Monaghan Drumlin Country

Discover Ireland's drumlin heartland - a unique landscape of thousands of small egg-shaped hills left by glaciers 12,000 years ago. This gentle route through County Monaghan reveals a peaceful, pastoral Ireland far from the tourist trail.

Why This Route?

Monaghan offers a different Ireland:

Unique landscape - Classic drumlin country
Market towns - Authentic Ulster towns with Georgian heritage
Historic houses - Castle Leslie and Hilton Park
Lakes & fishing - Excellent coarse fishing
Off the beaten path - One of Ireland's least-visited counties

The Drumlins

Drumlins are elongated hills formed from material deposited by glaciers. Monaghan has one of the densest concentrations in the world. The Irish word for drumlin - "droim" (ridge) - gives Monaghan its character: a landscape of endless rounded hills with lakes nestled between them.

The Route

Starting from Monaghan Town

The county capital has fine Georgian architecture and a lively market tradition. Key sites:

Market House

The 1792 building now houses the Monaghan County Museum - one of Ireland's best regional museums (free entry).

St Macartan's Cathedral

A Gothic Revival masterpiece dominating the skyline.

The Diamond

The town square is the traditional market centre, surrounded by historic buildings.

Glaslough & Castle Leslie

An estate village built around the gates of Castle Leslie - one of Ireland's most famous historic houses:

Castle stays - The castle offers luxury accommodation
Equestrian centre - Famous riding school
Grounds - Beautiful parkland and lakeside walks
History - The Leslie family has owned the estate since 1665

Sir Jack Leslie (1916-2016) lived to 100 and was known as "Ireland's oldest DJ."

Emyvale

A traditional market village close to the Northern Ireland border.

Rossmore Forest Park

A beautiful woodland park on the former Rossmore estate. Features include:

Extensive walking trails
Lakeside paths
Ruins of Rossmore Castle
Rhododendrons (spectacular in late spring)
Pet cemetery of the Rossmore family

Newbliss

A small estate village with literary connections - the poet Patrick Kavanagh worked as a farm labourer nearby.

Clones

A historic town with remarkable heritage:

The Round Tower

One of Ireland's finest, dating from the 10th century.

The High Cross

An ornate Celtic cross in the Diamond.

Lace tradition

Clones was famous for crochet lace; the heritage centre tells the story.

Cassandra Hand

The thatched cottage of the lace industry founder is preserved.

Hilton Park

Another great Monaghan estate, now a luxury guesthouse. The 600-acre grounds include formal gardens, woodland, and a lake.

Scotshouse

A border village with traditional atmosphere.

Cootehill (County Cavan)

Briefly cross into Cavan to visit this market town with its attractive square and Bellamont Forest nearby.

Literary Monaghan

Patrick Kavanagh

Ireland's greatest modern poet came from Inniskeen in south Monaghan. The Patrick Kavanagh Centre celebrates his life and work.

Shane Connaughton

The screenwriter (My Left Foot) grew up in Redhills.

Practical Tips

Castle Leslie - Book dinner or afternoon tea to experience the house
Rossmore Park - Free access; maps at car park
Clones market - Friday is market day
Border crossings - Seamless but currency changes
Quiet roads - Watch for agricultural vehicles

Best Seasons

Late spring - Rhododendrons in bloom at Rossmore
Summer - Longest days for exploring
Autumn - Golden colours in the forests
All year - Indoor attractions work in any weather

For Families

Rossmore Park - Easy trails, playground
Monaghan Museum - Interactive displays
Castle Leslie - Fairy garden for children
Fishing - Easy-access lakes throughout