Towns and Villages in County Monaghan - Villages
The many towns and villages around County Monaghan boast a wide
range of attractions. From the birth place of the remarkable poet
and novelist Patrick Kavanagh in Inniskeen where you will find a
permanent tribute to his memory, to the historical home of the Leslies
in Glaslough there is no end to places of interest in the County.
Clontibret is the site of a battle which was fought between
Hugh O'Neill and the Marshal of Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Henry Bagenal
in 1595.
The
Wildlife Education Centre provides a unique learning environment
with exhibitions which include a mounted bird and fauna collection,
an audio visual and slide show unit plus cafeteria and picnic facilities.
Pony trap tours can be arranged
Rockcorry developed as a result of the linen industry which
was founded by the Corr family. An obelisk-style monument, situated
between Cootehill and Rockcorry, was erected by local electors in
honour of the 18th c. MP Richard Dawson. He was returned to five
successive parliaments.
Tanagh
Outdoor Recreation Centre sits at the heart of the Dromore water
system adjoining Dartrey forest. Activities at the centre include
kayaking, canoeing, absailing, pony trekking, field studies and
leadership training programmes. Advance booking is necessary. There
are some pleasant walks in nearby Dartrey Forest.
Inniskeen was the birthplace in 1904 of the poet and novelist,
Patrick Kavanagh. Places such as 'Shancoduff Farm' or 'My Black
Shanco' and 'Kednaminsha School', which are associated with the
poet's work, are all clearly signposted.
The
Patrick Kavanagh Rural and Literary Resource Centre, located
in the Church where he attended Mass, interpret the area's geology,
mythology and history. The Centre has an audio-visual room and a
library and guided tours are available for groups of 8 or more.
Visitors can also access the adjacent graveyard where the poet is
buried. Those seeking refreshment may pause at The Poets Rest coffee
shop.
A Round Tower marks the site of the early Christian Monastery of
St. Daig. During the 12thc. Augustinian Monks built a second Monastery
beside the Norman Motte that still exists today and overlooks the
village.
Fane River Park is nearby and it offers peace seekers an opportunity
to pause for a rest or a picnic, or to take a walk along the banks
of this excellent salmon river. Across the road there is an 18-hole
Pitch and Putt course.
Glaslough Village, a former Tidy Town winner, originated
from the presence of Castle
Leslie. The castle is now an upmarket hotel but visitors can
walk around the grounds, exploring the splendid gardens of this
405ha estate.
Castle Leslie
Equestrian Centre offers rides over 40km of natural trails and
fences. Residential or day rates are available.
Donagh Graveyard contains the ruins of an early Christian Church
and High Cross. Donagh's original 12thc. Bronze crucifix is currently
used in processions at Monaghan Cathedral. The name Donagh (Domhnach)
stems from St Patrick's practice of turning the sod of a new Church
on a Sunday.
Emyvale is the site of a 10th c. Viking Fort, used to launch attacks on
Donagh Church. Novelist William Carlton attended Donagh Parish Church
hedge school in 1837. Tully Fort was established by the powerful
McKenna family and is still in evidence.
Scotstown, The
Rally School of Ireland provides motor sport activities and
conference facilities. It offers the ultimate rally experience for
novice and advanced drivers over a 1km mixed terrain circuit.
Ballinode, Ballinode Veteran and Vintage Museum is 3km from
Monaghan town. Carts, ancient kitchen utensils, a traditional hearth,
farmhouse furniture and an abandoned 1845 cell door from Monaghan's
Old County Jail are amongst exhibits.
Donaghmoyne, sign-posted off the Carrickmacross to Castleblaney
road, is the location of the Mannan Castle 18-hole Parkland Golf
Course. The ruins of Mannan Castle, with its motte and bailey, are
still clearly visible.
Newbliss, the home of the Tyrone
Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig, is situated close to Clones.
The Tyrone Guthrie Centre is a residential arts centre dedicated
to the great theatre director Sir Tyrone Guthrie. It is surrounded
by 450 acres of forest and lake which give it a seclusion and tranquility
idyllically suited to its new role as a workplace for artists.
Scotshouse, located just outside Clones is a village with
an historic past. Remnants of an ancient border - the Black Pigs
Dyke run through here and it is the birthplace of Arthur Griffiths.
There are two historic graveyards in the village - Drum Swords and
Magheratemple.