August bank holiday in Monaghan: Five fun-filled attractions to do as Farney County gears up for weekend of entertainment
Here are a flavour of just some of the many eye-catching delights and activities that are in store over the coming days.
Follow Independent Monaghan on Facebook
Plein Air Workshops in Rossmore Forest Park
In what is arguably one of Monaghan's most treasured locations, Rossmore Forest Park will provide the backdrop to an outdoor spectacle for art enthusiasts that has to be seen to be believed.
Armagh native and Monaghan resident Lynsey McKernan will lead a three hour workshop on Friday (August 1) entitled 'Lughnasadh'.
The session will guide enthusiasts through the unique experience of painting outdoors – immersed in nature and responding to the lights, atmosphere, and shifting elements.
Those taking part will be afforded the chance to create a piece that captures not just what you see, but how the moment feels.
All materials are provided, and the workshop is free. No experience needed with beginners and all levels welcome.
Castleblayney Show
The Castleblayney Show on Bank Holiday Monday (August 4) attracts a large crowd from the local, national and even international areas.
Agriculture is the show's main focus but this has broadened over the past number of years to include Side Shows, Trade Stands, The All Ireland Baking Championship, an Artisan Food Hall showcasing local produce at its very best, and much, much more. Children's Entertainment is free and includes Face Painting, Hair braiding, science fun and plenty more on the day.
The success of Castleblayney Show has ensured its position as one of Monaghan's Major attractions and the program of events incorporates many elements including Cultural, Commercial and Competitive Interests ranging from Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Horses, Poultry, Home Industries, Horticulture, Needlework, Crafts, Photography, Art, Post primary and primary schools.
The Show provides hours of opportunity for you to see the latest inventions, product services available in the county and surrounding areas and sample food and refreshments from a wide range of suppliers.
Carrickmacross Walking Tour
The Walking Tour of Carrickmacross aims to bring alive the vibrant history of the south Monaghan town, including the Famine Times, the two families who owned the town for many years while also charting its time through the War of Independence.
Carrickmacross can call upon many famous residents, including Daniel McGovern and Patrick Kavanagh with plaques dedicated to their work being seen as part of the tour.
Other cultural items of interest are Carrickmacross Lace and the Harry Clarke stained glass windows in local Churches.
The tour takes approximately one hour with participants being asked to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Due to the inclement Irish weather, organisers have also advised members of the public to bring an umbrella and a rain jacket.
There is no charge to take part in the tour and no booking is required, however numbers will be restricted due to health and safety reasons. On that basis, a designated meeting point to the front of the Shirley Arms Hotel at 11am has been pencilled in.
If you have a large group and would like to organise a private tour, please contact the Chamber of Commerce Secretary at the email info@carrickmacrosschamber.com (Please note: There will be a fee for private tours.)
Pay a visit to Castleblayney Outdoor Activity Centre
Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre is located in the beautiful surroundings of Muckno Lake and wooded parklands.
The Centre is ideally located to suit the many water sports and outdoor activities programmes on offer.
A facility that has become a haven for children in the throes of their summer holidays, a wide variety of camps offering everything from kayaking, climbing and shelter building have become a firm and keenly awaited fixture on the local landscape.
Sample the delights of Gr8 Entertainment
There are few, if any, better ways to keep the kids occupied over the bank holiday than to pay a visit to Castleblayney's GR8 Entertainment. Established in 2010 to provide a new way of entertainment for people in the North East, this thrill-seeking entertainment complex, caters for all ages from one-year-old upwards.
What's more, GR8 Entertainment have been catering for School Tours for over 15 years, taking in nearly 100,000 children through its doors since first opening.
Put simply, GR8 Entertainment boasts the best 10 Pin bowling xxperience in the North East. Its 10,000 sq ft soft-play area is equipped with a three tier climbing frame, slides, ball polls and toddler play area.
Factor in golf simulators, gaming areas, arcades and much, much more, you could do a lot worse than to mark your bank holiday card for a visit to Monaghan's premier entertainment complex.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
03-08-2025
- Irish Independent
Lughnasadh is a time of illumination so use midsummer to take stock and give thanks
In Celtic mythology, this date is associated with the god Lugh, a figure of radiance, masterful craftsmanship and generous harvests. It's always fascinating to note the cross-cultural echoes between ancient traditions. While the Celts were venerating Lugh, the Greeks were entering Leo season, which is ruled by the sun and linked to the god Apollo – another symbol of brilliance, artistry and solar power. Both Lugh and Apollo are portrayed as luminous, golden-haired masculine figures, embodiments of solar vitality. They were both known to have skin that radiated light itself. In mythology, everything is symbolic rather than literal. Assigning solar traits to a masculine archetype reflects the active, outward-moving yang energy, just as the moon is often connected to feminine, inward yin energy. In the Northern Hemisphere, this time of year was recognised by ancient cultures as a season of plenty – meant to be celebrated and enjoyed. It's a time to bask in the warmth of the sun, offer gratitude for life's pleasures and recognise the gifts of the season. Considering both Lugh and Apollo's love for music and the arts, this is also a time for artists to showcase their work at festivals and markets. With the symbolism of Lugh and Apollo in mind, we may feel illuminated by this solar light. This can be a time to relish in joy, creativity and connection. It's also a beautiful moment to reflect on how we shine on a personal level, through our talents, offerings and presence in the world. This year's Lughnasadh is accompanied by Mercury Retrograde, which isn't always the case. Mercury Retrograde tends to bring the tempo down and encourage a quieter tone. So while we can still tap into the bliss and bounty of this time, the energy may lean more toward inner reflection and gentle gratitude. Celebrations are certainly welcome, but you might feel drawn to approach social gatherings with a bit more grounded awareness. During Mercury Retrograde, we can sometimes feel more sensitive or reactive, so bringing mindfulness into the moment can help us stay connected and centred. May this Lughnasadh offer you a moment to pause, reflect and recognise how far you've come – and all that is still unfolding.
Irish Examiner
01-08-2025
- Irish Examiner
Féile na Laoch: All-night Ó Riada event in Co Cork hears rallying calls in support of Gaza
'Art is a weapon in the hand of the artist, and we must fight against oppression,' sculptor John Behan told those gathered in a field in Cúil Aodha, Co Cork, for Féile na Laoch on Thursday night. Onto the stage during the all-night Aeraíocht came a string of artists from every discipline, armed with their words, songs, dance, and music; ready and willing to use them in battle against injustice. They railed against the wrongs perpetrated against the Irish people, their language, against colonised nations, Travelling people, but most of all they used their art to protest against the slaughter in Palestine. From fire dancer Eimear Ní Mhaoldomhnaigh to Nine Wassies From Bainne experimental musician Giordaí Ua Laoghaire, who invoked the spirits of Cúil Aodha's War of Independence heroes Éamonn Mac Suibhne and Jamie Moynihan, artist after artist at this once-in-seven years 'festival of heroes' used spoken word, movement, and soundscapes to express their opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza. Peadar Ó Riada speaking at at Féile na Laoch, an event he founded to coincide with the birthday of his father, Seán Ó Riada. Picture: David Creedon Seven heroes in each discipline - poetry, visual arts, storytelling, dance, singing, acting, music, and sport - kept the audience on the banks of the River Sullane mesmerised from sunset until the sun rose to the sounds of a volunteer orchestra playing Mise Éire, the iconic arrangement by Seán Ó Riada, who inspired Féile na Laoch, on what would have been the composer's 94th birthday. Breakdancer Tobi Omoteso and writer Cónal Creedon explored concepts of identity and displacement, from Nigerian and Inchigeela perspectives respectively, while Natasha Bourke's aerial dance lifted the sights of the audience as she dangled, twisting and turning, to emerge from a jellyfish-like cocoon suspended high from a cherry-picker. Celine Byrne hit a high too with her operatic rendition of Danny Boy, while Magaidh Nic Aonghais delivered a haunting Scottish lament and Ailean Domhnullach's piping stirred the emotions. Among the fire dancers and breakdancing came Irish traditional arts; a Baile Mhúirne set danced by John 'The Lepper' Ó Loingsigh and friends, a brush dance from Gearóid Ó Droighneáin, and harp and fiddle playing sublime by Laoise Kelly, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, and Martin Hayes. A ceremony involving the filling of a bath with waters of the seven wells. Pianist David Syme sent the notes of Seán Ó Riada's Mná na hÉireann soaring into the cold night sky as Ó Riada's son Peadar, who dreamt up this eclectic artistic gathering in his home village, ushered the heroes onto a stage that rotated by degrees throughout the night to face the rising sun. What Máire Ní Chéileachair and Liam Ó Maonlaoí began in terms of audience participation with Seán 'S a Bhríste Leathair and Don't Go, Seán Ó Sé, singer with Ó Riada's Ceoltóirí Chualann, brought to a rousing crescendo with An Poc ar Buile and a blast of The Banks. Though it reflected these dark days across the world, Féile na Laoch shone a light too, at a time when heroes are needed more than ever. • Féile na Laoch continues this weekend. See Out and about at Féile na Laoch Jim and Joseph Walsh with Martin Hayes at Féile na Laoch. Pictures: David Creedon Joleen Cronin and Thomas 'Rusty' Weeise. Aifric Cussen with Tiffen, Caoimhe Mulhern and Aoibhínn Ní Donnchú. Síle Uí Chróinín with Liam Ó Maonlaí at Féile na Laoch. The parade going to the Field of Dreams at Féile na Laoch 2025. Gobnait, Caít and Judy Ní Mhurchú. Éabha Ní Chruadhlaoich, Elizabeth Ní Shúilleabháin, Emma Duerr and Medb Ní Chionnfhaolaidh. Cónal Creedon, Fiona O'Toole, Asha Kearney O'Toole holding Mary Murphy and Róisín McAvinney. John Spillane singing at Féile na Laoch. Colette Faul and Jana Cussen.
Irish Independent
01-08-2025
- Irish Independent
August bank holiday in Monaghan: Five fun-filled attractions to do as Farney County gears up for weekend of entertainment
In keeping with previous years, a comprehensive line up of events and attractions have been pencilled in by community groups and local dotted across its inviting landscape over the course of the next number of days. Here are a flavour of just some of the many eye-catching delights and activities that are in store over the coming days. Follow Independent Monaghan on Facebook Plein Air Workshops in Rossmore Forest Park In what is arguably one of Monaghan's most treasured locations, Rossmore Forest Park will provide the backdrop to an outdoor spectacle for art enthusiasts that has to be seen to be believed. Armagh native and Monaghan resident Lynsey McKernan will lead a three hour workshop on Friday (August 1) entitled 'Lughnasadh'. The session will guide enthusiasts through the unique experience of painting outdoors – immersed in nature and responding to the lights, atmosphere, and shifting elements. Those taking part will be afforded the chance to create a piece that captures not just what you see, but how the moment feels. All materials are provided, and the workshop is free. No experience needed with beginners and all levels welcome. Castleblayney Show The Castleblayney Show on Bank Holiday Monday (August 4) attracts a large crowd from the local, national and even international areas. Agriculture is the show's main focus but this has broadened over the past number of years to include Side Shows, Trade Stands, The All Ireland Baking Championship, an Artisan Food Hall showcasing local produce at its very best, and much, much more. Children's Entertainment is free and includes Face Painting, Hair braiding, science fun and plenty more on the day. The success of Castleblayney Show has ensured its position as one of Monaghan's Major attractions and the program of events incorporates many elements including Cultural, Commercial and Competitive Interests ranging from Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Horses, Poultry, Home Industries, Horticulture, Needlework, Crafts, Photography, Art, Post primary and primary schools. The Show provides hours of opportunity for you to see the latest inventions, product services available in the county and surrounding areas and sample food and refreshments from a wide range of suppliers. Carrickmacross Walking Tour The Walking Tour of Carrickmacross aims to bring alive the vibrant history of the south Monaghan town, including the Famine Times, the two families who owned the town for many years while also charting its time through the War of Independence. Carrickmacross can call upon many famous residents, including Daniel McGovern and Patrick Kavanagh with plaques dedicated to their work being seen as part of the tour. Other cultural items of interest are Carrickmacross Lace and the Harry Clarke stained glass windows in local Churches. The tour takes approximately one hour with participants being asked to wear comfortable walking shoes. Due to the inclement Irish weather, organisers have also advised members of the public to bring an umbrella and a rain jacket. There is no charge to take part in the tour and no booking is required, however numbers will be restricted due to health and safety reasons. On that basis, a designated meeting point to the front of the Shirley Arms Hotel at 11am has been pencilled in. If you have a large group and would like to organise a private tour, please contact the Chamber of Commerce Secretary at the email info@ (Please note: There will be a fee for private tours.) Pay a visit to Castleblayney Outdoor Activity Centre Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre is located in the beautiful surroundings of Muckno Lake and wooded parklands. The Centre is ideally located to suit the many water sports and outdoor activities programmes on offer. A facility that has become a haven for children in the throes of their summer holidays, a wide variety of camps offering everything from kayaking, climbing and shelter building have become a firm and keenly awaited fixture on the local landscape. Sample the delights of Gr8 Entertainment There are few, if any, better ways to keep the kids occupied over the bank holiday than to pay a visit to Castleblayney's GR8 Entertainment. Established in 2010 to provide a new way of entertainment for people in the North East, this thrill-seeking entertainment complex, caters for all ages from one-year-old upwards. What's more, GR8 Entertainment have been catering for School Tours for over 15 years, taking in nearly 100,000 children through its doors since first opening. Put simply, GR8 Entertainment boasts the best 10 Pin bowling xxperience in the North East. Its 10,000 sq ft soft-play area is equipped with a three tier climbing frame, slides, ball polls and toddler play area. Factor in golf simulators, gaming areas, arcades and much, much more, you could do a lot worse than to mark your bank holiday card for a visit to Monaghan's premier entertainment complex.
