Make the most of your time in Monaghan
The Hillgrove Hotel & Spa is set amongst private grounds on the outskirts of Monaghan – one of Ireland’s most beautiful and best-kept secrets. So, when you’re staying with us, you’re in an ideal base from which to explore all the fun-filled family attractions that the region has to offer.
Rossmore Forest Park
The sweeping lands that comprise Rossmore Forest Park was formerly part of the barony of Rossmore. A castle was constructed in 1827 with various extensions being added over the years. Today, a special feature of the park is the rhododendron and azalea display, which is at its colourful best in early summer. While here, look out for otters, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs and even pigmy shrew. If you’re really lucky, see if you can spot five of Ireland’s seven species of bat that are to be found in the locality.
Sam Moore Open Farm
Sam Moore Open Farm is located only a few minutes outside Monaghan town and is the perfect location for a family day out, birthday or party venue. Open 7 days
Travelling from Monaghan town out the Clones rd, turn left sign posted for Threemilehouse and Newbliss. Travel through Threemilehouse village out the Newbliss road and you will find the farm entrance located on the left.
Sam Moore Open Farm have lots of friendly farm animals that love to see all the children come to visit. We have goats, pigs, sheep, lambs, cows, donkeys, ponies, hens, ducks and chickens, rabbits, turkeys, emu and alpacas.
There is so much to see and do from Fairy Trails, Vintage Cars & an Old Forge.
We have tractors, bikes and go karts, a zip line and lots of seating areas to enjoy a picnic or BBQ.
Annaginny Farm Park, Dungannon
Annaginny Farm Park is a lovely family ran business, with an exciting range of animals! Come visit the giant Emu’s and say g’day to the Wallabies!
The park is home to everything from little Goats to large fish Aquariums. Let your little ones bounce around like the Wallabies and try run as fast as an Emu! There’re so many other animals for you to meet, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
After let the little ones go wild on the bouncy castle while you get cracking on making a yummy BBQ! You could even go sit back and relax around one of the 5 fishing lakes, casting a line if you feel lucky.
Family ran farm park
Wallabies
BBQ area
Lough Muckno Leisure Park
This picturesque park is set on 900 acres of wooded terrain. The two wooded islands both Black and White Island have excellent activities such as orienteering, nature walks/trails, water skiing and wakeboard club, coarse fishing, peace garden and picnic areas. The town itself hosts many festivals with the park used as a venue for the Muckno Mania Festival, the annual triathlon, the water skiing club is the host for many national and international competitions and hosts many fishing competitions.
Horse Riding Lessons
One of the best ways to enjoy the famously beautiful Irish landscape is with a gentle hack on horseback. Mount up with one of the professional guides at The Castle Leslie Estate and explore the incredible Irish scenery in a unique way that none of you will ever forget.
Inniskeen Pitch & Putt
Inniskeen Pitch and Putt Course is a perfect day out for children of all ages and an enjoyable course for those looking after them. Clubs, balls, tees and scorecards are all available from the small pro shop, which also sells some refreshments.
Rossmore Golf Club
With its undulating fairways and numerous streams and lakes, this century-old parkland course offers the ideal golfing combination of challenging yet enjoyable golf over its 18 holes. The course is playable all year round and visitors are assured the warmest of welcomes. What’s more, from the highest point of the course there is a panoramic view of much of the northern part of the island of Ireland from Slieve an larann in Leitrim through Slieve Cuilceagh and Slieve Beagh into the Sperrins in Tyrone and Derry.
Glaslough Chocolate Shop
Established by chocolatier Trish Murphy-Thom, The Glaslough Chocolate Company is located right in our very own quaint and beautiful historic village of Glaslough. The delicious chocolates are handmade in small batches using the best quality Belgian chocolate and the finest local cream and quality ingredients. Made using only natural flavours and ingredients, each chocolate is lovingly crafted so that you can experience just a tiny bite of heaven.
Monaghan Cinema
This is a magical, modern, centrally-located cinema in Monaghan town that shows all the latest movie releases. This Omniplex Cinema has 5 screens with a state-of-the-art OmniplexMAXX giant screens featuring the latest sound systems. There is free parking spaces, assigned seating in all screens, automated ticket collection points, 3D movies, wheelchair space and accessibility in all screens. There’s also an extensive Candyking pic’n’mix and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream stall available too.
Tayto Park
A fun day out for children of all ages awaits at Tayto Park. Children under 6 years can play on the swings and rides on the Spudhara Playground, while the Pow Wow Playground is designed for children under 12 years. Older thrill seekers can head over to Eagle Sky adventure zone which features Ireland’s only wooden rollercoaster. Don’t miss the zoo which has tigers, meerkats, several species of monkeys and more.
Titanic Belfast
Built in 2012, Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience and one of the island’s most popular attractions. This must-see, interactive exhibition is a monument to Belfast’s famous maritime heritage and is built on the historic site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, where the RMS Titanic was built.
Drumlin Trails Bike Hire
Drumlin Trails Bike Hire is located at Knockaphubble (literally from the Gaelic translation of Cnoc an Phobail meaning “Hill of the Congregation”). Here, you can book a bike with us. We’ll then share the best local knowledge there is, so that you can take the most scenic route and have the most rewarding biking experience possible. The surrounding landscape has a lot of hidden heritage and some untold history. Each cycle trail we offer you has a snippet of useful and some bizarre information to offer. There is a trail here to suit all ages and degrees of physical fitness.
Busy Bee Ceramics Workshop
Clay is a fantastic medium to express yourself and it’s also great fun. Here, you can share the owner’s passion for clay by visiting her delightful pottery studio. You can also become a potter and learn something brand new. Whatever age you are, this is a great way to spend a day with family and friends.
Monaghan Museum
Monaghan County Museum has been serving the people of Monaghan for over 40 years. During which, it has diversified to match the needs of a changing community. This award-winning museum has a professional commitment to excellence in caring for and displaying its collection, as well as making that collection as accessible as possible both intellectually and physically.
Slieve Gullion Forest Park
Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers the unmissable opportunity to experience tranquil woodland trails, stunning views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins and top class facilities for walkers and families. Play in the Adventure Playpark; explore the Giant’s Lair in the wonderful Hawthorn Hill Forest Nature Reserve and woodland trails, or take a turn in the ornamental walled garden, where you will find picnic benches, an outdoor performance stage, an al fresco coffee bar (open in the summer) and a wildlife pond with covered seating areas.
It’s a free attraction (currently) and is only 45 minutes drive from the Hillgrove Hotel.
For more information on Nearby Family Attractions, please contact:
T: +353 (47) 81 288
E: hello@hillgrovehotel.com
