Monaghan
Get away from it all in a rural idyll that resounds with cultural heritage.
Sightseeing
Uncover Monaghan’s literary connections and historic crafts
Patrick Kavanagh Rural & Literary Resource Centre, Inniskeen
A must for anyone interested in the poet’s life and work, this centre houses exhibitions on local history, has a 60-seat audio-visual theatre, and a special research library.
The Lace Gallery, Carrickmacross
Carrickmacross Lace is a delicate Irish craft dating back to 1816. The tradition was kept alive by the St Louis sisters for 100 years and is internationally renowned for its beauty and skill. The sleeves of Princess Diana’s wedding dress were trimmed with Carrickmacross Lace.
Activities
Rev things up with some rally driving, waterskiing or scenic golf
Angling
Monaghan is a great place to try your luck with a spot of angling with a broad range of fish available including breah, roach, pike and eel.
Cycling
There are five cycling routes on minor country roads in the picturesque area of Sliabh Beag with beautiful rivers and lakes dotted throughout.
Golf
Try your hand at some spectacular courses in County Monaghan including Nuremore Hotel and Country Club Rossmore Golf Club and Mannan Castle Gold Club.
See more highlightsRally Driving
Adrenaline-junkies can get their kicks at this extensive facility, which cost over two million euro and boasts a purpose-built rally track, world-class rally cars, and a tarmac and gravel rally stage.
Waterskiing
Enjoy waterskiing at the Lough Muckno Waterski Club, which caters for both members and non-members.
Children
Essential attractions for fabulous family fun
Irish Country Quads, County Monaghan
Older children will relish the chance to drive a four-wheeled All Terrain vehicle around the muddy Monaghan countryside. The trail includes an underground tunnel with splash, overhead bridges, a water splash drive, bumpy ground, and muddy ditches.
Muckno Adventure Centre, Castleblaney
Get adventurous with a top selection of activities including kayaking, ten-pin bowling, golf, pitch & put and sailing.
Wildlife and Heritage Centre, Clontibret
This is one of the largest privately owned collections of mounted birds and mammals in Ireland, and displays the animals nestled into their own natural environment.
Culture & Festivals
The best cultural attractions in the county
Castleblaney Drama Festival
Culture-loving types should head to Castleblaney for eight days of drama in March.
Inniskeen, County Monaghan
Nestling among Monaghan's intimate rolling hills, the parish of Inniskeen has long been a home to poets and remains largely unchanged from the turn-of-the-century landscape that inspired Patrick Kavanagh, one of Ireland's foremost literary figures.
Monaghan County Museum
An award-winning museum with an excellent collection of historical artifacts from medieval crannógs to the 14th-century Cross of Clogher.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
Take a break in a beautiful Italian mansion or get away from it all in a scenic country club
Hilton Park
This beautiful Italian mansion located in magnificent parklands is justly famous for cuisine that uses the best homegrown produce. The house can be rented out exclusively for the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, but bed & breakfast is also available for the less extravagant.
Nuremore Hotel and Country Club
With a beautiful location, luxurious, spacious rooms and an excellent 18-hole golf course, Nuremore is a delightful spot to get away from it all. Make sure to indulge in some fine dining in The Restaurant, which is headed up by award-winning chef Raymond McArdle.
Shopping
From world-renowned lace to clothing inspired by Impressionist painting
Carrickmacross Lace Gallery
Carrickmacross Lace is a delicate Irish craft dating back to 1816. The tradition was kept alive by the St Louis sisters for 100 years and is internationally renowned for its beauty and skill.
Swallow Studios, Castleblaney
Enjoy a range of scarves and wraps inspired by Claude Monet’s paintings and handwoven by artist Liz Christy.
