Easy hikes and walks around Clarbane

Rising above the surrounding landscape with its striking tower, St. Brigid's Church tells a story older than its walls suggest. Built between 1927 and 1932, it stands on the foundations of an earlier 18th century church, connecting the past with the present. The stone facades and ornate statues give the building a timeless aura that invites pause. As you walk across the square in front of the church, you feel a certain calm emanating from the old stones. Inside, you'll find a warm atmosphere, with light streaming through the colorful windows and the artistic design of the ceiling and altar. It's a place where you can not only admire the architecture, but also find a moment of reflection - a quiet companion on your walk through the area.

St. Brigid's is a relatively new church considering the area, as it was constructed between 1927 and 1932, although it was built over another 18th-century church that had previously existed in the area.

With grounds overlooking Lough Muckno, Hope Castle has been abandoned since 2010 when a fire ripped through the interior. At that time it was a hotel but it was originally built in the 17th century as part of the Blayney family's estate.

Lough Muckno / Loch Mucnú is sometimes known as Blayney Castle Lake. It is linked to Lough Ross via the Clarebane River. There are lots of running trails in the vicinity of the lough, which is the largest in County Monaghan.

There are four different trails you can take around Black Island to explore the forests and lough shore. There are beautiful bluebells in the spring and views over Lough Muckno to Hope Castle.

There are four different trails you can around Black Island to explore the forests and lough shore. There is a beautiful bluebell walk in the spring and views over Lough Muckno to Hope Castle.

Lough Muckno / Loch Mucnú is sometimes known as Blayney Castle Lake. It is linked to Lough Ross via the Clarebane River. There are lots of hiking trails in the vicinity of the lough, which is the largest in Monaghan.

With grounds overlooking Lough Muckno, Hope Castle has been abandoned since 2010 when a fire ripped through the interior. At that time it was a hotel but was originally built in the 17th century as part of the Blayney family estate.