County Monaghan information

Monaghan is a county in Northwest Ireland and Lakelands and is named after the town of Monaghan. The county has existed since 1585, when the Mac Mathghamhna rulers of Airgíalla agreed to join the Kingdom of Ireland. Following the Irish War of Independence and the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, Monaghan was one of three Ulster counties to join the Irish Free State rather than Northern Ireland.

Monaghan lyes on the drumlin belt in North central Ireland. The Northern half is almost entirely surrounded by Northern Ireland. There are many reasonable size lakes and stretches of beautiful green drumlins as far as the eye can see. And also the low mountains of Sliabh begh in the North west of the county, stretching into Northern Ireland.

Image: County Monaghan

Though Monaghan is within the hilly drumlin belt , cycling would stll be a must especially in good weather as the scenary is awe inspiring . The roads have 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.

Monaghan is one of the few Southern counties to suffer mildly in the troubles due to its proximity to Northern Ireland , so the same precaution should be taking here as in Northern Ireland . Avoid politics and religious conversations and also take heed that some areas in Monaghan on the border are republican.

Towns

Below you will find a list of towns within County Monaghan. If a Further information link is available, please click on it to find detailed information including accommodation, restaurants, bars, pubs, shops and more...

Monaghan Town - 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 to , so typical of Ulster towns. Its an interesting and charming town with a lot to offer including the County Museum.

Castleblaney - is a town in the middle of the county - It has a good selection of bars restaurants and facilities , its also very close to the counties largest lake - Lough Muckno.

Clones - 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.

Ballybay - is a small town in the centre of the county, close to several small lakes.

Carrickmacross - is a town in the south of the county. It is a well known centre for lace-making.

Places to visit / Things to do

There are many lakes large and small in the county and low lying mountains with walking trails in the north west 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.

St. Joseph's Church - built in 1866, it boasts 10 windows by the renowned stained glass artist Harry Clarke, and in addition has noteworthy Stations of the Cross.

Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre - Visit Tanagh for a range of adventure activities for groups and individuals. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, banana boating, gorge walking, abseiling, archery, assault course, orienteering and hillwalking. One day, weekends or full week of activities available.

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 - Iniskeen - celebrates the life and works of the illustrious Monaghan Writer. Kavanagh is one of the most significant figures in 20th-century Irish poetry. The poems "Stony Grey Soil" and "Shancoduff" refer to the county.

St Louis Convent Heritage Centre - 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.