Monaghan Town is the capital of the county with a population of 6,000. It is in the North of the county. This town is the focal point of the county’s furniture industry, poultry, and mushroom production. It is a lively town with some wonderful architecture that can be appreciated on foot. The County Museum and the St Louis Convent Heritage Centre are well worth a visit. St. Macartan’s Cathedral was built in 1892 and contains interesting Stations of the Cross and tapestries. Other buildings of particular note around the town include the original 17th c. Market House, the Courthouse, St Patrick’s Church of Ireland, and the First Monaghan Presbyterian Church. The Rossmore Memorial and the Market Cross are also of historical significance. For visitors wishing to trace their family origins, Monaghan Ancestral Research provides a wealth of information. It is the former estate of Robert Cunningham MP for Monaghan (1769-1796) with its hardwood, broadleaf and conifer trees, mixed grasses, lakes and rivers creates a teeming wildlife habitat. Walkways incorporate a wedge tomb, yew, giant red wood and a mausoleum. Within this beautiful setting is nearby Rossmore Golf Club, which offers an exceptional 18-hole championship course. Valley Pitch and Putt 18-hole course is situated on the Ballybay road and has both club house and shop facilities. Monaghan town has its own thriving source of dramatic entertainment - the Garage Theatre. Traditional music abounds and sessions of singing, accompanied by traditional Irish instruments can be enjoyed in many of the cosy pubs around the county.