County Monaghan (Irish: Contae Mhuineacháin) is a county in Northwest Ireland and Lakelands.
Towns
County Monaghan has 5 towns:
- 1 Monaghan (Muineachán) – is the county town in the north of the county; it has a beautiful lake in the centre and a fine diamond square in the centre too, so typical of Ulster towns. It's an interesting and charming town with a lot to offer, including the County Museum.
- 2 Castleblaney (Baile na Lorgan) – is a town in the middle of the county. It has a good selection of bars restaurants and facilities. It's also very close to the county's largest lake: Lough Muckno.
- 3 Clones (Cluain Eois) – is a town in the west of the county close to the border with County Fermanagh. It has a 9th-century round tower and high cross.
- 4 Ballybay (Béal Átha Beithe, "mouth of the ford of the birch") – is a small town in the centre of the county, close to several small lakes.
- 5 Carrickmacross (Carraig Mhachaire Rois, "rock of the wooded plain") – is a town in the south of the county. It is a well-known centre for lace-making.
Other destinations
- Monaghan County Museum – 1-2 Hill Street, Monaghan Town. It was established by Monaghan County Council in 1974. Its brief is to provide an education and leisure service for County Monaghan and to collect, preserve and display the heritage of the County.
- Patrick Kavanagh Rural and Literary Resource Centre – Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan. Celebrates the life and works of the illustrious Monaghan writer.
- St Louis Convent Heritage Centre – Broad Road, Monaghan Town. The St Louis story is told in the framework of Irish, European and world history, but is particularly linked with Monaghan itself from post-famine times.
Understand
Monaghan lies on the drumlin belt in north-central Ireland. The northern half is almost surrounded by Northern Ireland. There are many reasonable sized lakes and stretches of beautiful green drumlins as far as the eye can see. And also the low mountains of Sliabh Begh in the northwest of the county, stretching into Northern Ireland.
Monaghan is one of the few Southern counties to have suffered mildly in The Troubles due to its proximity to Northern Ireland, so the same precaution should be taking here as in Northern Ireland: avoid conversations about politics and religion, and also take heed that some areas in Monaghan on the border are Republican.
Talk
Monaghan like the rest of the Republic is for the most part English-speaking, even though Irish is the first official language. Typical of midland counties (except for Meath) it has no Gaeltacht community.
Get in
By bus
There's a good regular bus service provided by Bus Éireann from all the close major towns like Dublin, Dundalk, Drogheda and Newry in Northern Ireland, plus local buses to take you between towns.
Get around
Though Monaghan is within the hilly drumlin belt, cycling would still be a must, especially in good weather, as the scenery is awe-inspiring. The roads have fairly improved except for some dodgy country lanes. Driving is also a bliss as you can take in the lakes on the main roads along many of its scenic drives.
See
- Lough Muckno Leisure Park, Castleblayney. A leisure park boasting many amenities.
- St Joseph's Church, Carrickmacross. Built in 1866, it boasts 10 windows by the renowned stained glass artist Harry Clarke, and in addition has noteworthy Stations of the Cross.
Do
Because Monaghan is on the drumlin line, it gives way to a landscape that looks like a Basket of eggs from a height. There are many lakes large and small in the county and low lying mountains with walking trails in the northwest of the county. It also has many fine buildings and houses within its towns and also facilities to spoil yourself. Also every year there are small festivals around the county.
Eat
Drink
Sleep
- 1 Hilton Park, Scotshouse, Clones, ☏ 353 47 56007. Grand Italianate mansion house with fine dining, only 6 bedrooms, open Mar-mid Dec. No dogs. B&B double from €220.