- Patrick McCabe (1955–): Born in Clones, Co. Monaghan. A critically acclaimed novelist, McCabe is known for his dark, often darkly humorous novels that explore Irish small-town life and psychological themes. His notable works include The Butcher Boy (1992), shortlisted for the Booker Prize and adapted into a film, Breakfast on Pluto (1998), also Booker-shortlisted, and Winterwood (2006). His writing often reflects the cultural and social landscape of Monaghan, earning him recognition as one of Ireland’s leading contemporary authors.
- Eugene McCabe (1930–2020): Born in Glasgow, Scotland, but lived in Clones, Co. Monaghan. A novelist, playwright, and short-story writer, McCabe is best known for his novel Death and Nightingales (1992), set in 1880s rural Ireland, which explores themes of betrayal and sectarian tension. His work often draws on the borderlands of Monaghan, reflecting its historical and cultural complexities. He also wrote the acclaimed trilogy Victims (1976) and short stories like Heritage and Other Stories (1978). His contributions earned him the Irish PEN Award and other honours.
- Evelyn Conlon (b. 1952): Born in County Monaghan, she is a novelist, short story writer, and essayist known for her work exploring the impact of the Catholic Church and the lives of women.
- Patrick Kavanagh (1904–1967): While primarily recognized as one of Ireland’s most significant 20th-century poets, he was born in Inniskeen, County Monaghan, and his literature is deeply rooted in the rural landscapes of the county.
- Mary Anne Madden Sadlier (1820–1903): Born in Cootehill, she was a 19th-century novelist and writer who focused on Catholic values and the Irish diaspora.
- Bernard Joseph Duffy (1882–1952): A novelist and playwright born in Carrickmacross.
Novelists
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
Poets
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
Writers
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
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 – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846 – 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
