There’s plenty for families to do in Monaghan when it comes to outdoor activities and places to visit with the kids. Here are some of the best outdoor places for families in Monaghan, whether you’re planning a full day out or just making the most of a dry afternoon.
We’ve put together this guide with some of our favourite ideas for when school is out, or whenever that window of good weather opens up and you need to get the family outdoors.
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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. It’s an ideal spot for walks and picnics with the family.
Hollywood Park, Scotstown
This small, lakeside park at Scotstown has nature walks, a children’s playground and picnic areas. Swimming, boating and fishing are also possible here.
Lough Muckno Leisure Park, Castleblaney
At Lough Muckno Park there’s plenty to do, with walking trails, a waterski and wakeboarding club, fishing, nature walks and a picnic area. It’s open all year round, making it a great option whenever the weather is on your side.
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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 the woods or by the lakes. There’s a whole host of walks here, from short jaunts to long, leisurely strolls across the estate.
Rossmore Forest Park
Rossmore Forest Park near Monaghan Town has several forest walks, a Nature Trail and a Yew walk. There’s a car park, picnic sites, forest and lakeside walks, nature trails and viewing points, making it a lovely spot to spend a few hours as a family.
Derrygorry/Favour Royal Forest, Emyvale/Clara
Each household in the country has its own special tree grown here, with a certificate issued to each family showing where their tree is growing — a nice detail to look out for on a visit.
Knockatallon Looped Walk
The walks here range from 6 to 10 kilometres in length, with two routes on quiet country roads suitable for all abilities.
Bragan Mountain near Knockatallon
At Bragan Mountain, The Bragan Walk includes several quiet picnic areas. Start 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’ll walk 0.7km before reaching the main loop, which 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. It offers plenty of opportunities for safe cycling with the kids.
#### Kingfisher Cycle Trail, Clones
This route is mapped and signposted through counties Cavan, Donegal, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Monaghan, with Clones as an entry point on the trail.
Article written by Martina from Scotstown.
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FAQs About Outdoor Places in Monaghan
What are the best outdoor places for families in Monaghan?
Families rate Lough Muckno Leisure Park, Rossmore Forest Park, Castle Leslie Estate, Hollywood Park in Scotstown, and the Senator Billy Fox Memorial Park among the best spots, thanks to their walking trails, picnic areas and family-friendly facilities.
Is Monaghan good for family cycling?
Yes. Monaghan has several family-friendly cycling routes, including the Sliabh Beagh Cycle Trails, the Ulster Canal Trail and the Kingfisher Cycle Trail, with options suitable for different ages and abilities.
Are there forest walks near Monaghan Town?
Rossmore Forest Park, just outside Monaghan Town, has forest and lakeside walks, a Nature Trail, a Yew walk and picnic sites, making it an easy option for a family outing.
Do I need to check opening times or fees before visiting?
Facilities and access can change from year to year, so it’s worth checking directly with each park or trail before you travel, especially if you’re planning around parking, opening hours or any charges.
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Looking for more ways to get outdoors with the kids in Monaghan? You might also enjoy Family Walks in Monaghan and Things To Do With Preschoolers in Monaghan, both packed with more local ideas for family days out.
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