In the midst of 1,000 acres of mature, rolling parkland with ancient trees and lakes teeming with wildlife, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the most intact castle estates in Ireland. It is also one of the last great Irish castle estates still in the hands of its founding family, the Leslies, who can trace their fascinating ancestry all the way back to Atilla the Hun.
Much like the family to whom it belongs, the manor also has a few interesting stories of its own. Enter the Mauve Room, where an Earl famously hid in the big white wardrobe in order to surprise a Queen, before moving on to the Nursery, where a giant dollhouse has been ingeniously turned into a bathroom for guests. Original features, unique antiques and captivating curios are scattered throughout the beautifully maintained house. If you’re not staying, drop by for a meal at the award-winning Snaffles Restaurant or opt for a horse-riding lessons on the estate.
While you’re visiting Castle Leslie, take a walk through the picturesque Glaslough Village Heritage Trail. Just outside the estate walls, the community has been closely linked with the house for over 350 years. Start the 2km walking trail beside the Famine Monument and finish at Saint Salvator’s Church, discovering local stories along the way.
Find out about Glaslough’s past role as a centre of agricultural innovation, the differences between life upstairs and downstairs in the great house, and some of the colourful characters who have stayed in Glaslough over the years.
Dedicated to the life and work of the Irish poet and novelist, the Patrick Kavanagh Centre has a 60-seat audiovisual theatre and research library. Twelve specially commissioned paintings are on permanent exhibition illustrating Kavanagh's epic poem The Great Hunger, along with a miniature model depicting Kavanagh's classic, A Christmas Childhood.
Set in the home town and birthplace of the poet, a special feature of the centre is the unique performance tour of Kavanagh Country, which takes in many local sites immortalised by Inniskeen's most famous son, with anecdotes, historical facts, wild rumours and, of course, poetry.
Resting on a rock in the small town of Laragh, St Peter's Tin Church is said to have been a generous gift from the mill owner James McKean to his wife after their honeymoon in Switzerland, where she first saw and fell in love with the church. Constructed of metal, the unique structure is designed in a Swiss-gothic hybrid style and is one of a kind on the island of Ireland.
Although the church was deconsecrated in the 1950s, it has since been listed as a Building of National Importance and was restored by the community of Laragh. Proudly reopened in 2014, it’s now a popular venue for touring musicians and drama groups.
Set on 900 acres of wooded country in the mid-Monaghan town of Castleblayney, Lough Muckno Leisure Park is a great destination for those looking for a bit of adventure. Try your hand at orienteering and navigate nature trails, or take to the water with a day of water-skiing, wakeboarding and coarse fishing. The park is also home to the Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre which offers even more activities to get your heart racing like rope-assisted tree climbing and inland sailing.
If you’re after a more relaxed experience, there’s a pretty peace garden and picnic areas where you can rest up and admire Lough Muckno, the largest of Monaghan’s lakes.
Discover the county's rich culture and heritage at Monaghan County Museum in Monaghan town. A treasure trove of local history, it features fascinating exhibits like the Cross of Clogher, a bronze-encased oak cross with richly decorated panels showing Christian iconography, and items found in medieval crannógs, like ancient leather shoes, ornate combs made of bone and needles made of antler.
While you’re in Monaghan, make time to explore its urban and rural landscapes by bike on the Monaghan Greenway. This wonderful route follows the path of the Ulster Canal and passes close to many of Monaghan town’s residential and commercial areas.
The urban walking and cycle track is a 4.5km linear route and is generally flat with some gentle slopes, suitable for fair weather cyclists and family groups. Taking roughly 30 minutes to cycle, the route can also be walked in 45 minutes. Those who wish to explore further can continue along the Threemilehouse Road by footpath to nearby Rossmore Forest Park.
Explore the sprawling woodlands, five fishing lakes and giant sculpture trail at Rossmore Forest Park near Monaghan town. There are also several well-posted forest walks to choose from including the Nature Trail, Yew Walk and, arguably the most scenic, the Priestfield Walk.
The three-mile route leads you past rows of towering yews and the Rossmore family crypt. As well as impressive remnants of its past life as an estate, there’s also a great play park for children and the well-maintained paths are suitable for wheelchair users.
Made famous by its inclusion in the wedding dresses of Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge, Carrickmacross Lace was introduced to Ireland in 1820. Mrs Grey Porter of Donaghmoyne taught local women lacemaking so they could earn some extra income.
At the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, explore the craft inspired by Italian lace that originated in the 19th century and discover how it became an important part of rural Irish family life. The tradition is still maintained today, with beautiful lace still hand-worked by a select group of craftspeople at the gallery on Market Square.
Now that you've got a taste of the Drumlin County, build up your trip itinerary with more things to do in Monaghan.
