9 Fun Things To Do In Monaghan (For 2024)

Are you looking for the best things to do in Monaghan? 

Monaghan, situated halfway between Belfast and Dublin, promises to be an enjoyable day trip or weekend vacation.

It is one of Ireland’s Ancient East jewels, with an award-winning county museum, heritage trails, and a picturesque lake.

With a diverse range of attractions and activities, this little county is a great place for both relaxation and adventure. 

9 Fun Things To Do In Monaghan ( For 2024 )

Here are Monaghan‘s top attractions to make the most of your visit. 

1. Learn more about Monaghan at the country museum

This museum in Monaghan Town contains a wealth of local history that dates back to the time of the first immigrants. Learn how geography, conflict, and trade have molded the country into the place it is now.

The museum also features beautiful linen and lace that showcase the county’s long textile history as well as the expertise of the artisans.

Monaghan County Museum has been certified by the National Museum of Ireland, and it includes a huge archive of images, papers, and online displays from the American Revolution to the Grand Slam Six Nations Rugby Championship. 

The Monaghan County Museum is a two-hour bus or car ride from Dublin or Belfast, located on the southern side of the Northern Ireland border.

2. Have a picnic at Lough Muckno

A visit to Lough Muckno should be at the top of your itinerary if you’re in Monaghan. With stunning scenery on all sides, this Irish lake near Castleblaney is without a doubt Monaghan’s finest.

Lough Muckno Park is made up of two islands, Black and White, and spans approximately 900 acres. They’re both wooded and wonderful for taking a walk or feeding the ducks.

Both children and adults will enjoy the forest trails with fairy doors, and being able to wander along the water’s edge was a plus.

If the weather permits, bring your lunch to one of the many tiny picnic spots. There are also plenty of chances for water activities if you enjoy them.

Water Skiing or wakeboarding is available at the Lough Muckno waterski and wakeboard club.

3. Enjoy a cup of tea at Castle Leslie

Castle Leslie is a beautiful, family-owned castle that is a popular wedding location. The grounds are stunning, and there is an equestrian center for those who are interested.

Take a tour of the house before relaxing in the lodge for tea and scones, which is generally cited as one of Monaghan’s top things to do.

Castle Leslie is photogenic in every way, so look for romantic settings like the beautiful willow tree between the boathouse and the lake’s jetty.

Many activities, such as archery, are accessible at the castle. You could easily spend a whole weekend on the grounds without becoming bored.

The grounds provide a variety of housing alternatives, including the castle, the lodge, and even private cottages.

4. Follow the Patrick Kavanagh Trail

You may live the words of famed Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh by visiting the home and location where he penned in his people’s words.

Visitors are taken on a tour of the monasteries, round towers, bridges, dance halls, barns, fields, schools, and cathedrals that inspired Patrick Kavanagh over the course of 16 visits.

Finish your journey to the poet’s birthplace, Kavanagh, where he was born in 1904.

5. Visit St. Peter’s Tin Church  

In County Monaghan, this one-of-a-kind church in Monaghan is undoubtedly a must-see.

With the unusual style that sets it apart from all other Irish churches you’re likely to encounter, St. Peter’s Tin Church is as charming as they come.

Take plenty of photos as you explore this unusual location  St. Peter’s Church is perched over a meandering stream that winds its way around the rock where the church was built on.

6. Spend a day at Rossmore Forest Park

Rossmore Forest Park is an excellent place to go if you enjoy nature and adventure. This area is a nature-lover’s dream come true when it comes to things to do and see in County Monaghan.

On a hot day, this wild and beautiful reserve in County Monaghan is a great place to stretch your legs or tackle the  woodland walk.

Natural walkways, woodland treks, historic landmarks, picnic areas, a playpark, and a family bicycle trail are among the park’s attractions for visitors of all ages.

In the early summer, look for otters, badgers, hedgehogs, and foxes, as well as a beautiful display of azalea and rhododendron blossoms.

The national forest park is close to Monaghan town, making it a great day trip option.

7. Buy some Carrickmacross Lace

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Carrickmacross Lace is a beautiful and delicate Irish craft that dates back to 1820. The Carrickmacross Lace Co-op in Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, is now carrying on this tradition.

The one-of-a-kind Carrickmacross Lace was worn by Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, and, more recently, the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton.

A visit to the newly restored Carrickmacross Lace Gallery is a must if you want to see some of the most magnificent products of this delicate skill on display and meet the incredible lacemakers who are working hard to preserve it alive.

8. Play a round of golf

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Monaghan’s rolling drumlins, which provide a magnificent natural backdrop for golf, is a must see when in Monaghan

There are courses for golfers of all abilities, as well as some opulent clubhouses where you may unwind afterwards.

A few of the best courses in the vicinity include Rossmore, Nuremore, Mannan Castle and Clones Golf Club, Concra Wood, and Mannan Castle Golf Club.

Remember to bring bring rain gear when yougo out to play as Ireland is known for its year-round wet weather.

9. Enjoy quad biking and other activities at the Irish Country Quads

 

 

 

 

 

 

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If you want some extreme adventure, go to the Irish Country Quads in County Monaghan. This area is great for people eho enjoy quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, and archery.

Quads are ideal for team building or something to do with friends and family. In Monaghan, quad biking is also popular among stag and hen parties. If you’re looking for a rush of excitement, this is the place to go in Monaghan.

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