The Ulster Canal Trail is a 77km linear cycle trail between Maghery, Co Armagh and Clones, Co Monaghan. The trail travels through a rich scenic tapestry of lowland lakes and rushing rivers. An array of tourist attractions are situated along the route and include forest parks, historic houses and galleries with plenty of opportunity to stop at traditional restaurants and pubs to savour local specialities.

 

 

Monaghan Tourist Office (June to September)

Tel: (047) 81122

Clones is located nearby to Knockatallon which has numerous walking trails suitable for various levels of walkers to the area.

 

The Knockatallon Looped Walks are a series of four looped walks in the Sliabh Beagh hills of north Monaghan, including the Tra, Rock, Bragan and Esh walks. They range from 6 to 10 kilometres in length; two of which are on quiet country roads that are suitable for all abilities and two of which are over more challenging terrain such as forest tracks and open moorland. Here you will find one of the finest examples of blanket bog in Ireland; a special environment that supports some of our most threatened wildlife such as the Hen Harrier that we have adopted as the symbol for this series of walks. The main trailhead for the walks is the Sliabh Beagh Hotel. Sets of walking cards are available and the walks are well way-marked using colour-coded discs and double-pointed arrows so that the walks can be followed in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction. Trail furniture includes metal footbridges, picnic tables, mapboards and interpretive panels. Sections of the Tra and Bragan walks coincide with the Sliabh Beagh/Ulster Way so that some of the waymarking posts will include a number of discs and arrows.