The hills of Monaghan along the border with the North hide a thriving community of market towns, farms and a wealth of scenery that lure visitors back time and time again. The ancient heritage of the county is clear too from the mediaeval sites scattered about the county and pre-historic remains such as the Tullyrain Ring Fort near Shantonagh.
Monaghan has a well-deserved reputation as a haven for those with a passion for angling, golf and hiking. Anglers have long loved the county and with a rich assortment of waterways stocked with bream, roach, pike for those with an interest in coarse fishing. Anglers with a passion for game will find no shortage of trout and salmon. Golfers have some outstanding courses to choose from at the Muremore Hotel and Mannan Castle near Carrickmacross.
Walking tours around Monaghan will bring you through the land that inspired the famous Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh. His birthplace at Inniskeen contains a visitors centre devoted to his life and work. His colourful past and the inspirations for his poetry are all explained and the Kavanagh Country Tour is a must.
The towns of Carrickmacross and Clones are famous for the fine Ulster tradition of lace making and the crafts industry in Monaghan is a thriving one. Monaghan Town is the capital of the county and home to the county museum as well as a thriving pub and restaurant nightlife. The Monaghan Rhythm and Blues Festival each September is fast becoming one of the most popular niche music events in the country.
The Lough Muckno Leisure Park in Castleblayney provides a great place for a family day out and offers attractive lakeside and woodland trails as well as tennis, canoeing, sailing, water-skiing and horse-riding.
The quiet grace of the Monaghan landscape and the range of activities available for visitors of all ages together provide a winning combination that succeeds in attracting people from all over the world. Whether they come for the sporting attractions like golf and fishing or have a passion for history and the literary works of Patrick Kavanagh they come to Monaghan in their thousands. The enthusiasm of the people for visitors and guests coming to their counties provides an infectious good atmosphere that makes you feel like a friend being welcomed home instead of a stranger. And perhaps it's that more than anything else that brings people back again and again.