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Clones, Co. Monaghan

Clones (Irish:Cluain Eois - translated Eois's Meadow) – is a small town in western County Monaghan, in the border area of Ireland. The town was particularly badly hit economically by the partition of Ireland in 1921 because of its location on the border with County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland deprived it of access to a large part of its economic hinterland, now situated on the other side of the border.

In early Christian times it was the site of a monastery founded by St Tighearnach, who died here in 548. There are some slight remains of a later abbey and a well-preserved round tower. An ancient sculptured Celtic Cross stands in the centre of the town. Clones crochet lace, once widely exported, is still made in the area and a permanent exhibition of Clones lace may be viewed at the Diamond.

Clones Film Festival takes place annually on the October bank holiday weekend. Author Patrick McCabe is from the town; his novel The Butcher Boy is set in a thinly-disguised version of Clones. Parts of Neil Jordan's 1997 film adaptation of the book where filmed in the town. Clones was the birthplace of poet Thomas Bracken, who wrote "God Defend New Zealand", one of the national anthems of New Zealand, and is the home town of noted boxers Barry McGuigan and Kevin McBride.

Gardens

Hilton Park

Clones, Co. Monaghan

Once described as a “capsule of social history” in recognition of their collection of family portraits and memorabilia going back 250 years or more, Johnny and Lucy Madden’s wonderful 18th century mansion is set in beautiful cou ...

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Golf

Slieve Russell Golf Club

Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan
Course Type: Parkland

Forming part of a magnificent 300 acre estate, including 50 acres of lakes, this highly acclaimed Patrick Merrigan designed 18-hole championship course is sensitively wrapped around the lakes and the drumlins of the County Cavan landscape. Th ...

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Self Catering

There is no featured selfcatering establishment in the area

What's On

Belturbet Farmers Market - Co Cavan - Fridays

Belturbet Farmers Market - McGowan's Garden, (Beside carpark)

Fridays 4-7pm (May to October)

Contact: Oliver Donohoe - 087 686 0663

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Tourist Attractions

Enniskillen Castle Museum

Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh

Enniskillen Castle museum is located within and around the historic Enniskillen Castle and its collections reflect Fermanagh's history, culture and environment. One of the aims of the museum is to enlarge these collections so as to cover as many ...

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Wedding Venues

The Olde Post Inn

Cloverhill, Co. Cavan

Gearoid and Tara Lynch’s restaurant is in an old stone building in a neatly landscaped garden which served as a post office until 1974 and, since then, has made an attractive and popular inn. Gearoid is a talented chef and, with Tara managi ...

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