Ulster Canal Adventures
Ulster Canal Adventures offers a wide range of youth programs and developmental courses, ensuring there is something for everyone. Regardless of speed or confidence level, everyone is safely guided on this historic waterway. For those who prefer to stay dry, the beautiful towpaths offer perfect opportunities for walking or cycling, along with a variety of other land based activities to enjoy.
Irish Country Quads
Irish Country Quads have multiple courses at their base in Inniskeen, County Monaghan. These include an underground tunnel, overhead bridges, a river, muddy ditches and a competitive speed course. These four wheeled all terrain vehicles can tackle almost anything you need to get through. All levels of experience are catered for and full safety tuition is provided. Waterproofs, helmets, boots and gloves are also provided. Anybody who prefers not to go quad biking can choose from other fun activities available on site, such as archery, clay pigeon shooting and shuffleboard. They are open all year around, to all ages, and booking is essential.
Síolta Chroí
Síolta Chroí in County Monaghan has an environmental education centre where they run courses and retreats focused on ecosystem restoration and similar topics. They also run projects on ecosystem restoration locally, regionally, nationally and on a European level. The three pillars of their work include education focused on regenerative cultures, exploring resilient and regenerative food systems and carrying out ecosystem restoration work.
Lough Muckno Leisure Park
Lough Muckno Leisure Park is situated in Castleblayney, County Monaghan. The lake itself is the largest and most beautiful of County Monaghan’s lakes with spectacular views of the surrounding area. The park is set on acres of wooded terrain with two islands. Both Black Island and White Island have activities such as orienteering, nature walks and trails, water skiing, a wakeboard club, coarse fishing, a peace garden and picnic areas. Castleblayney hosts many festivals and events with the park used as a venue for the Muckno Mania Festival and the annual triathlon. The water skiing club holds many national and international competitions here. Lough Muckno is an international standard angling venue and hosts many fishing competitions. Lough Muckno Leisure Park open all year, seven days a week.
Clones Golf Club
The course, set in idyllic woodland, consists of 18 challenging very scenic holes carved between the drumlins. The new expansive greens compare favourably with the best in the land and the curved mounds between the fairways fit in beautifully with the surrounding countryside. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Membership of the club is still relatively small and this enables it to be very welcoming to societies and individuals paying green fees. From a visitor's point of view one of the great attractions of the place is the friendliness of the staff and the old world charm of the clubhouse. The universal parting words from all who frequent the place is “whatever developments you carry out here, do not change the clubhouse”.
Courthouse Restaurant - Monaghan
The Courthouse Restaurant is situated in the centre of Carrickmacross in County Monaghan. The restaurant is run and owned by Conor Mee and Charlotte Carr, both of whom have combined years of experience in numerous award winning establishments. The restaurant is open five days a week, thus allowing us to serve fresh, consistently cooked meals to our ever building clientele. The Courthouse has been awarded with the RAI Best Restaurant in County Monaghan as well as a Michelin Bib Gourmand which denotes good food for good value. The Courthouse Restaurant offers great value midweek menus along with a la carte choices. Services are provided by our excellent local team who will look after all of your needs. Downstairs in the bar of the Courthouse Restaurant you can now avail of tasty tapas and this area is wheelchair accessible. The restaurant has a full wine and drinks license available. Visit our website for full menu details. Carrickmacross is home to Carrickmacross Lace which is world renowned and the town is ideally located in close proximity to many lakes and rivers which are excellent for coarse and game fishing.
Carrickmacross Lace Gallery
Carrickmacross lace was introduced into Ireland around 1820 by Mrs Grey Porter of Donaghmoyne, who taught the art to local women so they could earn some extra income. Her initiative sparked a now world famous lace industry with a distinctive style all of its own. In the 19th century, lace craft became an important source of rural family income and today, Carrickmacross lace is still hand worked by a select group of craftspeople, passionate about the beauty of fine, meticulously worked needlecraft. This tradition is maintained by the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery. Their distinctively styled lace is expertly hand stitched with attractive, bespoke designs. Visit the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery in County Monaghan, to explore the fascinating history of this important industry and browse a range of lace products and gifts.
Concra Wood Golf and Country Club
Concra Wood Golf and Country Club is an 18-hole championship course on 240 acres of dramatic wooded landscape, which tilts down to the stunning shores of Lough Muckno. Panoramic views stretch across the Monaghan drumlins with the Cooley and Mourne Mountains to the east, the Slieve Gullion and Mullyash Mountains to the north. Surrounded by the lake, this setting is a perfect spot for the golfer who is looking for tranquillity and a challenge in equal measure, and is suitable for novices and high handicappers alike. Woods and trees stretch their way around the course and between holes to give Concra Wood Golf Course a truly natural touch. The View Restaurant, located at the highest point, offers local food with panoramic views of the local scenery and beyond.
The Market House, Venue and Gallery
The Market House, Venue and Gallery is considered one of the most delicate and elegant 18th century buildings in the north. Exhibitions are usually booked one year in advance. There is an exhibition space and music venue providing a wonderful environment to promote the arts. Every support is given to each individual exhibition to facilitate its success.
Raglan Road Tearoom
Enjoy breakfast or lunch at the Raglan Road Tearoom, conveniently located in the heart of Inniskeen Village, County Monaghan. From the moment you enter the beautifully restored premises, you are greeted with antique décor peppered across the stone walls and the mouth watering aromas of freshly baked goods. You will enjoy a visit to this charming café. Raglan Road Tearoom facilitates groups of all sizes, from couples and families to bus tours visiting the adjacent Patrick Kavanagh Centre. Their indoor and outdoor seating caters to everyone. Their ingredients are sourced locally, and their baked goods are prepared fresh every morning.
Drumlin Trails Bike Hire
Drumlin Trails Bike Hire is an outdoor cycle activity situated just 2.5 kilometres east from Emyvale Village off the N2 motorway on the approach road to Glaslough. Each trail offers a completely unique route to suit your requirements. Time, distance and degree of difficulty are outlined with every trail. Your chosen trail once selected can be viewed on your smartphone, which in turn can be mounted on the waterproof phone dock on the handlebars of your bicycle. Click on the google link to your trail and you have the equivalent to satellite navigation on a push bike. In addition to regular bikes suitable for adults and children there are 10 ebikes available for adults only. They offer the cyclist an opportunity to travel longer and more challenging routes. Children’s bikes and accessories such as child carrier, panniers and trailers can all be booked if required. Helmets, hi-vis tops and safety equipment are all supplied as standard. Another nearby attraction is to cycle the nearby Monaghan Greenway which takes you into the heart of Rossmore Park. Closer still is Glaslough Village and Castle Leslie.
The Victorian Treatment Rooms at Castle Leslie Estate
Castle Leslie Estate is immersed within 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and glittering lakes. It is one of the last great Irish castle estates still in the hands of its founding family. The Castle Leslie Estate is a stunningly beautiful, secluded property, in Glaslough, County Monaghan and is steeped in history and full of character and charm. It is only 80 minutes from Dublin and 60 minutes from Belfast. The Castle Leslie Estate offers a variety of accommodation and activities to suit all tastes. Guests can pamper themselves with a range of organic treatments in The Victorian Treatment Rooms based in the Lodge, recommended as one of the ‘best spas in Ireland’ by Image Magazine. The spa has seven treatment rooms, an outdoor hot tub and provides an oasis of relaxation and serenity. Their skilled and experienced therapists use the Voya and Eminence organic range which addresses all skin concerns. Signature treatments include the Never a Dull Moment Facial, Grip Fast back, neck and shoulder massage, Chocolate Truffle Wrap and LA Stone Therapy. Castle Leslie Estate’s choice of Eminence 100% organic skin care reflects its uniqueness and its unspoilt natural surroundings, which are rich in wild plants, and mineral springs. The ingredients found in Eminence will make skin glow, with their pure vitamin infusions and high bioflavonoid content, to ensure hydration, regeneration and a fresh youthful skin tone.
The Spa at the Hillgrove Hotel
The Hillgrove Hotel in County Monaghan boasts 87 luxurious bedrooms, including suites with jacuzzi. It is located in Monaghan town just one hour from Dublin and one hour from Belfast. Lir Spa at the Hillgrove Hotel is the ultimate haven in luxury and sheer relaxation and an ideal place to spend time unwinding. It provides visitors with the perfect atmosphere to ease away those everyday stresses. In an increasingly hectic world, visitors can choose from a range of treatments, therapies and facilities and look forward to being pampered from head to toe in expert hands. These wonderful facilities include a thermal spa area, Rasul treatment, hydrotherapy pool, herbal sauna, pedi- spas, ice fountain, monsoon showers, treatment and relaxation rooms as well as a hair salon. The leisure centre at Hillgrove Hotel & Spa boasts a swimming pool, feature pool, kid's pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, outdoor hot tub, gym and aerobics studio.
Patrick Kavanagh Centre
Visit the Patrick Kavanagh Centre in County Monaghan and see informative exhibits and immersive displays honouring the poet's life, his writing, and continuing legacy. Patrick Kavanagh's poetry explores themes of love, beauty, nature and faith that are timeless and resonate in the hearts of readers of all ages. Visit the modern exhibition and performance space to see the latest in a long line of local performers and talented visiting acts, as well as events celebrating the life and poems of Patrick Kavanagh. Take the Kavanagh Trail and follow in the poet’s footsteps down winding lanes, through triangular fields and between the whitethorn hedges of Monaghan. A guided tour of these local sites immortalised in Kavanagh's writing is available and must be booked in advance.
Hollywood Forest Park
Hollywood Forest Park is located between Scotstown and Ballinode villages approximately 7 kilometres north west of Monaghan Town. A local voluntary committee purchased the lake and surrounds in 1969 and since then have developed the park to include facilities such as nature walks, children's playground, picnic areas, it is also possible to swim, fish and go boating.
Town Park, Ballybay
At the heart of Town Park, Ballybay, is Lough Major, providing a picturesque backdrop for all activities. The park features several walking trails, including a 0.5km oval path around a grassed area and extended lakeside paths. Sports facilities include a football/basketball court and an outdoor gym. For fishing enthusiasts, there are fishing stands. There is an inclusive playground designed to be accessible for children of all abilities. For those who enjoy a leisurely game of bowls, there is a bowling green. There are designated spots for picnics which are great for family outings. Accessible toilets are provided, including facilities for disabled visitors. Whether you are looking to relax, play, or explore, Town Park in Ballybay has something for everyone.
Clones Marina
Clones Marina offers a beautiful scenic waterway, where you can engage with the tranquil waters of the Ulster Canal restored to its former glory. Enjoy leisurely strolls on the looped walks along the towpath, taking in the natural beauty of the area. Take advantage of the parking, service block, bus and trailer spaces for a hassle free visit. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Clones and the surrounding landscape and ecology. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat, an opportunity to learn about the local heritage or a starting point for your waterway adventures, Clones Marina is a wonderful destination. Come and explore the new heart of Clones Town and create lasting memories along the Ulster Canal at Clones Marina.
St Peter's Tin Church Laragh
Constructed of tin, St. Peter’s Tin Church Laragh is one of a kind in Co. Monaghan and unique on the island of Ireland for its quirky design and carefully considered features. It is part of Ireland’s irreplaceable built heritage and was listed as a Building of National Importance by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage in 2014. St. Peter’s of historic Laragh village is built on a rock, in a beautiful woodland setting amongst the ferns and ivy. As you approach from either side and round a bend in the road, this highly unusual Tin Church stands dramatically on a high rock overlooking a small, fast flowing river. It is a rare example of a 19th century corrugated iron clad church. It displays a wealth of amazing architectural details and makes a picturesque artistic contribution to its wooded valley on the outskirts of Laragh, a former mill village in south County Monaghan. It is anecdotally said that its Swiss gothic hybrid style was applied by the mill owner and his wife following their honeymoon in Switzerland – its site carefully chosen to mimic that found in the Swiss Alps. St. Peter’s Tin Church Laragh was deconsecrated in the 1950s. St. Peter’s Tin Church Laragh was reopened in 2014 and is a popular fringe venue for larger festival and touring musicians/drama groups in the region.
Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre
Situated on the banks of Lough Muckno within the surroundings of Lough Muckno Park, Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre offers a blend of relaxed fun and intrepid adventure. Take the opportunity to release your inner explorer within Ireland's Ancient East. Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre provides land and water based activities suitable for all ages. It provides a selection of outdoor experiences, from SUP tours and the dizzy heights of rope assisted tree climbing to inland sailing.
Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre
The Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre in County Monaghan is operated by the Clones Development Society. This social enterprise houses the charming Clones Lace Museum and is free to visit. The local form of Irish crochet lace was awarded state recognition in 2021 and is included on Ireland's National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The two storey stone building has full disabled access, a restaurant and gift shop. It is open all year round excluding bank holidays and Christmas, offering guided heritage tours by prior arrangement, through a host of ancient monuments including the Famine Graveyard and Round Tower. The restaurant offers all day breakfast and light lunches, and outdoor seating is also available. Free onsite parking is available and a children’s playpark is next door. The Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre is happy to cater for groups by prior arrangement. A warm welcome is guaranteed in this hidden jewel of Ireland's Ancient East.
Glaslough Village Heritage Trail
Starting beside the Famine Monument and finishing at Saint Salvator’s Church the trail follows a route of 2 kilometres, open for all to enjoy, around the village and into the Castle Leslie estate. The trail reveals many stories of time past and present, telling us why railways were once the life of rural communities, how superstition once influenced burial practices and explaining Glaslough’s past role as a centre of agricultural innovation and market town. It also describes the differences between life upstairs and downstairs in a great house, and discusses some of the colourful characters who have stayed in Glaslough over the years. This easy to follow trail through the village of Glaslough is part of Ireland’s Ancient East, a network of stories in the landscape stretching back 5,000 years.
Liz Christy Hand-Weaving Studios
Time moves differently at Liz Christy Hand-Weaving Studios, where each handwoven piece is crafted with care and intention. Threads are painted on the loom, creating scarves that embody the essence of slow fashion, resulting in distinctive and wearable art. Visitors are always welcome to witness the process firsthand, from hand dyeing the yarn to weaving on traditional looms. At the studios, more than just a visit is offered. The story, skill and time behind each creation is shared, leaving guests with an appreciation for artisan craftsmanship.
Brehon Brewhouse
Brehon Brewhouse was founded by dairy farmer Seamus McMahon, who wanted to diversify his family homestead and so this Irish craft brewery was born. Brehon Brewhouse offers an immersive experience for craft beer enthusiasts in a cosy, intimate setting. The tours draw on the wealth of literary and familial history from the Carrickmacross and County Monaghan region. See where it all began with a visit to the farm's milking parlour. This is followed by a trip to the brewery to see the master brewer and his apprentice at work. All brewing, bottling and canning is done on site to the highest quality using ingredients from the local farming community and eco friendly, unhurried methods. Round off this experience with a tasting of Brehon Brewhouse's range in the historic family home. Here you will enjoy more nuggets of history about the famous local poet Patrick Kavanagh and tales of the characters who lived in the area. Tours are generally given on Saturdays. Larger group tours can be arranged for any day. Anyone interested in the micro brewing process, the Irish dairy farming industry or Irish history will not be disappointed. In fact, you may discover a new favourite brew.
Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre
As one of Europe’s finest equestrian playgrounds, Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre, Glaslough, County Monaghan, is set in undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes. The estate offers an idyllic setting for outdoor activity and adventure and is the perfect place to discover the thrill of exploring the beautiful Irish countryside on horseback. Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre welcome riders of all abilities and age groups, from aged seven years and above. Expert tuition, gentle hacks and exhilarating cross country rides are all available as well as three and five day equestrian holidays. Outdoor facilities include 300 cross country jumps with water complex, from knee high to knee tremblers, 34km of bridleways and a 1.6km long all weather gallop. Stabling is provided for up to 56 horses, with a mechanical horse for beginners. A 50m x 30m indoor arena has indoor cross country fences. Tiered seating allows 200 spectators to view the arenas and there is also a private dining and viewing area. For those with an interest in dressage there is a 20m x 50m dressage arena. Sand gallops, SJI approved show jumps, and a horse walker are also provided, with lorry and trailer parking on site. After a ride out you can avail of the lounge and showering facilities. The centre is B.H.S, S.J.I and A.I.R.E approved. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre is the place for all. Visitors can combine a gentle hack or exhilarating cross country ride with one of the accommodation choices available, which include the castle, the lodge, or a self-catering old stable mews, perfect for groups and families. Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre located at Castle Leslie Estate in County Monaghan is only 80 minutes from Dublin Airport and 60 minutes from Belfast Airport.