Easter holiday ideas and day trip inspiration
11 Fun Family-Friendly Things To Do in Monaghan
An easy day trip from Dublin, family-friendly Monaghan has a wealth of things to do for all the family.
Fabulous Family Days Out in Monaghan
There’s plenty going on in Monaghan over the Easter holidays! Make a day of it (just an hour’s drive from Dublin and Belfast) or plan a short getaway. From seasonal crafts to family cycles and perfect picnics. Here is our pick of what’s on for families over Easter in Monaghan.
Inclusive Family Easter Workshops at Monaghan County Museum
Suitable for all the family, this series of free, drop-in creative sessions runs 11am-3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the holidays – including ‘Crafty Stained Glass’ on 31st March and ‘Clay Tile Workshop’ on 7th April. No booking required!
Ballybay Town Park has smooth paths perfect for roller-skating and for little ones learning to ride a bike. The playground has been added to recently, and is a good size, and there are picnic benches dotted throughout the park for everyone’s enjoyment. All we need now is the weather!
Lough Muckno in Castleblayney has it all – nature trails, picnic areas, playground, coffee and ice cream truck, as well as a popular playground set in amongst the trees. Grab a bite to eat in town before or after, with a wide array of Castleblayney lunch spots to choose from.
Glaslough Village Market takes place on Saturday 28th March, 10am-4pm, offering a wide range of crafts and food stalls perfect for a leisurely browse in the heart of the award-winning village. Pop by the village playground and sensory garden, and grab a gelato at Pocono.
St. Peter’s Tin Church in idyllic Laragh Village enjoys a magical location nestled beside a gushing stream, with picnic tables, nearby country walks and a community garden to discover.
Explore the lesser-known reaches of County Monaghan and discover hidden heritage sites by e-bike with Drumlin Trails Bike Hire , based in Emyvale. Though the bikes themselves are suitable for age 16 and up, child seats and trailers are available to hire as well.
The visitor experience at Carrickmacross Workhouse is a must for older children and parents alike, offering a sensitive and poignant glimpse into a tragic period of Irish history through the eyes of a teenage girl. It’s a short walk in to Carrickmacross then, which offers a range of options for lunch and coffee, as well as three award-winning bakeries.
The playpark at Rossmore Forest Park has recently been extended, with the addition of more play equipment for older children. The Rossmore Giants are growing in number too. Explore the trail and keep an eye out for towering ‘Rocky’, the latest addition.
Artflow Studio in Monaghan Town is offering a 3-day Easter Workshop (30 Mar-1st Apr and 7-9 April), with single day options available, too. Expect mornings full of creative fun guided by artist, Mary Scott. From €30 per child for a single morning session, 10am-12.30pm.
Carrickmacross Toy Library Play Sessions are open to members and non-members alike, with an Easter-themed Craft Club run by Evita from Pablo Creative Studio (Saturday 28th March), and a Parent & Child Mindfulness Workshop with Andrea from Relax Kids (Weds 8th April). Suitable for age 4 and up, prices from €5 per child (parents stay). Booking essential!
Explore the Ulster Canal Greenway in Monaghan Town by bike or on foot. The trail is deemed ‘easy’ and takes in a variety of urban and rural landscapes, as well as heritage sites of interest.
For more Monaghan family staycation inspiration, visit the dedicated ‘Family Fun’ page.