The round tower, church and Clones High Cross shape the view of Clones’ monument history; Clones Marina adds to the picture with circular walks along the Ulster Canal. So, when choosing your accommodation, it is worth first deciding what to focus on: would you like to make architecture and monastic history your priority, or plan walks along the towpath? Both themes are rooted in Clones and offer different ways to shape your stay.
Round Tower, Church and High Cross
The round tower and church in Clones are a National Monument in the care of the Office of Public Works. The tower is made of sandstone, has four storeys and is 23 m high. Its entrance is 1.5 m above ground level; the conical cap is missing. These features give you specific architectural details that can be used to describe the round tower.
Clones High Cross has stood at the Diamond in Crossmoyle for centuries. It is made up of the head and shaft of two different high crosses. The structures are therefore clearly distinct: the round tower is a four-storey sandstone building, while the High Cross is assembled from parts of two crosses. Those interested in monuments will find two distinct structures in Clones that can be viewed in terms of their form and construction.
Clones began around 500 as a monastic settlement, when St Tiernach founded his monastery there. This origin adds a historical point of reference to the monuments. For your choice, this means that in Clones you can focus on both specific architectural features and early monastic history.
Circular Walks at Clones Marina
Clones Marina connects the historic town of Clones in County Monaghan with the Ulster Canal. It offers circular walks along the towpath. This provides a different focus from a visit to the monuments: here, the emphasis is on a canal-side walk, while there it is on architecture and history. When planning your stay, you can include these themes as separate activities.
The marina offers parking, a service block, and spaces for buses and trailers. As facilities may change, it is best to check the current status before travelling.
Clones Lace and Culture in County Monaghan
The Clones Lace Museum is located in the Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre in Clones. The local form of Irish crochet lace was officially recognised in 2021 and added to Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Alongside the architectural monuments and the canal, this offers another distinct cultural theme associated with Clones.
You can also find cultural attractions in other parts of County Monaghan. The Monaghan County Museum at the Peace Campus in Monaghan Town offers a varied programme of exhibitions and events about the county’s history. In Inniskeen, the Patrick Kavanagh Experience presents the poet’s life 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 at the River Fane. If you plan to take this tour, check the current booking conditions.
In Carrickmacross, the workhouse has been restored as a visitor and community centre. Tours there explain life, death and emigration during the Great Famine of the 1840s; tour availability may change. At the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, you can view and buy Carrickmacross lace. A demonstration is available on request. As well as Clones Lace, there are other cultural themes to explore in County Monaghan, which should not be confused with the attractions in Clones.
Discover more destinations: Mullinacross, Monaghan, Tedavnet, Doohamlat, Clontibret, Corkeeran, Castleblayney, Lisnalong.
For the overview of the wider area: County Monaghan.
