Looking for ideas of things to do with kids in Monaghan?  Here is our list of the top 10 things to do with kids in Monaghan (in no particular order!).

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#1. Rossmore Forest Park

Rossmore Forest Park is located 3.5km south west of Monaghan Town on the R189 to Newbliss. Some of the man-made features include the ruins of Rossmore Castle, the walled garden, a fish hatchery and resevoir. The beautiful Yew walk – an avenue of yew trees which runs for about 500 metres from the walled garden. The Lake Trail takes the walker to various lakes and water courses and the Nature Trail follows a path adjacent to the car park through the woods leading to a picnic area and viewing point. Part of the forest also has a cycle trail. A special feature of the park is the rhododendron and azalea display, which is at its colourful best in early summer. €5 per car on Saturdays and Sundays.

#2. Lough Muckno Leisure Park

A day out in Lough Muckno Leisure Park in Castleblayney is a must for all the family. The park has several walking trails, a waterskiing & wakeboarding club, fishing opportunities, nature walks and a lovely picnic area. It is open all year around and there is no admission fee. Make sure to check out the amazing adventure playground complete with a spiral tunnel slide, parallel zip wires for racing, a giant swing and a disc roundabout!

#3. Sam More Open Farm

Sam More Open Farm in Threemilehouse is a treat for all the family. It’s open all year round from 10am to 7pm. As well as cows, sheep and horses, make sure to check out their alpacas, miniature horse and pot belly pigs! At Sam’s Old Cottage, kids can experience how life used to be. There is also an old blacksmith’s forge, a nature walk where kids can feed the ducks, a fairy fort and lane and a picnic area.

#4. Rally School of Ireland at Scotstown

Experience a heart-thumping adrenaline filled day at the Rally School of Ireland! You can drive rally cars and super cars. They have Junior Rally Experiences for Kids 10+. If you don’t feel like taking part, spectators can watch the amazing cars at high speed from the elevated viewing tower. Lunch is also available.

#5. GR8 Castleblayney

For a rainy day, try an indoor family day out at GR8 Castleblayney. You can try your hand at Crazy Golf and Bowling at their brand new ‘Funk Bowling Lanes’, or have fun in their Softplay area or Astro-Turf Pitch. Experience a range of incredible experiences with their 9D Virtual Reality Simulator. Finish the day off in their restaurant.

#6. Coral Leisure Monaghan

Have a family fun day at Coral Leisure, Monaghan. They have a separate kids pool and flume slide. On their special Inflatable Weekends, kids can use their 20m pool inflatable. There are excellent changing facilities and good sized family changing rooms. They have two tennis courts which may suit adults and older kids, as well a sauna, jacuzzi and steam rooms for adults.

#7. Visit a Museum

Patrick Kavanagh Centre

A visit to the Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Inniskeen covers topics such as History, Topography, Folklore and Local Legends. You can also learn more about Patrick Kavanagh’s fascinating life and work. Opening Hours: Tues – Fri 11am to 4.30pm, Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays 2pm – 6pm, Closed on Mondays. Admission charges for Adults is €5 and €3 for Students.

Monaghan County Museum

This award winning museum has a collection consisting of over 50,000 objects, which help to tell the story of the county’s rich culture and heritage, from the end of the last Ice Age to the present day.

#8. Castle Leslie

A visit to Castle Leslie in Glaslough to explore the 1,000 acre Estate on horseback. At one of Europe’s finest equestrian centres, you can breath in the fresh country air and take in the stunning scenery as you stroll around in the woods or by the lakes of their Castle hotel. There are a whole host of exceptional walks, from short jaunts to long leisurely strolls on the Estate. Dine in the hunting lodge or visit the cookery school at Castle Leslie and learn to cook.

#9. Monaghan Markets

Spend some time visiting some of the many amazing markets around Co. Monaghan.

• Monaghan Town Farmers Market, Location: Town Centre in front of Monaghan Town Courthouse, every Friday from 10.00am – 2.00pm.
• Carrickmacross General Market, Location: Town Centre, every Thursday from 8.00am – 5.00pm.
• Ballybay Farmers Market, Location: Town Centre & Carpark of Riverdale Hotel, on the last Friday of every month from 10.00am – 12.00pm.

#10. Outdoor Adventure

If you’re more of an active family, why not try out one of Monaghan’s Adventure Centres?

A.W.O.L. Outdoor Adventure Centre

At A.W.O.L, located in Emyvale, Monaghan, you can experience fun and adrenaline in their wide range of outdoor activities, such as crazy golf, abseiling, archery, canoeing, kayaking and many more. There is a large selection of activities which cost only £10.

Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre

At Tanagh in Rockcorry, they provide a range of water-based and land-based adventure activities for all. They have canoeing, banana boating, archery, adventure races and a range of other activities.