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Welcome to County Cavan, the "Lakeland County." You're here for a reason. Perhaps you're exploring the ancient history of the Cavan Burren, hiking the trails of Killykeen Forest Park, or simply escaping to the tranquil beauty of the loughs.

Whatever your itinerary, you're going to need fuel. And as a visitor, you have a golden opportunity to experience something truly essential to Irish culture: the Full Irish Breakfast.

But let's be clear. We're not talking about a generic, "continental" hotel buffet or a quick, greasy spoon. You came to Cavan to experience its unique character, and your breakfast should be no different. Your mission is to find a truly authentic Irish breakfast in Cavan—one that locals love and that showcases the very best of the region's food.

This guide is here to point you to that one, unmissable experience. All roads, you'll find, lead to Killeshandra.

Why Your Breakfast Choice Matters

A great breakfast is the foundation of a great day of exploring. A bad one is just a missed opportunity. As a visitor, you want to taste the place you're in. This means finding a breakfast that is:

Proudly Local: Sourced from the butchers, bakers, and farmers of the county.
Genuinely Traditional: Served with the all-important components, like real puddings and traditional breads.
Served with Hospitality: Eaten in a place that is warm, welcoming, and feels like a genuine part of the community.
You don't want a plate that could be served anywhere in the world. You want the one that could only be served here, in Cavan.

The Perfect Pre-Exploration Meal: Fika 33

After a morning walk or before you head out to Killykeen Forest Park (just a few minutes down the road), your destination must be Fika 33.

This family-run café in the heart of Killeshandra is a "hidden gem" in the truest sense of the word. It perfectly blends a warm, local Irish welcome with the cool, mindful Swedish concept of "fika" (a pause for coffee and company).

But the star of the show is their "Fika Full Irish."

This is not just "a" breakfast. This is the breakfast. It is, quite simply, the authentic Irish breakfast in Cavan that you came here to find. Here’s what makes it the perfect visitor experience:

It's a Taste of Cavan: This plate is a "who's who" of the county's best producers. You’re tasting award-winning Barry John Sausages, premium meats from McGurren Artisan Butchers, and fresh-from-the-farm Dermot King Eggs.
It Features a Local Legend: The breakfast includes Drummully Boxty. You cannot, and should not, visit Cavan without trying boxty. This traditional potato pancake is a heritage food, and Fika 33 serves the absolute best, made locally.
It Sets You Up for the Day: This is not a small, unsatisfying plate. This is a hearty, generous, and lovingly prepared meal that will give you all the energy you need to go hiking, fishing, or sightseeing until well past lunch.
It's the Real Deal: From the perfect puddings to the friendly, family-run atmosphere, this is the authentic experience you were looking for. You'll be sitting among locals, not in a tourist trap.
Your Cavan Itinerary: Solved

Don't leave your first meal of the day to chance. A visit to County Cavan is incomplete without a real, traditional breakfast. Start your day in Killeshandra at Fika 33. It’s the perfect way to connect with the local community, taste the very best of the region’s produce, and fuel your Irish adventure.

It is, without a doubt, the one meal you can't miss.