Page 63 - Fresh Magazine

TASTY TRAVELS IN THE

North-East

GEORGINA CAMPBELL EXPLORES THE LUSH
GREEN LANDS AND WANDERING WATERWAYS
OF THE NORTHEAST.

The Cavan Burren
BELOW: Carrickmacross Lace

Get your culture on
‘The Longford Phoenix’, St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford town, ometimes known as the
is nothing short of a miracle. Gutted by re on Christmas Day ‘Cinderella counties’, Cavan,
2009, it reopened at Christmas ve years later thanks to local Monaghan and Longford
determination and the biggest restoration project in Europe. are the quiet heroes of the
An inspiring story. World-famous Clones and Carrickmacross North-East. Blessed with
lace, the latter used in the wedding gowns of both Princess Sundulating farmland, forest
Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, can be parks and meandering waterways, these
seen in the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery and the Ulster Canal are places to get away from the hustle
Stores in Clones. The skill is still being taught by the Guild of
Irish Lacemakers. and bustle of city life and take to the
great outdoors. Two of the Waterways
Ireland water- and land-based trails,
St Mel’s Cathedral
the Shannon Blueway and the Royal
Blueway, pass through the region,
offering great walking, cycling and
kayaking for all levels of ability. It’s a
brilliant area for equestrian activities
too. With adventure playgrounds,
farmers markets, festivals and, from
2019, the new Center Parcs holiday
resort near Ballymahon, Co. Longford,
there’s no shortage of sociable fun to be
Things to do
had for all the family.

For a family day out, there’s plenty to do at Lough Muckno Leisure Park in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan,
including forest trails, the Muckno Adventure Centre and Wilbert’s Enchanted Garden. From buggies to
bikes to wheelchairs, the beautiful 16km Longford town to Cloondara walking trail along the banks of
the Royal Canal and the Longford Branch is accessible to all. At Castle Leslie in Glaslough, Co. Monaghan,
activities on the famous estate include kayaking, equestrian and falconry. Wherever you’re roaming, pop a
snack from the local SuperValu in your pocket. A pack of Colm Connolly’s Rucksnacks Beef Bites should be
a conversation starter and they’re made in Clones, Co. Monaghan.

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