- Hollywood Lake (Scotstown): A small, scenic lake near Scotstown, Hollywood Lake is Monaghan’s only officially designated bathing area, known for its clear waters and a wooden pier, making it a popular spot for local swimmers and families. It’s signposted off the Ballinode to Scotstown road. A tranquil lakeside park surrounded by lush greenery and boglands, offering a peaceful, rural setting with views of Monaghan’s rolling countryside. Clear, cold waters (10–15°C) with a gradual depth increase from the pier, suitable for all skill levels. The sandy or pebbly bottom allows easy entry, though deeper areas suit confident swimmers. Ideal for short dips or leisurely swims. Parking, picnic area, and toilets available. No lifeguards are present. Nearby Scotstown offers limited amenities, such as The Squealing Pig pub for post-swim refreshments. Water quality is generally very good, tested by Monaghan County Council (20 samples over four years, rated “Excellent” in 2020). Swim with a companion, use a tow float for visibility, and check for algae or weeds, especially after rain.
- Lough Muckno (Castleblayney): Lough Muckno, near Castleblayney, is a large lake within Muckno Park, a popular recreational area. While better known for fishing and boating, it has quieter spots along its shores where locals swim, particularly near the White Island or Hope Castle areas. A picturesque lake with wooded shores, views of White Island, and the historic Hope Castle, creating a serene, parkland atmosphere. Calm, cold waters (10–15°C) with grassy or pebbly shorelines, best for cautious swimmers near shallow areas. Deeper sections suit experienced swimmers. Entry is via grassy banks or small jetties, but swim shoes are advised for rocky patches. Parking, toilets, and walking trails in Muckno Park. No lifeguards or dedicated changing rooms. Castleblayney offers cafés like The Coffee Dock for post-swim warmth. Water quality is not specifically tested for swimming (EPA, 2024). Avoid boat traffic, swim with a companion, and use a tow float. Check for weeds or underwater hazards.
- Only Hollywood Lake is a designated bathing area with monitored water quality. Lough Muckno is not tested for swimming, so check EPA updates (www.beaches.ie) (www.beaches.ie) and avoid swimming after heavy rain due to runoff risks. Never swim alone, check for currents or boat traffic, and be aware of cold-water risks (hypothermia). Wetsuits, swim shoes, and warm post-swim clothing are recommended. Follow Water Safety Ireland guidelines.
Monaghan’s wild swimming is restricted to small lakes, with Hollywood Lake and Lough Muckno being the most accessible. Rivers like the Blackwater are not noted for swimming due to currents and lack of safe access. The county’s swimming culture is less developed than in coastal Meath or lakeland Leitrim. Bring a tow float for visibility, especially in Lough Muckno’s busier waters. Towns like Scotstown and Castleblayney provide basic amenities for post-swim comfort. Check wildswim.ie for local tips or group swims. Monaghan’s wild swimming community is small, with no major events like those in Fermanagh (e.g., Lough Erne Swim). Local groups may organize dips, shared via wildswim.ie or X. Hollywood Lake’s nature walk is a bonus post-swim activity. Monaghan’s lakes are ecologically sensitive. Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect wildlife (e.g., birds, fish) and avoid littering.
County Monaghan:
Ireland’s county Monaghan offers a serene blend of rolling hills and cultural heritage, with the Monaghan County Museum showcasing local history through artefacts and exhibits. The scenic Rossmore Forest Park provides walking trails amidst lakes and woodlands, while Castle Leslie’s historic estate offers a glimpse into aristocratic life. Other attractions include the county’s traditional lace-making heritage and quiet countryside. Monaghan is Ireland’s sixth smallest county by size (1,291 square km) and fifth smallest by population (65,288). Population peaked at 200,442 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 45,732 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Monaghan is Ireland’s 25th most visited tourist county with around 58,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels8 – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Musicians – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets– Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
Wild swimming
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
