Eco Hotels in Clones
Sustainable accommodation in Monaghan's monastic border town. Lowest price guarantee — 1 tonne CO₂ removed per booking. €5 free credit for new members.
Why Stay in Clones
Clones is an ancient monastic town in the south of County Monaghan, close to the border with Fermanagh. Its story begins in the 6th century, when St Tighearnach founded a monastery here; the town grew up around the abbey, and today its most famous landmark, the 10th-century round tower, still rises over the churchyard beside the abbey ruins. Clones was once a great ecclesiastical centre, and its medieval heritage — round tower, abbey, high crosses and the tomb of St Tighearnach — is remarkably intact for a town of its size.
The town also has a more recent claim to fame: Clones lace. In the 19th century the town became the centre of an Irish crochet lace industry that employed thousands of women, and Clones lace is still made and exhibited here today, with examples held in the local heritage centre and museums around the world. The wide main street, the Diamond and the handsome Victorian buildings give Clones a dignified, unhurried character, while the surrounding drumlin landscape of County Monaghan — green, rolling and laced with lakes — is some of Ireland's least explored countryside.
For travellers who like their Ireland authentic and off the main tourist trail, Clones is a gem. The Ulster Canal Greenway passes through the town, offering traffic-free walking and cycling, and Rossmore Forest Park, Lough Muckno and the quiet lanes of south Monaghan are all within easy reach. It is also genuinely affordable, with friendly guesthouses and country hotels nearby — and every IMPT booking removes a tonne of CO₂.
Clones at a Glance
Getting the Most from Clones
Clones sits in south County Monaghan, about 25 km from Monaghan town, 30 km from Cavan and close to the Fermanagh border, roughly two hours from Dublin. By car, take the M3 or N2 north-west towards Cavan, then the R210 or R212 into Clones. There are bus services from Monaghan, Cavan and Dublin via the local route network; the nearest railway stations are at Clones's own heritage station (no longer on the network) and at Cavan or Monaghan for coach connections. Dublin Airport is about 1 hour 45 minutes away.
The town is best explored on foot. Start at the Diamond and the main street, then walk to the round tower and abbey ruins in the old churchyard — the view of the 75-foot tower against the drumlin skyline is one of Ulster's quieter treasures. The Clones Heritage Centre tells the story of the monastery, the lace industry and the town's role as a border town, and local shops still sell genuine Clones lace. From the town, the Ulster Canal Greenway runs south towards the border, a level, traffic-free path ideal for family cycling.
Clones is also a fine base for the wider border region. Rossmore Forest Park, with its lake and woodland trails, is 20 minutes away; Lough Muckno at Castleblayney offers watersports and walks; the lakes and crannogs of Fermanagh, including Enniskillen and the Marble Arch Caves, are 40–50 minutes; and Monaghan town, with its cathedral and county museum, is half an hour.
Where to Stay — Areas
Town Centre & Diamond
The main street, Diamond and heritage centre — everything walkable, with pubs, cafés and shops around the square.
Abbey Quarter
Stays close to the round tower, abbey ruins and heritage centre, in the quiet streets around the old monastic core.
Ulster Canal Greenway
Guesthouses near the canal path, with level walking and cycling straight from the door.
South Monaghan Countryside
Farmhouses and country B&Bs in the drumlin lanes around Clones, 5–15 minutes out, with lakes and forests nearby.
Hotels in and Around Clones
Hillgrove Hotel
The biggest hotel in County Monaghan, in Monaghan town, with a pool, spa and leisure centre.
Check Hillgrove HotelThe Four Seasons Hotel
Well-known four-star in Monaghan town with a popular restaurant and lively bar.
Check The Four Seasons HotelWestenra Arms Hotel
Classic town-centre hotel in Monaghan with a traditional Irish bar and good-value rooms.
Check Westenra Arms HotelNuremore Hotel
A country estate hotel with an 18-hole golf course near Carrickmacross, 30 minutes from Clones.
Check Nuremore HotelShirley Arms Hotel
Friendly market-town hotel in Carrickmacross with a renowned restaurant and welcoming bar.
Check Shirley Arms HotelDartry Hotel
Popular hotel in the heart of Enniskillen, 45 minutes north, handy for Fermanagh's lakes.
Check Dartry HotelThings to Do in Clones
A 10th-century round tower, over 20 metres tall, rising above the old churchyard — one of the best-preserved in Ireland, beside the abbey ruins.
Ruins of the 6th-century abbey founded by St Tighearnach, with his carved tomb and the town's early Christian crosses.
The town museum covering the monastic story, the 19th-century lace industry and border-town life, with lace exhibits.
See genuine Clones lace — the Irish crochet craft that made the town famous — in local shops and the heritage centre.
A level, traffic-free walking and cycling path through south Monaghan, passing through Clones along the old Ulster Canal.
Lakes, woodland trails and a fine walled garden 20 minutes away, with walks for all abilities.
Castleblayney's lake offers sailing, canoeing, fishing and lakeside walks, 25 minutes from Clones.
The island town of Enniskillen, the Marble Arch Caves and Lough Erne cruises are 40–50 minutes north.
Recommended Walks & Guided Experiences
Round Tower & Abbey Walk
2 km · 40 min · Easy
A town-centre loop taking in the Diamond, the round tower, abbey ruins and the heritage centre.
Ulster Canal Greenway
6 km · 1.5 hrs · Easy
Level towpath walking and cycling along the restored Ulster Canal, leaving Clones through open drumlin country.
Rossmore Forest Park Trails
4–8 km · 1–2 hrs · Easy
Waymarked forest walks around the lake and walled garden at Rossmore, 20 minutes from Clones.
Nearby Cities & Towns
