There’s plenty for families to do in Monaghan when it comes to outdoor activities and places to visit with our children. Here are some suggestions for the best outdoor places for families in Monaghan.
We have put together this guide for you with some of our ideas on what you can do while school is out or for when leaping through that window of opportunity when we’re lucky enough to experience a dry spell!
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Outdoor Places in Monaghan
Senator Billy Fox Memorial Park, Latton, Bawn
The Senator Billy Fox Memorial Park has many natural walkways and a river running through it with a bridge crossing at one point. Ideal for walks and picnics.
Hollywood Park, Scotstown
This small, lakeside park at Scotstown has the following facilities: nature walks, children’s playground, picnic areas etc. Swimming, boating and fishing are also possible here.
Lough Muckno Leisure Park, Castleblaney
At Lough Muckno Park there’s plenty to do here with walking trails, a waterski & wakeboarding club, fishing, nature walks and a picnic area. It is open all year around and no admission fee.
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Castle Leslie in Glaslough
Castle Leslie Estate is another great place to breathe in fresh country air and take in the stunning scenery as you stroll around in the woods or by the lakes. There are a whole host of exceptional walks, from short jaunts to long leisurely strolls on the Estate.
Rossmore Forest Park
Rossmore Forest Park near Monaghan Town has several forest walks, a Nature Trail and a Yew walk. It has a car park, picnic sites, forest and lakeside walks, nature trails and viewing points. €5 per car on Saturdays and Sundays.
Derrygorry/Favour Royal Forest, Emyvale/Clara
Each household in the country has its own special tree grown here. A certificate for each family was issued telling them where their tree is growing.
Knockatallon Looped Walk
The walks here range from 6 to 10 kilometres in length; two of which are on quiet country roads that are suitable for all abilities.
Bragan Mountain near Knockatallon
At Bragan Mountain, The Bragan Walk includes several quiet picnic areas. Start off at the parking bay 4km from the main trailhead at the Sliabh Beagh Hotel, which is also the trailhead for the Rock and Esh walks. Turning left from here you will walk 0.7km before reaching the main loop that can be walked in either direction.
Family Friendly Cycling Places in Monaghan
The best places for cycling in Monaghan are really part of longer routes but you can take the bikes along and join the route for part of the way:
Sliabh Beagh Cycle Trails Knockatallon
There are 5 signed cycle routes in the Sliabh Beagh region, varying in length from 18 to 37 miles.
The Ulster Canal Trail, Clones
The Ulster Canal Trail is a 77km linear cycle trail between Maghery, Co Armagh and Clones, Co Monaghan. Plenty of opportunities for safe cycling with the kids.
Kingfisher Cycle Trail, Clones
A route is mapped and signposted through counties Cavan, Donegal, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Monaghan. Clones is an entry point on the trail.
Article written by Martina from Scotstown
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Have your say! Do you have any favourite outdoor places in Monaghan to go with the kids? Tell us in the comments below.