County Monaghan - The North West Region of Ireland

Tourist Information

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Monaghan has long been one of the hidden gems of the Irish tourist trail. While the west coast and Dublin dominate the headlines, Monaghan's many charms have stayed under the radar which, in many ways, is a good thing. With lush valleys, beautiful lakes and some of the best fishing in Europe, Monaghan has its own brand of relaxed charm that keeps many discerning travellers coming back for more.

The main towns in Monaghan are Monaghan town, Clones, Carrickmacross and Castleblaney, though there are other charming towns and villages dotted throughout the county. Do not expect the hustle and bustle of the seaside towns of the west coast. Life moves at a slower pace in Monaghan. Enjoy a stroll in one of the many forest parks, try some angling by one of the county's many rivers or lakes, or simply enjoy a nice pint of Guinness and watch the world go by.

Despite the relaxing pace, there is plenty to do in Monaghan. As well as fishing and walking, you can try some golf, horse riding, water skiing or even clay pigeon shooting.

Monaghan is also steeped in history and culture. All around you will find megalithic sites and forts dating back thousands of years to Ireland's pre-Christian Celtic culture. Of course, Monaghan was also the home of one of Ireland's greatest writers and poets, Patrick Kavanagh.

Visit Monaghan and you will also discover that the food and accommodation is top notch. There are plenty of excellent hotels on offer, Nuremore Hotel & Country Club near Carrickmacross being a fine example. There are also plenty of more intimate family-run lodgings like Connolly's Guesthouse in Castleblayney. For those who prefer that little bit more independence there are self-catering options such as Alice's Loft, also in Castleblayney, and Mahon Farmhouse Accommodation near Ballybay. Alternatively, for a real taste of history you could stay in an old stately home, like Thornford House near Castleblayney.

Getting to and from Monaghan is easy. It is little over a one-hour drive from Dublin and less than three hours from Shannon Airport. There are also regular bus services between Monaghan town and Dublin, and between major towns in the region.