Castleblayney

The name of the town of Castleblayney is derived from Sir Edward Blayney, who received a grant of land here from James I. The town is built on ground sloping up from the western shore of Lough Muckno, the largest and most beautiful of Monaghan's lakes and a well-known coarse fishing water. There are boats for hire, sailing, horse-riding, tennis, golf (9 hole) and forest walks. In the grounds of Lough Muckno Leisure Park stands Hope Castle. Hope Castle was named after Henry Hope, owner of one of the largest uncut diamonds in the world. He bought the estate in 1870 and it is now part of Lough Muckno Leisure Park which incorporates the Lough Muckno Waterski & Wakeboarding Club. The lake is a renowned angling water and there are also lovely walks and a golf course on site. The leisure park is set on 900 acres of wooded country with facilities of many kinds available. The town is well know for its musical links with the famous irish muscians, Big Tom and Paddy Cole.