Discover Carrickmacross: Lace, History and Walking Routes

Discover Carrickmacross through its handmade lace, church art and walking routes. The town brings together a living craft tradition, places of remembrance and two walking options described in different ways. Plan around the topics that interest you most, then look for a suitable holiday rental for your stay.

Lace and History at Carrickmacross Workhouse

The Carrickmacross Lace Gallery keeps the tradition of Carrickmacross lace alive. Its distinctive handmade pieces feature individual patterns. Visitors can explore the history of the craft and view lace products and gifts. For sewing groups, the gallery can arrange demonstrations by prior contact and booking. Please confirm the details directly with the gallery.

Carrickmacross Workhouse was restored as a visitor and community centre. On guided tours, visitors learn about life, death and emigration during the Great Famine of the 1840s. The tour also includes an original dormitory for children, overlooking Mass Famine Graves. Tours take place on weekdays throughout the year; advance booking is required.

Harry Clarke and St. Joseph’s Church

The Roman Catholic St. Joseph’s Church in Carrickmacross dates from 1866 and has ten stained-glass windows designed by Harry Clarke. In the summer of 1924, Clarke was commissioned to create a two-light window for the church. The St. Ceara window was completed in 1925. It was the only window in Carrickmacross that Clarke designed entirely and partly executed himself. The commission and completion mark two separate stages: the start of the project and the finishing of the window.

Walking and Fishing in the Surrounding Area

The Carrickmacross Historic Town Trail takes about 35 to 40 minutes on foot. The Carrickmacross Slí na Sláinte is 3 km long and starts and finishes at the top of Main Street, by the gate to St. Finbarr’s Church. The two routes therefore offer different guidance: the Town Trail gives an approximate walking time, while the Slí gives the distance and its start and finish points.

Just north of the town, on the N2, there is a fishery nearby with wild and stocked brown trout as well as stocked rainbow trout. If you plan to fish there, check the current club rules beforehand; seasonal and permit details apply.

More Perspectives on County Monaghan

County Monaghan also offers a range of cultural topics. Monaghan County Museum, at the Peace Campus in Monaghan Town, explores the county’s history through a varied programme of exhibitions and events. The Patrick Kavanagh Experience at the Patrick Kavanagh Centre in Inniskeen tells the poet’s life story through artefacts, multimedia, texts and films. A guided tour includes the main exhibition, a visit to Patrick Kavanagh’s grave, a short walk around Inniskeen and the Poetry Jukebox on the River Fane. If you plan to take this tour, check the current booking conditions.

Those interested in activities on the water and outdoors can visit Lough Muckno Leisure Park in Castleblayney, a wooded 900-acre site offering fishing, walking trails, watersports and picnic areas. Lough Muckno also hosts national and international waterskiing and angling competitions. Activities and event dates may change; check the latest information before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Doohamlat, Lisnalong, Glaslough, Ballybay, Mullinacross, Castleblayney, Clones, Tedavnet

For the broader travel overview: County Monaghan.