If your enquiry is of a general nature, the team here at Heritage Island will respond to you directly. If it is more appropriate for the attraction(s) to respond to you directly, we will request them to do so.
Carrickmacross is a bustling market town with a vibrant history. The Heritage Trail (Self-guided or Walking Tour option) takes visitors from the Elizabethan times, through the Famine years and onto the recent past.
The trail takes in the Market Square which is home to the famous Carrickmacross Lace Gallery where local lace-makers tell the story of how it all began in the 19th century. At that time it was made by the poor for the rich and famous and the tradition still carries on today with exquisite Carrickmacross lace still being hand worked by these passionate craftspeople.
The building also houses a craft gallery, The Collective at Market Square, which is located in the adjoining outlet. This is an expertly curated selection of locally made artwork, crafts, and furniture.
A short walk away, the Carrickmacross Workhouse was one of 130 Workhouses built between 1841 and 1843 to house the poor. The story of its inhabitants is told through a guided tour led by experienced and passionate guides. It is an evocative and emotional experience.
- Hear the story of the famous Carrickmacross Lace in the Lace Gallery where workshops are held and lace pieces can be viewed and purchased.
- Browse through the wonderful Collective at Market Square, which stocks arts and crafts from local craftspeople
- Ponder on the town’s historic past by taking a self-guided or a guided walking tourVisit the Carrickmacross Workhouse for an evocative experience of times past
- Sample distinct handcrafted beers in Brehon Brewhouse and hear the story of the family over the generations
- Sample some fine food in the local restaurants and coffee shops
Visitor Information
Carrickmacross Lace Gallery
*OPEM FROM MONDAY 6TH JULY 2020*
Free of Charge. Open Monday to Saturday
Collective at Market Square
*OPEN FROM TUESDAY 30TH JUNE 2020*
Free of Charge. Open Tuesday to Saturday
Guided Walking Tours
Free of Charge. Every Saturday at 11:00 from the first Saturday in May until the last Saturday in September. Other times by Pre-booking.
Carrickmacross Workhouse
Due to Covid 19 Tours have been suspended until further notice.
Charges apply. Open Monday to Friday with Tours each day at 11:30 and 14:30.
Contact Details
Carrickmacross Lace Gallery
T: +353 42 9664176
Carrickmacross Workhouse
W:http://www.carrickmacrossworkhouse.com
Collective at Market Square
T: +353 42 9664298
Carrickmacross Guided Walking Tour
W: www.monaghantourism.com
Approx. visit duration: Spend a minimum of 90 mins to visit the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery and allow extra time to explore the town and its many visitor attractions.
Other Useful Information
DINING / REFRESHMENTS
There are some excellent local restaurants and coffee shops in town including the Courthouse Restaurant, which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand rating.
SHOPPING
There are several shopping options in Carrickmacross and the surrounds.
PARKING
Car and coach parking available throughout the town.
Map Location
85km from Dublin Airport. 120KM from Belfast Airport. On the N2 Primary Route. The M1link runs from Junction 3 of the M50 Ring Road in Dublin, past Swords, Balbriggan, Drogheda and Dundalk before ending at Ballymascanlon North of Dundalk. The M1 directly serves Carrickmacross.

