Walking Ideas
7 Great Walks in Monaghan
Monaghan’s walking trails are suitable for all abilities – from challenging hikes through open countryside and rugged bogland terrain, to nature rambles, heritage trails and walks suitable for pushchairs and little legs, too. Lace up your boots, take a deep breath and join us on an adventure in the great outdoors. Activities in Monaghan in addition to walking include kayaking, sailing, quad biking, tree-climbing, horse riding, golf, angling and much, much more. Why not extend your visit and check out some of the other great things to do outdoors in Monaghan.
Discover the great outdoors in Monaghan, walks for all ages and abilities through some of the most spectacular countryside and boglands in Ireland.
To start you off, here are seven of the best Monaghan walking trails for all to enjoy.
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Following the towpath of the abandoned Ulster Canal in Monaghan Town, a 4.2km-long stretch of the Ulster Canal Greenway (Phase I) is now open.
The Greenway meanders along a mix of rural and urban landscapes. Keep an eye out for heritage structures en route, including three bridges, a lock house and two locks.
The wheelchair-accessible route is graded ‘easy’, and it is even suitable for four-legged friends, provided they are on a lead.
Picturesque Emy Lough looped walk is suitable for all levels of fitness and takes around 1-1.5 hours to complete.
Be sure to pack a picnic and take your togs, so you can avail of the new swimming/beach play area.
There are picnic benches as well as ample parking at the trail head.
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Sliabh Beagh in the north of the county is a haven for walkers, with a variety of landscapes, from wildflower-studded open meadows and bogland to more challenging mountain terrain, with several looped walks to choose from, ranging from 6km to 10km in length.
The ‘Tra Walk’ gets in name from Lough Antrawer, which it passes by, and it’s here you can take in the breath-taking views across Fermanagh, Tyrone and Monaghan at Three County Hollow.
One of the prettiest spot in Monaghan, walking trails at Lough Muckno in Castleblayney include Black Island, a scenic 1.5km loop which is suitable for buggies as well as littler legs, be they four or two.
Stop for a lakeside picnic after you walk or check out the array of outdoor activities on offer at Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure centre.
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A site of regional importance for winter migratory birdlife, including the Whooping Swan and the Siberian Widgeon, it’s little wonder wildlife and birding enthusiasts flock to the 65-acre Ballybay Wetlands Centre.
Enjoy a number of scenic walks, such as a 1.5km nature trail along hedges and oak woodland. Make a day of it, with a choice of beautiful walks originating in nearby Ballybay Town Park .
An easy day trip from Dublin, walk the 6km-long Patrick Kavanagh Trail in Inniskeen, and experience the Monaghan landscape that shaped one of Ireland’s most celebrated poets.
Journey down country lanes, across triangular fields and between the whitethorn hedges and spot key places of interest including the Kavanagh Homestead, Shancoduff and Billy Brennan’s Barn.
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Step back in time at Dartrey Forest Park , formerly the estate of the Dawson family.
The Dromore River wends its way through the forest joined by a series of scenic lakes.
Look out for the Dawson Mausoleum, designed in 1770 by James Wyatt and modelled on the Pantheon in Rome.
Click here for more details on these and more great walks in Monaghan.