One of the most exciting things about owning a plot of land with BuyIreland.com is that you can actually visit it. Your gift package includes detailed directions and GPS coordinates, and every landowner is welcome to visit their property whenever they choose. If you're planning a trip to Ireland, here's what you need to know about County Monaghan and the beautiful surrounding area.
County Monaghan is situated in Ireland's border region in the province of Ulster. It's approximately 60 miles from Dublin, 80 miles from Belfast, 130 miles from Galway, and 180 miles from Cork. The drive from Dublin takes about an hour and a half along well-maintained motorways and country roads.
Monaghan is a county of unspoilt natural beauty. Known as the 'drumlin county' for its distinctive rolling hills shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago, the landscape is a patchwork of green fields, quiet lakes, and winding country lanes. It's the Ireland of postcards and dreams — peaceful, rural, and breathtakingly beautiful.
For history lovers, County Monaghan is a treasure trove. The county has a rich heritage stretching back thousands of years, with ancient ring forts, crannogs, and megalithic tombs scattered across the countryside. Clones, one of the county's heritage towns, features a 12th-century round tower, an ancient high cross, and the ruins of an Augustinian abbey. The Monaghan County Museum, winner of the Council of Europe Museum Prize, houses remarkable artefacts including the famous 14th-century Cross of Clogher.
Castle Leslie Estate in Glaslough is another must-visit. This stunning 1,000-acre estate has been home to the Leslie family since the 1660s and offers a glimpse into Ireland's grand country house heritage. The estate's beautiful grounds include ancient woodlands, a lake, and equestrian facilities.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Monaghan's many lakes — including Lough Muckno, Lough Egish, and the Dromore Lakes — offer excellent fishing, kayaking, and lakeside walks. The Monaghan Way provides a scenic long-distance walking trail through the county's drumlin landscape. Patrick Kavanagh Country, centred around Inniskeen, celebrates the life and poetry of one of Ireland's greatest poets and is a beautiful area to explore on foot.
When visiting your plot, we recommend spending a few days in the area to fully appreciate what County Monaghan has to offer. There are charming bed and breakfasts, traditional pubs serving excellent food, and a warm welcome from the local community. Many of our landowners have told us that visiting their plot was a highlight of their trip to Ireland — and that the beauty of the surrounding countryside exceeded their expectations.
You can also explore the area virtually using Google Street View — we include a link in every gift package so you can 'visit' your land from the comfort of your home.