Happy Friday everyone. As promised our Virtual Tour of Ireland continues a little late this week. This time we go further inland to the gorgeous County Monaghan in Ulster. What it lacks in coastline, it certainly makes up for in rolling lush countryside and tranquil lakes. So let’s get on the road!
County Monaghan Highlights
1. Lough Muckno
We begin at the largest of Monaghan’s many lakes in the heart of the county near Castleblayney. Lough Muckno commands amazing views of the surrounding countryside and encompasses 900 acres of lush woodland. Here you can enjoy many nature trails, world class angling and for the more adventurous you can take part in more thrill-seeking activities such as water-skiing.
2. St. Peters Tin Church
Next up we’re off to Laragh and this charming one of a kind church. It is constructed entirely of tin and timber and dates back to 1890. The founder was James McKean who was the operator of the Laragh Tweed Mill. The design is Swiss Gothic and was inspired by Mc Kean’s travels to the continent. It was deconsecrated in 1950 and fell into bad repair. In 2012, the local community banded together to restore and conserve the church which reopened in 2014. It is now listed as a Building of National Importance.
3. Castle Leslie
It’s time for a trip to a classic Irish Castle and this one is truly enchanting! This is a wonderful place to stay to experience a real old Irish aristocratic home. You really feel like you’ve stepped back in time! Nestled in 1000 acres of rolling Monaghan countryside, you can sleep in four-poster beds, go horse-riding, hot air ballooning or stroll around its 3 lakes. It was also the first home in Ireland to have a plumbed bathtub!
4. Inniskeen Round Tower
Next up on our County Monaghan must-sees is the remains of St Daig’s monastery in the village of Iniskeen. The monastic site dates back to 685 and the centerpiece is the remains of a round tower which stands at 12 metres in height and is now a national monument. Iniskeen is also the birthplace of celebrated Irish poet and author, Patrick Kavanagh. A trip to the Patrick Kavanagh Resource Center in the town is an absolute must on any trip to Monaghan. It houses exhibitions on local history as well as the poet himself, and there’s a wonderful walking performance tour of ” Kavanagh Country.”
5. Rossmore Forest Park
And so we end our journey in the flower carpeted woodlands of Rossmore Forest Park. Once the site of Rossmore Castle, the ruins of the buttresses and the main entrance stairway still remain in the park. If a stroll in the forest is your thing, then they don’t come much better than Rossmore!
As always, it’s wonderful to have your company on the virtual road. See you next time!
Take care of yourselves and each other,
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
2 comments
Thank you Ms Sullivan for your wonderful post on the county’s of Ireland. Having visited “the Ole Sod” a few years ago to see where my Grandfather was born, was an ultimate experience. However, time was a factor, and we wanted to take in as much as possible. With that said, we did not, but “scratch the surface”. As you have said, there is so much beauty, history, and moments to enjoy. We hope to make a return trip soon, so please keep us inspired.
Hi Tim,
I am so glad you’re enjoying the tour and it really means so much to receive your very kind comments. I do hope you get the chance to make a return trip soon.
Thanks so much for reading. It’s great to have your company on the virtual road!
Kind regards,
Lulu.