Dan McCabe In Concert
An evening of traditional folk music with Dan McCabe live at the Nuremore Estate.
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Carrickmacross
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ℹ️Practical info — Carrickmacross
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- A visit to the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery is a must to admire the fine craftsmanship that has even adorned royal wedding dresses.
- Parking on the Main Street may be subject to fees; look for designated car parks on the side streets.
- St. Joseph's Church impresses with beautiful stained glass windows by Harry Clarke, plan some time for the interior.
- It's common to find live music (trad sessions) in the pubs in the late afternoon, just ask the locals for recommendations.
🍽 Food
🍽
Monaghan Pork
The region is known for its pig farming; try locally sourced bacon or sausages.
🍽
Homemade Soda Bread
Pick up oven-fresh soda bread at the bakeries along the Main Street.
🍽
Cozy Pub Stews
Numerous pubs in town offer warming, traditional stews made with beef and Guinness.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Carrickmacross Lace
Purchase authentic, handcrafted lace pieces directly from the Lace Gallery, a great, lightweight souvenir.
🛍
Local Foods
The town's delis offer a good selection of cheeses and jams from County Monaghan.
🧘
Lough Muckno
Just a short drive away lies this beautiful lake, well-suited for quiet forest walks and fishing.
🧘
The Old Town Walls
Look for the remains of the Shirley Estate walls for a peaceful walk full of local history.
Water temperature…
Carrickmacross is located in County Monaghan and is internationally renowned for its traditional lace-making industry. Founded in the 17th century, the town quickly developed into a thriving market center for the surrounding agricultural region. Its architectural landscape is defined by structures such as the St. Louis Convent and the historic 1841 workhouse, which now serves as a significant memorial and heritage center regarding the Great Famine. Carrickmacross Lace, introduced in the mid-19th century as a means for local women to earn a living during the famine, achieved worldwide fame and continues to be handcrafted in the town today. The town benefits from its strategic location on the main route between Dublin and Derry, acting as an important commercial hub. Numerous nearby lakes make Carrickmacross a popular destination for coarse angling. The town's cultural identity is bolstered by regular festivals and a strong tradition of local craftsmanship.
- Location: Ireland
- Top sights: Tober Lasair · St. Finbarr's Church · Saint Joseph's
- Nearby: Ardee (19 km)
- Population: ~5.032
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 6 |
| Rain mm | 92 | 74 | 76 | 63 | 74 | 85 | 90 | 101 | 82 | 108 | 106 | 97 |
Geography
Facts
- Carrickmacross Lace was first introduced in 1820 by Mrs. Grey Porter as a local cottage industry.
- The Carrickmacross Workhouse was originally built in 1841 to accommodate up to 500 destitute people.
- St. Joseph's Church features ten magnificent stained-glass windows by the renowned artist Harry Clarke.
- The town was established in the 17th century on lands granted to the Earl of Essex.
- Carrickmacross is a primary hub for the regional livestock and agricultural trade in Monaghan.
- The Lace Gallery in the town displays exquisite historical examples of the local lace-making craft.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Carrickmacross (4)
Frequently asked questions
What is Carrickmacross world-famous for?
The town is famous for its exquisite handmade lace.
Where can you see the famous lace?
At the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, you can view and purchase pieces.
Is there a connection to Patrick Kavanagh?
The Patrick Kavanagh Centre is located in nearby Inniskeen.
Are there good fishing spots?
Yes, the area has many lakes handy for coarse fishing.
Which historical building is worth seeing?
The Carrickmacross Workhouse has been restored and serves as a museum.
Carrickmacross: where is it located?
Carrickmacross is located in Ireland.
Carrickmacross: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tober Lasair, St. Finbarr's Church, Saint Joseph's.
Carrickmacross: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Carrickmacross: why is it worth visiting?
Carrickmacross is located in County Monaghan and is internationally renowned for its traditional lace-making industry.
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