Exploring the Beautiful County Monaghan, Ireland: 5 Top Attractions

Monaghan is a northern county in Ireland (some do ask!). And no, it is not in Northern Ireland (politically), but it is geographically. It sits on the border with the North. It is a small town great for nights out, food, and some great attractions worth visiting. There is more to Monaghan than meets the eye. So keep reading to find out some history, interesting facts, and the best attractions and places to check out in County Monaghan.

The History of County Monaghan

County Monaghan is part of the Border Region and is located in the province of Ulster. It is also named after its county town, Monaghan. After the 20th-century Irish War of Independence and the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, Monaghan was one of the three Ulster counties to join the Irish Free State rather than Northern Ireland. This is why it is not considered part of Northern Ireland politically but will always be seen as part of it from the geographical side.

County Monaghan is not huge; it is considered the smallest of Ulster’s nine counties by both size and population. But still, it is regarded as an excellent place to head for, have a good time with friends, eat some good food, and even visit some attractions along the way, just like we did on our trip.

Culture 

Famous 20th-century Irish poet and writer Patrick Kavanagh was born here, and much of his work is based on Monaghan. His popular poems “Shancoduff” and “Stony Grey Soil” are about his home county.

Many other successful people have come from County Monaghan, such as George Collie. He was a respected, prolific exhibitor who worked at the Royal Hibernian Academy. The National Gallery of Ireland and Ulster Museum have collections that showcase his work, which are worth checking out.

Another great Irish writer, Sir Shane Leslie, was born here and lived at Castle Leslie in the Northeastern part of the county. He was a first cousin of Winston Churchill, who was at one point the Prime Minister of the UK. Leslie grew to success in the early 1900s and became an important literary figure. He was also a perfect friend of the famous American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald even dedicated one of his books to his Irish friend ‘The Beautiful and Damned”.

The Town of Monaghan

The largest town in County Monaghan is Monaghan; it was given the same name. Around 9,000 people live here. It is a beautiful Irish town with unique architecture worth checking out.

One of the oldest pieces of architecture in Monaghan town is the ‘Old Cross’, which dates back to the 17th century. You will also find two historical buildings, Aviemore House and Market House, which have been part of the town since the 18th century. There are also many great 19th-century architects in Monaghan, which helps to add character and uniqueness to the town.

One popular Victorian building is the impressive courthouse located on Church Square. This was designed by Joseph Well and built in 1830. Just spending time wandering around the town will impress you with its beauty, which also offers a fascinating history.

Attractions in County Monaghan 

It may be a small county, but Monaghan is filled with brilliant attractions and places to visit. A trip to County Monaghan offers a mix of history, culture, a lively atmosphere, and more.

Patrick Kavanagh Rural Centre

If you are interested in this famous Irish poet and writer who was born in County Monaghan, a trip to this centre is worthwhile. Located in Inniskeen, the centre was set up in memory of Kavanagh, who is considered one of the best Irish poets of the 20th century.

In 1994, Mary Robinson, then-president of Ireland, dedicated the centre to him and his incredible work, which still lives among us.

At the centre, you can check out different exhibitions that tell the story of Kavanagh’s life and the surrounding area’s history. You’ll find a beautiful model that illustrates one of his poems, ‘ A Christmas Childhood’, as well as paintings and lots of information on the Irish poet. There is incredible memorabilia on display, such as letters and unique items belonging to Kavanagh.

Another significant part of this centre is the audiovisual theatre, where people can watch films about Patrick Kavanagh. One you can watch here is “Self Portrait,” a monologue recorded by Kavanagh in 1962. It is very moving. You can also go on a tour with the centre to visit many sites that influenced his work.

Lake Muckno

You must make a trip to Monaghan’s largest lake, Lake Muckno, which is located at the grounds of Hope Castle. (It is also worth checking out while you are there.) The lake itself is beautiful and offers unspoilt views around the area.

The Lough Muckno Leisure Park is also set on 900 acres of pretty wooden terrain. You can participate in various activities such as nature walks, orienteering, wakeboarding, water skiing, coarse fishing and more.

Many great festivals take place in this park, such as the Muckno Mania Festival, which is their annual triathlon. The water skiing club also holds different national and international competitions here.

This place is excellent for visiting if you want to appreciate the pretty Irish landscape and participate in fun outdoor activities.

Monaghan County Museum

Take a trip to this award-winning museum that has been around for over 40 incredible years. The Monaghan County Museum first opened in 1974. It has been commended for its outstanding commitment to telling people about Monaghan’s impressive culture and heritage. It was initially located in the courthouse before a fire destroyed the building. The museum was then temporarily moved to St Macartans College. Then, in 1990, the museum opened in its current location at 1-2 Hill Street.

Inside the museum, you’ll find incredible displays and collections that showcase the country’s history. The extensive archive material collection includes local authority and early estate records.

The museum includes many popular exhibits, such as ‘The Cross of Clogher’ from the 14th century. This special item is made of bronze-encased oak and has a richly decorated panel showing Christian iconography.

A few hours is ideal for walking around the museum, where you can get a better look at the interesting artefacts that tell visitors a story about Monaghan’s heritage. This is a perfect attraction if you want to find out more about this place.

Wildlife and Heritage Centre

If you’re an animal lover or would love to find out more about wildlife in Ireland, then definitely check out this place. This educational and rehabilitation centre is here to educate people on preserving wildlife. You’ll learn how to care for the environment around you, how to help injured or stressed wildlife, and how to release them back into their natural surroundings.

At this centre, you’ll also learn about farming methods and how they have contributed to the environment. Here, you will discover Ireland’s most extensive collection of mounted birds and mammals. The wildlife and heritage centre offers a unique opportunity to see some of the rarest and most exciting species. Some rare birds you might see here are the ‘Merlin’ and ‘Corkcrake’.

Harvest Blues Festival

Monaghan is known for hosting its annual Harvest Blues Festival, which has various events located around the town. The first festival took place in 1990 to help promote the cultural life in Monaghan. Since then, it has grown in popularity and takes place every September. The Harvest Blues Festival makes for the perfect time to visit the town, with its lively atmosphere and great music to enjoy.

Many famous faces have come to Monaghan to take part in the festival, including Van Morrison, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor.

There are many other great attractions in Monaghan that we also recommend checking out, including Castle Leslie, Bragan Mountain, Clones Town, Rossmore Park, and Inniskeen Town.

Have you ever been to County Monaghan? We would love to hear any experiences that you have!

Also, don’t forget to check out other places and attractions around Ireland: Kilkenny: The Splendid Reflection of The History of Ireland| The Beautiful County of Kerry| The Magnificent County of Cork| Everyone’s Favourite Seaside Resort: Bundoran| The Capital of Connemara: Clifden