Ballinode Village
Ballinode is a little sleepy village sitting on the Blackwater River about 4 miles from Monaghan town. A beautiful spot for a picnic is by the impressive replica mill wheel, with the picturesque bridge cottages in the background. You could grab an ice cream or a coffee in the shop and Quig Lough and Hollywood Lake are only a stones throw away.
Ballybay Wetlands
The Ballybay Wetlands are 65 acres of wetlands that are recognised as being regionally important as a site for wintering migratory bird life including the Whooping swan and the Siberian widgeon. It is also a place of year round refuge for a wide spectrum of waterfowl and wildlife. There are several walks around this area including the floating pontoon bridge across an opening in the Dromore River. The Ballybay Wetlands Centre provides a venue for Eco-Tourism holidays and environmental appreciation and learning.
Concra Wood Golf Club
Concra Wood Golf Club boasts an 18 hole, par 72 championship course and is situated in Castleblayney. They have many facilities to offer you on a trip to their course. Whether you are playing golf, enjoying in the breath taking views or dining in our restaurant with panoramic views of Lough Muckno and the golf course, they can suit your needs.
Senator Billy Fox Memorial Park
Senator Billy Fox Park is a 6.3 hectares national park situated in the Bawn area of County Monaghan. The park is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities with walking paths and picnic benches dotted throughout. Enjoy the sound of the stream and its cascading water, view the central bandstand and memorial plaque to Senator Billy Fox who was the only member of the Oireachtas to be assassinated during the Troubles.
Castle Leslie Grounds
Castle Leslie is a charming rural destination for those searching for outdoor adventures. Wander 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, filled with majestic woodlands and loughs. There’s many attractions to see; from the Equestrian Centre and working farm, to the unique flora and fauna and historical sites. These include building ruins, a Gothic Lodge, Walled Garden originating from 1850, the Pinetum, and an Integrated Wetlands project.
Castleshane Forest & Waterfall
Castleshane Forest and Waterfall can be found around 5km outside of Monaghan town, off the N2, on the outskirts of Castleshane village. ‘Caisleán an tSiáin’ is the village’s name in Irish which translates to ‘Castle of the Fairy Mound’ – you will notice a height in the middle of the demesne that could be the mound the name refers to.
Dartrey Forest
Dartrey Forest is located along the border of Monaghan and Cavan, bordered by a Famine wall which stretching half way along the road from Cootehill to Rockcorry. Situated on the former estate of the Dawson family, the forest offers a series of walks for various fitness levels along with opportunity for water activity on the series of lakes joined by the Dromore River.
Emy Lough
Start this 4km loop around Emy Lough from the carpark, along minor roads and the lakeshore path, which will bring you back around. Emy Lough is popular with walkers, runners, swimmers, fishermen and families alike. It will take you approximately 45mins -1.5hours when walking and is suitable for all levels of fitness.
Hollywood Lake
Situated between the villages of Scotstown and Ballinode, Hollywood Lake and Forest offers free and fun activities such as swimming, nature walks, a children’s playground and seating areas to enjoy a picnic along with toilets and car parking facilities.
Lough Major
This walk circles around the 23 hectare Lough Major, with stops for fishing along the way. It is very scenic, giving panoramic views of the town of Ballybay and the surrounding countryside. There is a little well along the way and eerie yew tree lined section. There is ofien plenty of wildlife on and around the lake, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. Part of the walk includes the town park and the peace bridge. It takes about fifty minutes to an hour to complete the walk.
Lough Muckno
Enjoy various forest trails on the Black and or White Islands, or the array of water sports activities available on the lake of this 900-acre wood. Lough Muckno and its surrounds were once part of the Blayney Estate which the town Castleblayney takes its name from.
Mullyash
Mullyash Mountain is situated in the eastern region of Co. Monaghan. Many of the streams in this upland area are drained by the low-lying lake areas of Castleblaney. Large areas of solid coniferous forestry extend up the slopes of Mullyash. The surrounding drumlins are steep-sided and have a north-west to south-east orientation.
Rossmore Forest Park
Located on the outskirts of Monaghan town, Rossmore Forest Park boasts an array of forest and lakeside walks along with history, nature trails, viewing points, picnic areas, an award winnng playground, toilet facilities and a decent car park. Most pathways are suitable for all fitness levels and abilities. This is a MUST VISIT spot if you’re coming to Monaghan.
Rossmore Golf Club
Founded in 1916 Rossmore Golf Club is located three miles south east of Monaghan.From the highest point of the course there is a panoramic view of much of the northern part of the island of Ireland from Slieve an larann in Leitrim through Slieve Cuilceagh and Slieve Beagh into the Sperrins in Tyrone and Derry.
Sliabh Beagh Way / Bragan Mountains
The Bragan Walk is entirely on minor country roads where you can still get the sense of walking over remote upland bog while remaining on firm footing. This is a walk that is likely to appeal to the whole family and includes several quiet picnic areas.
Tin Church, Laragh
The Monaghan Town Greenway opened in 2013 and is an urban walking/cycletrack that passes close to many of Monaghan Town’s residential and commercial areas. It is a 4.2km linear route featuring a combination of urban and rural landscapes, following the path of the Ulster Canal.
Ulster Canal Greenway
The Monaghan Town Greenway opened in 2013 and is an urban walking/cycletrack that passes close to many of Monaghan Town’s residential and commercial areas. It is a 4.2km linear route featuring a combination of urban and rural landscapes, following the path of the Ulster Canal.