Looking for somewhere to eat out in Monaghan that actually works for the whole family? Finding a restaurant that welcomes kids, has room for a buggy or a high chair, and serves food that fussy little ones will eat isn’t always straightforward. To help take the guesswork out of it, we’ve rounded up some of the family-friendly restaurants, bars and cafés across County Monaghan worth knowing about.
A quick tip before you head out: not every restaurant is set up for buggies, so it’s worth checking ahead if you’re travelling with a young baby. Bringing a car seat can be a handy backup, and for older babies and toddlers, most family-friendly spots will have high chairs or booster seats available. If you want more general tips on spotting a family-friendly venue before you book, take a look at our guide on what makes a restaurant child-friendly.
Places to Eat With Kids in Monaghan
Andy’s Bar & Restaurant
A family-run, multi-award-winning bar and restaurant in Monaghan Town with a children’s menu on offer. Worth checking current opening days before you go, as it has traditionally closed on Mondays.
Westenra Arms
The Westenra Arms in Monaghan Town gives families a choice of settings — the Diamond Restaurant, the Tavern Bar (with bar food), and The Courtyard Restaurant, which has historically offered a daily carvery lunch.
Tommies Restaurant
A long-standing Monaghan Town favourite known for its relaxed, “come as you are” approach. Tommies offers sit-down dining, takeaway and delivery, making it a flexible option for family meals.
Snaffles Restaurant
Set within the Castle Leslie estate, Snaffles has a relaxed, open-plan feel that suits family visits, with a children’s menu available.
The Canal Bar
Located in the centre of Clones with plenty of parking, The Canal Bar at the Creighton Hotel is a handy option for a light lunch with kids, and has a children’s menu.
Blackwater Cottage Bar and Restaurant
A traditional-style bar in Emyvale with a children’s menu, good for a relaxed family meal outside Monaghan Town.
Sliabh Beagh Hotel
Located in Knockatallon, the Sliabh Beagh Hotel has historically offered bar food on Fridays and Saturdays, plus Sunday lunch, with a children’s menu available. It’s worth confirming current opening times before travelling.
Dinkin’s Home Bakery and Coffee Shop
A good choice for tea, coffee and a treat, or for something more substantial with lighter, healthier menu options. Dinkin’s has had outlets across Monaghan, Castleblayney, Carrickmacross, Ballybay and Clones — it’s worth checking which locations are currently open near you.
The Fiddlers Bistro
Based in the centre of Carrickmacross, The Fiddlers Bistro has built a strong local reputation for its food and service, and offers a children’s menu.
Hillgrove Hotel
The Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan Town serves bistro-style bar food and has a children’s menu, making it a solid option for a family meal in town.
Quick Bites and Fast Food
For those treat days, fast food options in the area have included KFC at Monaghan Retail Park (Clones Road), McDonald’s at Monaghan Shopping Centre, and Supermac’s Family Restaurant on Main Street, Carrickmacross.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a child-friendly restaurant in Monaghan?
Look for places offering a children’s menu, high chairs or booster seats, and space to manoeuvre a buggy comfortably. Casual, family-run spots and hotel bar-restaurants tend to be the most accommodating.
Can I bring a buggy into restaurants in Monaghan?
It varies by venue. Some restaurants happily take buggies at the door, while others have limited space. If you’re travelling with a young baby, bringing a car seat as a backup is a handy option, and calling ahead to check is always worthwhile.
Do Monaghan restaurants provide high chairs?
Most family-friendly restaurants and hotel bars in the area provide high chairs or booster seats for younger children, though availability can vary, so it’s worth asking when you arrive or book.
Is there a fast food option in Monaghan for a treat?
Yes, there are fast food outlets in Monaghan Town and Carrickmacross, handy for those occasional treat days when a quick bite is what’s needed.
Related Articles
If you found this useful, you might also like:
- What Makes a Restaurant Child-Friendly
- 13 Fun Games to Play at a Restaurant
- How to Survive Eating Out With Kids
Before You Go
Do you have a favourite spot to eat with the kids in Monaghan? We’d love to hear your recommendations — feel free to share them with fellow parents.
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