Cavan’s cattle fairs were held on the site of the old O’Reilly Castle at the top of Bullock Lane, known as the Fair Green. Farmers would have been up at dawn to walk their cattle to the fairs and after the days dealing, would make their way down Bullock Lane to the local public houses in the town. Newly acquired cattle would also be herded down Bullock Lane and kept in yards adjoining the public house for a charge of three old pennies. It was customary at that time for local women to come and milk the cows for the farmers, while they were enjoying a well earned pint in the public houses. It was in the farmers’ interest to have the cows milked and so the women got free milk for their families on fair days.
