Clones Town began as a monastic settlement c.500, when St Tiernach founded his monastery there and this was the most important site in Monaghan for centuries afterwards.

The trail starts at the old market house and goes on to visit the high cross, St. Tiernach’s church, motte and bailey fort, St. Tiernach’s grave, The Cassandra Hand Folk & Famine Centre and the canal stores. Walkers will learn about the Gaelic chiefs, the McMahons, and how the town suffered during the famine. Learn how the establishment of Clones lace-making became essential to the local economy as did the coming of the railways. See how the establishment of the Irish Free State affected Clones. The unsuccessful Ulster Canal is in the process of being revived as a public amenity.