County Monaghan

County Monaghan in North-West Ireland is a haven waiting to be discovered. Its tranquil countryside, undulating hills, glassy lakes and bustling market towns make for a most appealing mix.

Its fascinating drumlin landscapes and great rural vistas evoke the atmospheric poetry of its most famous son, the great Patrick Kavanagh. You will get a special feel for this special countryside everywhere you go - the countryside that provided so much inspiration for Kavanagh’s memorable works. It has a number of very attractive lakes – for example, Muckno, Glaslough, Erny and Dartry – which makes it a favoured spot for angling enthusiasts.

History and Heritage

The county takes its name from Muineachain meaning ‘little hills’, which are drumlins deposited by glaciers in the Ice Age. Its farming changed after the Cromwellian wars and the settlers also introduced a profitable linen industry. Remnants of an earlier time such as monasteries and high crosses are evident throughout the county, as well as various churches and castles.

The elegant, classical 18th century Market House is a noted feature in Monaghan Town’s Diamond Square. Alongside visit the award winning County Museum to get a good insight into local heritage and customs. Watch out for a magnificent Catherine Wheel window in the imposing St. McCartan’s Cathedral.

No visit to Monaghan would be complete without dropping into the Patrick Kavanagh Rural and Literary Resource Centre at Inniskeen. The great poet was born in the village in 1904 and the Centre is housed in the church which he attended as a boy.

Sites to see

St.Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan Monaghan County Museum

Sports and Leisure

Experience the ultimate thrill behind the wheel of your own high-powered rally car and speed around a purpose built track, at Rally School Ireland in Gola, near Scotstown.

With over 60 rivers and lakes to choose from, there is something for all anglers in Monaghan. Boats, ghillies and baits are easily available and local anglers are always on hand to offer expert advice and assistance

You can engage in a range of watersports at the Lough Muckno Leisure Park near Castleblayney. Try out waterskiing, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing. The 365 hectare area of lake and forest is also ideal for horseriding, fishing and golf. Golfers and walkers are also in for a treat also. The Nuremore Golf course in Carrickmacross is a renowned parkland course for the avid golfer while the Slieve Beagh way is ideal for walking enthusiasts.

There are also several trails and equestrian centres in the County to satisfy the needs of those keen on horse-riding and trekking.

Eat, Drink and Stay

Monaghan is not overly blessed with restaurants but what it does have is good. The Restaurant at the Nuremore Hotel regularly wins awards while the dining room at Castle Leslie is also highly regarded. The Fiddler’s Elbow in Carrickmacross, Andy’s Bar & Restaurant in Monaghan and The Comet in Castleblayney are also worthy of consideration.

Monaghan pubs to be visited include Sherry’s (Monaghan), The Phoenix and Hope Castle Bar (Castleblayney), The Olde Bar (Glaslough), Havana (Monaghan) and The Tower (Clones).

Festivals

April: Patrick Kavanagh Festival

May/June: Carrickmacross Festival

July: Muckno Mania Festival Clones Agricultural Show

August: Monaghan Heritage Week

September: Monaghan County Arts Festival Monaghan Jazz & Blues Festival

Things you have to see or do

Carrickmacross Lace Museum – Irish craft dating back to 1820

Patrick Kavanagh Rural & Literary Resource Centre – Inniskeen

Lough Muckno – excellent base for anglers

Castle Leslie & Gardens – one of the most informal of the Great Houses and Estates of Ireland

Rossmore Forest Park – is an attractive combination of woodland and lakes

Useful links

Tourism Ireland www.tourismireland.com

Monaghan Tourism www.monaghantourism.com

Ireland Northwest www.irelandnorthwest.ie

Brilliant Ireland www.brilliantireland.com