Visiting County Monaghan? This part of Ulster is not identical to Northern Ireland and has a number of attractions that you won’t want to miss. Also, there are some interesting places that are a bit off the beaten path. So why not take your time and spend a day or two in Monaghan when visiting Ireland? Here are some ideas to make it worth your while.
County Monaghan Basics
Here are some background facts every visitor should know about County Monaghan, part of the Irish province of Ulster, but also part of the Republic of Ireland:
- The Irish name for County Monaghan is Contae Mhuineacháin , which would translate as “the county of little bushes” or “little hills.”
- Monaghan’s nicknames are “the Farney” (the name of a medieval kingdom) or “County Drumlin,” a fitting description of the landscape dominated by drumlins, small rounded hills during the ice ages.
- Irish cars originally registered in County Monaghan will carry the registration letters MN.
- the county town of Monaghan is (not surprisingly) the town of Monaghan, other towns of regional importance are Carrickmacross, Castleblaney and Clones.
- Monaghan is 1,291 square kilometers in size and the 2011 census recorded a population of 60,483.
Monaghan City
Not necessarily the most exciting city, Monaghan is nevertheless good for a leisurely stroll and a look at the cityscape (if you can ignore some modern developments). Start at the Diamond, the city’s central square and home to the Rossmore Memorial, a drinking fountain reminiscent of a small church tower. Also look at the 18th century market and the later courthouse. The nearby Monaghan County Museum will give you a potted history of the place and its surroundings. And for a good view, go up the hill to the Cathedral of St. Macartan. And then head to Rossmore Forest Park for a leisurely stroll.
The round tower of clones
Clones is an unassuming little town near the Cavan border and its round tower is almost hidden. However, the round tower of the clones is quite impressive. Standing in a graveyard (albeit fenced off by new property on the other side), it rises an impressive 75 feet into the sky. Built in the 10th century AD. C. is almost complete, only part of the top story is missing and the conical cap is missing. Within walking distance you can also find the remains of the Ulster Canal, the reopening of which is an impossible dream for many locals and the tourism industry. The canal shops on the outskirts of the city are still used.
Inishkeen y Patrick Kavanagh
Now here’s a conundrum… Should you visit the Patrick Kavanagh Center in Inishkeen even though you’ve never heard of Patrick Kavanagh, but have almost certainly heard his words? The Irish poet and novelist was born here in 1904 and died in Dublin in 1967. Regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century, he is nevertheless overshadowed by the likes of Beckett, Yeats and Joyce despite the fact that many may lash out ‘. Raglan Road «as if there is no tomorrow. Explore the poet’s life and works in Inishkeen, then hike the Kavanagh trail through the county.
Traditional music in County Monaghan
Visiting County Monaghan and having something to do at night? Well, you could do worse than go to a local pub (which will by default be an ‘original Irish pub’) and then join a traditional Irish session… so why not give it a try? Most sessions start around 9:30 pm or when a few musicians get together.
- Carrickmacross, “McNally’s” – every second Friday
- Derrynoose, “Tossey’s Barn” – first Saturday of the month
- Monaghan, “Market House Theater” – last Thursday of the month; “The Shambles” – Thursday
