Killinkere is a large rural parish situated in East Cavan. The development assoc. formed in 1997 and its mission is to develop the economic, social, cultural and heritage interests of the people in the area. Its major achievement has been the refurbishment of an old rectory into an accommodation facility. The building has been restored to its original condition at a cost of €500,000. With a capacity of 20 beds throughout its numerous rooms, the building is located three miles off the N3 and is equidistant between thh towns of Virginia, and Bailiborough, and intends to act as a valuable resource for the inhabitants of these areas in providing affordable accommodation for visitiors to the area intent on getting the most from their break.


The Rectory is now available for renting either on a long term or short term basis, and has been inhabited to its full capacity for the last three years on a long-term letting basis. Recent developments have meant that it has now become avaialble for short term stays and will be ideal for use by those undertaking training residentials at weekends or during the week. The local committee are interested in putting training packages together for groups from all backgrounds be they sports oriented or corprate organsiatiosn to include use of the surrounding facilities and local expertise on topics ranging from community development to personal development.

The front of the redeveloped Rectory Building

The rectory is located close to Killinkere Leisure Centre which is situated on 50 acres of land and comprises a full sized indoor games area, squash court, lounge, kitchen and offices/meeting rooms. The centre was opened in 1988 at a cost of €800,000 (pre-grant days!) raised by local community initiatives.

The facility itself is a former Church of Ireland Rectory, standing on the grounds of what is now the local GAA Club. The group's hope is that such a location will serve events such as reconciliation residentials ideally given its centrally located position. It is also hoped that additional members from both communities may be encouraged to join the association.

Events held in the 50 acre grounds over the years include an annual Whit Weekend Festival, the National Hot Air Ballooning Championships, many nationally renowned agricualtural shows, All-Ireland Table Tennis Championships, Regional Basketball Blitz, annual Summer Sports Camps, Motor Bike Rally events, Motor Club Rally stages, as well as numerous other smaller events from time to time. These are as diverse as local Fear an Ti nights and Bingo every Friday night, to hosting the Leaving Certificate Examinations for the local secondary school.

The accompanying centre to the Rectory Project has recently had its accoustics revamped and ove the years has played host to names such as The Celtic Tenors, Kathy Durkin, Joe Dolan, Dickie Rock, Daniel O'Donnell, and was Mickey Harte's first live gig on his return from the Eurovision experience.

The project is literally yards from the birthplace of General Phil Sheridan of the United States Civil War fame, as well as many other places of historical interest.

For more information contact:
Pat Clarke: 086-6053483 or Una Traynor on 086-8292797.