In Tedavnet (Tydavnet), the old cemetery shapes the area’s cultural and historical character. A local description recorded in the 2024 conservation plan calls the old cemetery the first notable landmark on arrival in the village. The burial ground may have been in use since the early medieval period; the cemetery complex also includes the site of a church recorded as SMR MO006-022001.
Cemetery and Church History
The present-day Catholic church of St. Dympna’s was built in the cemetery in 1784. It was listed as a protected structure in the County Monaghan Development Plan 2019–2025. The cemetery, church site and church each offer a different perspective on the area’s history.
An open area immediately east of Tydavnet cemetery was used as a “Mass Garden” between 1622 and 1780. Another place of the same name was Harry Mitchell’s farm in front of the entrance to Tydavnet cemetery; Mass was celebrated there before the chapel was built in 1784. A local description from the late 1930s put the age of the old cemetery at nearly 1,200 years.
Historically, markets were held in Tydavnet on the twenty-fourth day of every month, where cattle and horses were sold. According to local tradition, a dispute between two factions on a market day gave rise to the name “Stonny Saturday”. The markets and local tradition give the area a connection to its former market life, alongside its church history.
Nearby Heritage
Cornagilta Schoolhouse, near Tedavnet, was built in 1859 along with a teacher’s house. The Tydavnet Hidden Heritage project is also based in the area and includes seven profiles covering social life, buildings, school, sport, music, farming and portraits. A National Heritage Week 2026 listing mentions reprinted photographs from the project at the Cornagilta School Heritage Centre in Shee, Tydavnet. The project’s topics thus range from buildings and school to music, farming and everyday life.
St. Dympna’s Well, also called Damhnat’s Well, is near Tedavnet, in the townland of Caldavnet within the parish of Tedavnet. The names point to the area’s religious history, while the Cornagilta project explores other social and cultural topics.
Events and Getting There
The Tydavnet Parish Agricultural Show is held at the Drumshevra Showgrounds in Scotstown. The programme includes children’s entertainment, stalls and demonstrations, as well as horse, pony and cattle classes. If you plan to include the show in your trip, check the specific event dates in advance.
A TFI notice dated 30 August 2024 describes the enhanced MN1 route operated by TFI Local Link, connecting Tydavnet with Monaghan Town. Up to six daily return journeys were planned from Monday to Friday, with an additional evening service on Fridays. Up to six daily return journeys were listed for Saturdays and five for Sundays. As these details relate to the 2024 notice, check the current timetable before travelling.
Explore more destinations: Glaslough, Castleblayney, Corkeeran, Clontibret, Lisnalong, Ballybay, Clones, Carrickmacross.
For the broader travel overview: County Monaghan.
