01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- 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.
