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48 Hours in Monaghan

Day 1

MORNING– Bike Ride through Drumlin Townlands 

When was the last time you began your day with a bike ride? Dust off your helmet and discover the Drumlin Townlands. The Drumlin Trails Bike hire is located at Knockaphubbie (meaning “Hill of Congregation”) which is a 15-minute drive from the Hillgrove Hotel & Spa.  

Situated in the historic heart of the barony of Truagh, this is a landscape that has a lot of hidden heritage and untold history. Each tour offered by the Drumlin Trails Bike hire offer guests a snippet of useful and sometimes bizarre information! Rest assure there is trails available to suit all ages and fitness levels. Be sure to book your bike! 

AFTERNOON Glaslough Village 

After your adrenaline filled morning, enjoy a change of pace with a visit to the picturesque village of Glaslough, a mere 12-minute drive from the Hillgrove Hotel & Spa. The name Glaslough is derived from the Irish translation ‘calm or green lake’, this magical village is located on the outskirts of the famous Castle Leslie Estate. 

Surrounded by ancient woodlands and glittering lakes, it is a village filled with impressive historical and architectural features. Beautifully stone cut period buildings and a unique, vibrant, and welcoming community. 

Explore this beautiful villageit’s many facilities, business’s and friendly local people 

During your visit perhaps you will find some treasure of your own! Something unique, beautiful, and timeless at Castleview Antiques. Offering an eclectic range of antiques from furniture, clocks, porcelain, and paintings, to lighting and collectables. Or take in the beautiful displays at “The Mallon Gallery” the work of Joan and Joe Mallon. Joan is a renowned artist and illustrator specializing in surrealist imagery with “tongue ‘n cheek” observations of village life. Joe is a well-known ceramic artist. His studio displays an interesting collection of dogs, birds, vases, dishes, and lamps, and accepts commissions. 

LATE–  PK’s Bistro

After your day galivantingsit back & relax! It is time to put up your feet and enjoy some well-deserved refreshments at PK’s Bistro. Dig into our delicious menu or sip on a warming Irish coffee. Sounds like the perfect cosy Autumn evening, doesn’t it? 

Day 2

MORNING – Patrick Kavanagh Centre 

After last night’s dinner in our PK’s Bistro, it is time to find out about PK himself at the Patrick Kavanagh Centre. Situated in a beautiful old church in the nearby village of Inniskeen, your trip to Monaghan would not be complete without a visit here!  

The centre recounts the life and work of one of Ireland’s best-loved poets and provides a performance tour of ‘Kavanagh Country’, which takes in local sites immortalised by Kavanagh – with anecdotes, historical facts, wild rumours and even the odd poem recited along the way. For opening times, visit  their website here. 

LUNCH – Dinkins’s Cafe 

No trip to Monaghan town centre is complete without a visit to Dinkins’s Home Bakery & Café. They are an award-winning family run business with eight home bakeries & cafés in Co. Monaghan & Co. Cavan! 

On the first floor you will find a “Taste of Tuscany” serving many wonderful authentic Italian dishes as well as traditional Irish options. We recommend the Goat’s Cheese & Vegetable pizza; Mamma Mia it is delicious!  

For dessert of course head downstairs to taste a delicious cake and sample some goodies which are baked freshly in their bakery. 

AFTERNOON – Carrickmascross Lace Gallery 

At the Carrickmascross Lace Gallery you will hear the fascinating story of the beautiful lace which adorned Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge’s stunning wedding dress. The story began in the 1820s with a determined woman named Mrs Grey Porter who began teaching the local women appliqué so that they could earn a living.  

Made by the poor for the rich and famous, the exquisite lace became increasingly popular. However, Kate was not the first royal to wear Carrickmascross Lace, the sleeves of Princess Diana’s famous wedding dress were also trimmed with it! Today, the exquisite lace is still hand worked by passionate craftswomen in the town.  

AFTERNOON-SHOPPING  

For your very own retail therapy walk into town and discover some stunning boutiques. On those wet & windy days, take a trip Monaghan Shopping centre. A premier shopping destination with something for everyone. Browse through 25 stores and enjoy a wide selection of fashion, accessories, giftware, health & beauty, music and much more. 

LATE 

When the stomach starts rumbling again, head for the award-winning Batch Loaf Restaurant. This is an exciting new restaurant in the heart of Monaghan, a unique culinary experience that blends traditional dishes with modern contemporary dining.  

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