An experience is a gift that keeps on giving, making priceless memories to cherish for years to come. Monaghan is home to a wealth of sporting, cultural and culinary businesses offering something for every interest – from thrills and spills on the racetrack to a leisurely game of golf in breath-taking surroundings or a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Rally School Ireland in Scotstown has played host to big-name adrenaline junkies, including Michael Fassbender and Colin McRae. Put pedal to the metal around their purpose-built track with a choice of iconic cars, such as the Subaru Impreza Turbo and Porsche 911 Carerra. Prices start from €225pp for a half-day session. There is also a young driver Junior Rally experience (€130pp) and choice of full-day packages. Can’t decide which experience to gift? Why not opt for an open gift voucher instead.
Give the gift of golf from the host of the Monaghan Irish Challenge, Concra Wood. A Christmas 2Ball Voucher valid until the end of March 2023 costs €60.
From kayaking and canoeing to sailing and tree-climbing, Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre is based on the shores of Lough Muckno and offers expert tuition in a range of activities both on and off the water. Vouchers can be purchased via their fab new website and make the perfect last-minute gift.
Meanwhile, vouchers for AWOL Outdoor Adventure in the north of the county can be put towards land and water-based activities such as abseiling, paintballing, stand-up paddle-boarding and bouldering.
If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors of the Sliabh Beagh region in north Monaghan, Sliabh Beagh Adventures have gift vouchers available to cover a range of fabulous outdoor activities they have on offer.
Afternoon tea is the ultimate indulgence and perfect Irish food gift. Several hotels in Monaghan are offering vouchers, including the Four Seasons Hotel, the Hillgrove Hotel, the Nuremore Hotel & Country Club, the Shirley Arms Hotel, and afternoon tea with Prosecco at the Creighton Hotel in Clones.
Castle Leslie Estate has a special Exquisite Early 2023 promotion valid until the end of March 2023 for just €200 for two, including a canape and bubbles reception, overnight stay at The Lodge and a full hearty Irish breakfast.
Recreate ’that’ scene from Ghost at Busy Bee Ceramics in Glaslough, the prettiest village in Ireland. A Poterie Pour Deux one-hour session, including your two best pots professionally finished, costs €135. A stone’s throw from Castle Leslie Estate, why not combine with afternoon tea and make a day of it!
For culture buffs, why not gift a pair of tickets to the new Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Inniskeen, a state-of-the-art visitor experience and performance space, celebrating the life and work of one of Ireland’s most iconic poets. €10 per person. In addition, gifts including Monaghan-made scarves and notebooks from the fantastic new Kavanagh Collection can be purchased in store or online.
Don’t forget there are some seriously tempting deals right now for packages and overnight stays at Monaghan hotels!