bill
Cabin rates from €250.
The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Cabü by the Lakes
Some aesthetics and prints feel a little too North American leaning and I feel you could enjoy escapism to Cabü while feeling you’re a little more in Cavan, versus Colorado. More native wildlife on the walls too, please. Speaking of native, a co.uk internet domain for an Irish property feels odd and incongruous.
Access for guests with disabilities? Two cabins are fully accessible.
Family-friendly? Very family-friendly without feeling like a resort. Best suited for outdoorsy kids.
Dogs welcome? Yes, probably one of Ireland’s best dog-friendly escapes.
