Clones

Clones sits on elevated ground in western Monaghan, just across the border from Northern Ireland, surrounded by the classic drumlin hills that roll across this part of the country. The N54 runs straight through town, linking you to Monaghan (20km) and Enniskillen (37km), while Dublin's about two hours down the M3 and N3. The town's got proper GAA pedigree with St. Tiernach's Park hosting Ulster Championship finals, plus there's a grand round tower and high cross right in the Diamond that date back to its monastic days. The old Canal Stores reminds you that trains once ran through here until 1957.