Day Trip Ideas
A Daytrip to Carrickmacross, Monaghan - Carrickmacross Daycation Guide
Carrickmacross Daycation Guide – The Perfect Day in Carrickmcross
The market town of Carrickmacross is little more than an hour’s drive from Dublin, yet a world away. Expect a warm welcome and a laid-back approach to life here in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East.
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Get your coffee fix at Awesome Coffee Beans, run by former Irish Cup Tasting champion, Brian Birdy; as well as a first-class cup of joe, all the sweet treats here are made in house – the peanut butter cups alone are worth the drive, believe us!
Other great coffee spots in town include the Red Door Café and Rocksalt Carrickmacross; the latter is located down by the Carrick Aces running track, just in front of the famous ‘Convent Avenue’ a pretty, tree-lined walk which runs from Lough Naglack to the St. Louis Convent school at the start of town.
The town is compact and eminently walkable, so do enjoy a stroll to your next stop, the Carrickmacross Workhouse. One of a small handful of restored workhouses, the harrowing past of this fine building is brought to life via an excellent guided tour which culminates in a poignant audio-visual display in what was the children’s dormitory.
Tours last about an hour and run at 11.30 and 2.30pm Monday-Friday. Group tours (minimum of 10) are available on weekends, by prior appointment. Booking is strongly recommended.
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Grab a picnic lunch at Matilda’s Bakery and Deli, which has been operated by the Ward family for almost one hundred years, and don’t forget to grab some of their famous sourdough bread to bring home!
If time and weather allows, take the ten-minute drive out to St. Peter’s Tin Church in Laragh Village, a really unique and magical spot. The Gallows Hill, just behind Matilda’s, is another green and leafy spot which lends itself perfectly to an alfresco lunch.
The next stop is Market Square and the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, home to the iconic style of lace made famous in the late-19th century by Queen Victoria. The ladies who run the gallery will be happy to talk you through the fascinating history and methods involved in making this gorgeous Irish lace, and you can shop for souvenirs, too, from keyrings and bookmarks to larger pieces of framed lace.
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St Joseph’s Church in Carrickmacross lays claim to 17 stained glass windows crafted in studios of Harry Clarke, three of which the great artist is reputed to have created himself. En route to see them, be sure to stop and admire a more modern masterpiece at the junction of Main Street and O’Neill Street – an eye-catching mural of Monaghan’s own Patrick Kavanagh, by the street artists OMiN.
If you happen to be in Carrickmacross Thursday-Sunday, then you have timed your visit perfectly for an unforgettable dining experience at Courthouse Restaurant. Chef-owner, Conor Mee, excels at preparing local seasonal produce, winning a coveted Michelin bib Gourmand for his efforts.
Download the Carrickmacross Town Trail map here >>