A Proud Legacy: The History of County Cavan Golf Club
Founding Years (1894–1899)
County Cavan Golf Club was founded in October 1894 at Killynebber, a ten-minute walk from Cavan town. The original nine-hole course was laid out by Mr. Thomas Lough, who later served as Member of Parliament for West Islington and Under Secretary for Education in the Campbell-Bannerman administration.
Initially, the course was used exclusively by the Lough family and their political guests from Britain. It took a year or two before local interest in the game developed, but eventually a small group—probably not more than twenty—formed the nucleus of what would become a thriving club.
By 1896, the club had grown to 28 members, with A.S. Lough serving as its first President. The course consisted of nine holes ranging from 122 to 226 yards in length, and play was restricted to the months of October through April. County Cavan Golf Club was affiliated with the Golfing Union of Ireland in 1899.
A New Era at Drumelis (1920–1939)
In 1920, the club moved to its present home at Drumelis, with the first competition on the new nine-hole course held on Saturday, 13th November 1920.
The 1930s brought both challenges and continuity. During the difficult war years, the club struggled but remained active. Notably, in 1939, Dr. F.P. Smith served as President while his son Darragh Smith was Captain—a unique father-son combination that was repeated a decade later in 1949 by John F. O’Hanlon and E.T. O’Hanlon.
A spirit licence was sought in 1945, and the clubhouse at that time consisted of a simple galvanised pavilion with men’s and ladies’ lockers, a function room with kitchen, and a newly added bar extension.
Expansion and Development (1970–1990s)
On Good Friday, 27th March 1970, a club subcommittee met with Lord Farnham to explore the possibility of acquiring Arnmore House and its surrounding lands, which bordered the existing course. Terms were agreed, and the new clubhouse at Arnmore House was officially opened on Sunday, 20th August 1972 by Thomas Montgomery, President of the Golfing Union of Ireland.
The same year also marked the retirement of Philip Lawlor, the club’s Professional for an extraordinary 57 years, from 1915 to 1972, spanning both the Killynebber and Drumelis courses.
Work then began on the development of the additional nine holes, and the first full 18-hole competition was played on Easter Sunday, 6th April 1975.
Modernisation and Milestones (1980s–1990s)
In 1982, the club introduced its first official Club sweater, which became a popular addition for members. Four years later, in 1986, County Cavan Golf Club hosted its first Pro-Am tournament, establishing a tradition of competitive success.
Further growth came in 1992, when the club purchased additional land from Andrew McCarren, allowing for the inclusion of a dedicated practice area.
To mark the club’s centenary in 1994, local artist Philip Cullivan designed the current Club Crest, first used on invitations to the 100th Anniversary Dinner. It remains in use today as a proud symbol of the club’s history and identity.
The Course Today
The present layout is a beautifully maintained 18-hole Par 70 parkland course, offering a superb test of golf for all abilities. In 2004, the course was significantly upgraded with a newly designed back nine, incorporating tees and greens built to USGA standards. The project was led by renowned golf architect Arthur Spring and European Golf Services.
A Tradition of Excellence
From its modest beginnings in 1894 to its status today as one of Ireland’s most welcoming and well-maintained parkland courses, County Cavan Golf Club continues to grow while honouring its proud heritage.
We invite golfers of all generations to become part of our story—on the fairways, in the clubhouse, and throughout the vibrant community that makes this club so special.