Camp sites in County Monaghan

Patrick Kavanagh Centre

Discover the life and works of Patrick Kavanagh, one of our greatest ever poets, at the Patrick Kavanagh Centre in his hometown of Inniskeen in County Monaghan. See paintings depicting his work, informative exhibits and immersive displays.

Visit the Patrick Kavanagh Centre and view exhibitions honouring the poet’s life, his writing, and his continuing legacy. Visit the modern exhibition and performance space to see the latest in a long line of local performers and talented visiting acts, as well as events celebrating the life and poems of Patrick Kavanagh. Take the Kavanagh Trail and follow in the poet?s footsteps down winding lanes, through triangular fields and between the whitethorn hedges of Monaghan. A guided tour of these local sites immortalised in Kavanagh’s writing is available and must be booked in advance.

Lough Muckno Leisure Park

The park is set on 900 acres of wooded country with many activities including fishing, walking trails, water sports and picnic areas. Lough Muckno Leisure Park is situated close to the centre of the mid Monaghan town of Castleblayney. The lake itself is the largest and most beautiful of Monaghan?s lakes with spectacular views of the surrounding area.

The park is set on 900 acres of wooded terrain. The two wooded islands both Black and White Island have excellent activities such as orienteering, nature walks/trails, water skiing and wakeboard club, coarse fishing, peace garden and picnic areas. The town itself hosts many festivals with the park used as a venue for the Muckno Mania Festival, the annual triathlon, the water skiing club is the host for many national and international competitions and hosts many fishing competitions. Recently, major angling access works have been undertaken and Lough Muckno is now an international standard angling venue.

Monaghan County Museum

Monaghan County Museum in Monaghan Town is a treasure trove of local history dating back to before the first settlers. Explore how geography, conflict and trade have shaped the county as it is today. Exquisite examples of linen and lace illustrate the rich textile heritage of the county and the skill of the makers. Learn about local and national heroes from the War of Independence to the Grand Slam Six Nations Rugby Championship. Monaghan County Museum is a designated museum by the National Museum of Ireland and houses a large archive of photographs, documents and several online exhibitions.

Carrickmacross Lace Gallery

Carrickmacross Lace Gallery in County Monaghan, specialises in traditional handmade lace, famously featured on Princess Diana?s wedding dress. Originating in the 19th century, Carrickmacross lace has a rich history and was inspired by Italian lace.

Carrickmacross lace was introduced into Ireland around 1820 by Mrs Grey Porter of Donaghmoyne. In the 19th century, lace craft became an important source of rural family income and today, Carrickmacross lace is still hand worked by a select group of craftspeople passionate about the beauty of fine, meticulously worked needlecraft. This tradition is maintained by the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery. Their distinctively styled lace is expertly hand stitched with attractive, bespoke designs. Visit the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery in County Monaghan, to explore the fascinating history of this important industry and browse a range of lace products and gifts.