Explore
For those of you that enjoy getting out and seeing some of the beautiful landscapes around Ireland, Monaghan is great base. It is situated in the middle of some of the most beautiful and famous attractions in Ireland such as the giant’s causeway and new grange. If you want to explore the locality, there are an abundance of beautiful parks and tours available to you.
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
Just an 8 minute drive from Hillgrove Hotel, Rossmore Forest Park is the perfect oasis to take a break and get some peace and quiet in Monaghan. The park remains the most-visited forest park in Ireland for the second year running and attracted more than 357,000 visitors last year. Experience the serenity the park has to offer by visiting during your stay at Hillgrove Hotel.
A new resident Giant has just moved in to Rossmore Forest Park. A star hit with kids, Roddy Den Drum (geddit?) is the first of 10 Drumlin Giants to be created here. Once the estate of the Rossmore family, walking trails take you past barely-there remnants of their 19th-century castle. Plus lakes, picnic tables, and colourful flowers, making this a magical haven for wildlife and birds.
Catered for all age groups, Brenda at Busy Bee Ceramics has been connecting people to clay in Monaghan since 2009. Dive into a new skill, and spark your creativity during your visit to Monaghan by joining Brenda in various classes & events held in her studio.
Indulge in Ireland’s award-winning, handmade chocolate experience at Glaslough Chocolate. Born out of a simple passion for chocolate, freshness is at the heart of everything the team at Glaslough Chocolate do. Experience freshly made chocolates, created using the finest, sustainability sourced ingredients.
This one is for the thrill seekers and dare devils. Choose from a range of adrenaline fuelled activities, from quad biking to clay pigeon shooting – there’s something for everyone! Located just over half an hours drive from Hillgrove Hotel, this is the perfect spot to begin your off-road driving experience!
If you’re on the hunt for an outdoor-sy experience in Monaghan, then look no further than Ulster Canal. Recently renovated thanks to €20 million investment, the canal and greenway are the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy some Monaghan fresh air, either by foot, by bike or by boat.
Get a sense of Monaghan’s famously hilly countryside with a morning’s exploration on two wheels. Drumlin Trails offers bike hire for €15 per day, plus child seats, trailers and electric bikes are available for those who prefer a less strenuous ride. They will also give you access to their App, to choose a cycling route that suits your family, starting from 6km right up to 65km for the more active families. Each route is narrated on the App by local historian, Paddy McQuaid, who will share stories as you cycle along!
Situated in the beautiful foothills of Slieve Gullion, next to the enchanted Giant’s Lair, this state-of-the-art adventure playpark is packed with features to captivate any child! All kinds of slides, swings and tunnels, climbing frames, mazes and imaginative play equipment for the older kids are available, as well as a trim trail for adults.
After an energetic morning, it is time for some lunch and a rest at Lough Muckno. Enjoy a picnic overlooking the lough and afterwards the younger visitors in your party can enjoy the magical Wilbert’s Enchanted Garden and playground, followed by a walk around the forest park at Black Island.
