Clones

Clones is a destination in Ulster, Ireland. Clones (Irish: Cluain Eois) is a historic town on the border between County Monaghan and County Fermanagh (Northern Ireland). It was an important early Christian monastic centre, founded by St Tighearnach in the 6th century, and retains a fine round tower and the remains of a monastery. Clones has a strong sporting tradition in Gaelic games and hosts an annual film festival. The town is a convenient stop on the N2 Dublin–Letterkenny road.

By Car

The most practical way to reach Clones is by car. Ulster (IE-U) is best explored with your own transport, as public connections are limited. The main roads are the N15 (Sligo–Donegal–Letterkenny), N13 (Letterkenny–Stranorlar), N14 (Letterkenny–Lifford), and N2 (Dublin–Monaghan–Letterkenny), all of which are good quality. Minor roads in Donegal are often narrow and winding — allow extra travel time.

By Train

There is no rail service within Ulster (IE-U). The nearest train stations are in Sligo (for Donegal) and Dundalk/Drogheda (for Cavan and Monaghan), where connecting buses are available. Irish Rail operates services to these stations from Dublin Connolly and Dublin Heuston.

By Bus

Bus Éireann operates services from Dublin and other major cities to Letterkenny, Donegal Town, Cavan, and Monaghan. Local bus services connect smaller towns but are infrequent, especially on Sundays. Advance route planning is essential, particularly for reaching remote coastal areas.

By Air

Donegal Airport (CFN) at Carrickfinn has flights from Dublin operated by Aer Lingus Regional. Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) in County Mayo is an alternative for visitors to south Donegal. Dublin Airport (DUB) is about 2–2.5 hours' drive from Cavan and Monaghan.

Clones is compact enough to explore on foot. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car is essential. The region's public transport network is limited, so advance planning is necessary for bus-based travel. In Donegal, the stunning coastal scenery rewards drivers willing to take the slower, more scenic routes.

The Diamond is the town's main square, over the site of the abbey. What remains of the abbey are a richly-carved 10th century High Cross, a 9th-century Round Tower (originally over 30 m tall but truncated to 22 m), and a sturdy carved sarcophagus supposedly holding St Tiernach himself.

Clones Arts Centre at The Diamond is closed in early 2021.

Sacred Heart Church (Roman Catholic) north side of town was completed in 1895.

Ulster Canal south side of town closed in 1931 and is just an overgrown gully. Work is under way to re-open it, perhaps by 2024: County Monaghan#See tells the story.

Drummully "Polyp" is a pene-exclave, a tract of the Republic that can only be reached by crossing Northern Ireland or by wading across the river. County Monaghan#Understand gives the background.

Gaelic games: Monaghan GAA play Gaelic football and hurling at St Tiernach's Park, on Roslea Terrace 500 m north of town centre. With a capacity of 32,000 this is Ulster's principal GAA stadium (Casement Park in Belfast is derelict) so inter-province fixtures are played here.

Peace Link is a sports and fitness facility opposite the GAA stadium. Minimum membership is a month, they don't have pay-as-you-go activities.

Cassandra Hand Centre on Abbey Lane puts on community events and may be able to help with local ancestry research.

Clonkeen Lough has coarse fishing. It's 1 km south along R212.

Golf:

Clones Golf Club is 5 km south on R212. White tees 5901 m, par 71, visitor round €25.

Clones Film Festival is in October. The town doesn't have a regular cinema.

Cuil Darach ,

1 Fermanagh St ,

☏

+353 47 52147 .

This has a bar lounge, restaurant and accommodation in 12 rooms ensuite.

B&B double €80 .   ( updated May 2021 )

Fast food: there are pizza, Chinese and kebab places along the main strip.

Eat other people: Alexander Pearce (1790-1824) the cannibal was born around Clones. In 1819 he was convicted of petty theft, transported to Tasmania (as it became), escaped, was re-captured and sent to Macquarie Harbour penal settlement on Sarah Island off Tasmania's west coast. While working on the harbour, Pearce and seven others escaped by stealing a yacht. But they had no food, and 15 days into the escape they began killing and eating each other. Pearce alone survived to reach farmland and joined a gang of sheep thieves, who were caught and Pearce was sent back to Macquarie Harbour. Within a year he escaped again, with another convict who he soon gobbled up, and he was still carrying some flesh when re-captured. "Man’s flesh is delicious. It tastes far better than fish or pork" were his last words before being hanged.

Pubs include Diamond Tavern, Round Tower Bar and Adamson's .

Creighton Hotel ,

Lower Fermanagh St, Clones H23 HH60 ,

☏

+353 47 51055 .

Good central hotel with spacious comfy rooms.

B&B double €100 .   ( updated May 2021 )

Hilton Park ,

Hilton Demesne, Scotshouse H23 C582

( off R212 by golf course ),

☏

+353 47 56007 .

Grand Italianate manor in lush countryside. In early 2021 they're only open for special events and don't offer B&B hotel stays.   ( updated May 2021 )

Connect

As of May 2021, Clones has 4G from Eir and Three, and mobile coverage from Vodafone. 5G has not reached this area.

The main store is SuperValu, open daily 8AM-8PM.

Ulster Canal Stores is in an old warehouse by the canal, along N54 southwest edge of town. It markets itself as a museum and restaurant but it's basically a retail outlet and gift shop, open Tu-F 9AM-5PM.

Monaghan has the county museum and a cathedral.

Cavan Town is in the heart of the drumlin belt, with scenic lakes studded by islets.

Lisnaskea in Northern Ireland is near Upper Lough Erne; Crom Estate has beautiful lakeside gardens.

Enniskillen is between Upper and Lower Lough Erne. These are connected by navigable waterways to the Shannon, thence to Limerick, Dublin and Waterford.

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