It is a village 7 miles (11 km) north-east of Monaghan, with the beautiful timbered demesne of Glaslough House near by which is also an equestrian centre. A few miles west of Emyvale, in the heart of a picturesque, well-wooded district. Lough Emy, near the village, is noted for the number of its fowl and swans.
Emyvale was the stronghold of the McKennas, a powerful Celtic family. Originally, there is meath, which shows that they established here after John McKenna I came on a hunting trip and spent two days chasing his prey, a wild stag. After the hunt, he rested with the Treanors, the local chieftains and while here, he heard that his position in Meath had been usurped. He subsequently married one of Treanor’s daughters, established himself in Tully Fort (which is still in evidence south-east of the village) and his family grew to be the most powerful influence in the area.