Major city · Ireland
CarrickmacrossCarraig Mhachaire Rois
Give Carrickmacross one night as a lace-and-market stop on the N2 between Dublin and Monaghan, or skip it if you have no car and no reason to break the drive.
Carrickmacross is County Monaghan's second town, known for its lace and for the poet Patrick Kavanagh's nearby village of Iniskeen. It sits on the N2 Dublin–Derry road with a bus every two hours and no railway station of its own. Most travellers use it as a single overnight between Dublin and the north, or as a base for the lakes and the Kavanagh country east of town.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, many rural sights shut)
- Airports
- DUB · BFS · ORK
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Carrickmacross112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Carrickmacross, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyA quiet, low-crime town; the real risks are unlit rural roads at night, patchy bus timetables and winter closures.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire and ambulance · 999 police (gardaí), non-emergency
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDUB Dublin Airport (Expressway Bus 32 from the airport to Carrickmacross, about 1 h 30 min, every two hours).
- Getting aroundThe town centre is small enough to walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course€14–22 (≈ US$17–30)
- Street or quick mealSoup and sandwich lunch€9–14 (≈ US$11–17)
- BeerPint of stout or lager€5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across towncheck€8–12 (≈ US$10–14)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Museum or sight ticketPatrick Kavanagh Centre adult entrycheck€10 (≈ US$12)
- Budget bedHostel or B&B single, a night, per person€40 (≈ US$50)
- Mid-range bedHotel or country-house double room, a night, per room€180 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedHotel or country-house double room, a night, per room€280 (≈ US$350)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DUB Dublin Airport (Expressway Bus 32 from the airport to Carrickmacross, about 1 h 30 min, every two hours) · BFS Belfast International (No direct bus; connect via Monaghan or Dundalk — check) · ORK Cork Airport (Long detour; only useful if you are already driving the south)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Jun (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Carrickmacross: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
11 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town centre is small enough to walk. Buses are sparse, so Iniskeen and the lakes need a car, a bike or a taxi; the local firm is O'Grady. The nearest railway station is Dundalk, about 30 min by Bus Éireann 170.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Iniskeen and the Patrick Kavanagh Centre
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Car or taxi on the R178 east, about 10 km (6.2 mi)Car or taxi on the R178 east, about 6.2 mi (10 km)
Centre open M–F 10:00–16:30, adult €10 (check); the round tower stump, motte and abbey wall are free to look at.Centre open M–F 10:00 AM–4:30 PM, adult €10 (check); the round tower stump, motte and abbey wall are free to look at.
Dún na Rí Forest Park
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Car on the R179 southwest, about 10 km (6.2 mi)Car on the R179 southwest, about 6.2 mi (10 km)
Woodland walks by the River Glyde; pair it with Kingscourt.
Monaghan town
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Expressway Bus 32 north, about 25 min
County museum and a bigger choice of pubs and restaurants.
Dundalk
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus Éireann 170, about 30 min
Nearest rail station and the link to Dublin or Belfast.
Clones
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h
Car or bus via Monaghan, about 35 km (22 mi)Car or bus via Monaghan, about 22 mi (35 km)
Better as a stop on the way to Enniskillen than a return day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Main Street and Market Square
Pubs, cafés and the Shirley Arms; walk to everything, including the bus stop at the junction with O'Neill St.
Nuremore Estate, Tullynaskeagh East
Spa and country-club hotel about 1 km (0.6 mi) out; walkable to town but easier with a car.Spa and country-club hotel about 0.6 mi (1 km) out; walkable to town but easier with a car.
The Riverbank, Killany
Country pub with rooms just over the County Louth boundary; needs a car.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or country-house double room1 × 1 night × €180 | €180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €110 | €220 |
| Expressway Bus 32 Dublin Airport → Carrickmacross, one way2 × €20 · check | €40 |
| Bus Éireann 170 Carrickmacross → Dundalk, one way2 × €8 · check | €16 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €49 |
| Trip total≈ €268 per person per day, bed included | €535≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Soup and sandwich lunch | €9–14 (≈ US$11–17) |
| Pub main course | €14–22 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Pint of stout or lager | €5–6.50 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Taxi across towncheck | €8–12 (≈ US$10–14) |
| Patrick Kavanagh Centre adult entrycheck | €10 (≈ US$12) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Buses run every two hours or less; check the last service before you plan an evening out.
- No railway station in town: Dundalk is the nearest, then a bus.
- Many rural attractions and some pubs cut hours in winter (November–March).
- Rural roads are narrow and unlit; drive with dipped headlights and watch for walkers.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire and ambulance
- 112
- Police (Gardaí), non-emergency
- 999
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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CarrickmacrossCarraig Mhachaire Rois
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chun an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire and ambulance112
- Garda Síochána, non-emergency999
- Local taxi, O'Grady+353 87 717 1211
Embassy
No embassies in town; the US Embassy is in Dublin, and the UK Embassy is in Dublin. Consular help for other countries is in Dublin.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Dublin Airport → Carrickmacross, Expressway 32: about €20 (≈ US$25), 1 h 30 min, every two hours (check)
- Dublin Nassau St → Carrickmacross, Collins 980: about €18 (≈ US$25), 1 h 40 min, hourly or two-hourly M–Sa (check)
- Carrickmacross → Dundalk, Bus Éireann 170: about €8 (≈ US$10), 30 min, six a day (check)
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
- Cá bhfuil an leithreas? — Where is the toilet? (kaw will un leh-russ)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-cha)
Carrickmacross and its approach roads have 5G from all Irish carriers as of July 2026.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Carrickmacross. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, many rural sights shut) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DUB: last Expressway 32 departure field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main Street and Market Square, the churches and Bully's Acre, the Ardee Road retail strip.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Lace Gallery, Patrick Kavanagh Centre, Dún na Rí) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCarrickmacross official town site
- officialCarrickmacross Lace Gallery
- officialPatrick Kavanagh Centre
- officialBus Éireann
- officialCollins Coaches
- secondaryWikivoyage: Carrickmacross, revision 5324482 (CC BY-SA 4.0)