County Cavan
Drumlin landscape of countless lakes along the Northern Ireland border—Lakeland Dairies and agricultural processing provide employment while cross-border dynamics evolved through peace process.
County Cavan occupies the drumlin landscape of Ireland's border region—small hills, countless lakes, and agricultural land characterizing topography. The border with Northern Ireland created historical complexity; peace process normalized cross-border relations that partition disrupted.
Agriculture dominates: beef, dairy, and pig farming support rural population. Food processing companies (including Lakeland Dairies) provide employment beyond farming itself.
Cavan town provides services; Kingscourt hosts furniture manufacturing tradition. But the county lacks major industrial or technology employers; population growth remained modest as young people sought opportunities elsewhere.
Cross-border shopping historically attracted Northern Irish consumers seeking Republic's prices; EU membership and common currency reduced these differentials. Cavan's future depends on leveraging agricultural strengths while developing tourism (lake fishing, golfing) and remote work possibilities that improved connectivity enables.