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.
Castleblayney is situated to the east of the county close to the Armagh border. The population of this town is around 3000. The town was founded on the site of an early Christian Church and the local Hanratty chieftains originally controlled the area. The town was built by Blayney family. The Courthouse, Market House and Church of Ireland church too included in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Hope Castle was named after Henry Hope, owner of one of the largest uncut diamonds in the world. He bought the estate in 1870 and it is now part of Lough Muckno Leisure Park that incorporates a Water-ski Centre, group activities, conference facilities, restaurant and bar. The leisure complex also has a splendid 9-hole golf course and forest trails with lakeside picnic areas. This town encourages the Western music. The town has musical links with Big Tom and Paddy Cole. Musical nights are arranged in many pubs.
Ballybay is situated in the south of county with a population of 1,052. It is the smallest town of the principal towns. This town is located beside the Lough Major, which was founded on the linen industry. But now it is a prominent angling centre with several excellent waters. The Billy Fox Memorial Park is located 5 km along the Cootehill to Ballybay route. Its pleasant forest trails are highly recommended.
Carrickmacross is a wonderful market town. It is developed around a Castle built by the Earl of Essex in 1630. This town had own the prestigious European Entente Florale Silver Medal Award. The Convent of St. Louis Nuns now stands on the original castle site. The Nuns were largely responsible for the revival of lace-making skills in the region. Lace Co-operative has been instrumental in keeping the tradition alive today. The lace is available at The Gallery Centre where demonstrations of this skill given by prior request.
Clones have a lot buildings and super sites of historical interest. The Church of Ireland and the early 9/10th c High Cross dominated the Diamond. Other important buildings around the town include the Presbyterian Church and the ruins of John Wesley’s Methodist Church. It is interesting to note that even the ruins of a motte and bailey fort have been preserved until today. During 12th c. Abbey, locally known as the ‘wee abbey’ has the unusual feature of a Celtic Cross sculpted in relief on the Northern Wall. On the same area, we can find the sarcophagus of St. Tiernach, a 6th c. Abbot lies beside Clones Round Tower. The Ulster Canal Store is a community enterprise, which provides tourist information. It is a permanent exhibition of Clones lace, coffee shops and bicycle hire facilities. Clones Golf Club and 9-hole course is set amidst Hilton Park’s old demesne with spectacular countryside views. Hilton Park Victorian Gardens provide secluded walks beside herbaceous borders, herb gardens, yew hedges and a lakeside summerhouse.