Castleblayney is situated to the east of the county close to the Armagh border. It has a population of 3,000 and is home to Country and Western Music in the County. The town is well know for it's musical links with Big Tom and Paddy Cole. Music nights are held in it's many pubs. The town was founded on the site of an early Christian Church and the area was originally controlled by the local Hanratty chieftains. The town was built by the Blayney family and the Courthouse, Market House and Church of Ireland church were added in the late 18th, early 19th centuries. Hope Castle was named after Henry Hope, owner of one of the largest uncut diamonds in the world. He bought the estate in 1870 and it is now part of Lough Muckno Leisure Park which incorporates a Water-ski Centre, group activity programmes, conference facilities, and restaurant and bar. The leisure complex also has a splendid 9-hole golf course and forest trails with lakeside picnic areas. Castleblayney also has a fully automated Ten Pin Bowling Complex which is open all year. Lough Mourne Clay Pigeon Shooting offers tuition, equipment and refreshments.
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Address:
Monaghan Tourism, M:TEK Building, Knockaconny, Monaghan, Ireland.
Tel. 047 71818. Fax. 047 84786
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