Clones Canal Walk
A short walk along the Ulster Canal in the town of Clones in County Monaghan.
The walk starts from the car park at the Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre, a beautifully restored 19th-century canal building. The centre serves as both a heritage hub and a café, offering visitors a chance to learn about the history of the canal, its role in the region, and the efforts to revitalise it. Inside, you’ll find exhibitions detailing the engineering of the canal and its importance in connecting communities during its heyday.
As you set out along the towpath, the peaceful scenery unfolds around you, with the gentle flow of the canal creating a calming atmosphere. The trail is bordered by lush greenery, with wildflowers such as meadowsweet, cow parsley, and purple loosestrife adding colour to the banks during the warmer months.
As the walk progresses, views of the surrounding countryside emerge, with rolling hills and patchwork fields stretching into the distance. The area is steeped in history, and remnants of old stone bridges and locks can be seen along the way, offering a glimpse into the canal's past. The tranquil environment is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a moment of quiet reflection, with the sounds of rustling leaves and birdsong enhancing the experience.
The route returns to the Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre, where you can relax with refreshments and take in the charm of this historic site.
Clones Canal Open Street Map 
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Clones Canal Open Street Map 
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Further Information and Other Local Ideas
You can continue your canal walking in the area by heading west to try the Ballyconnell Canal Walk. This takes you along a canalised section of the Woodford River to the picturesque Annagh Lough.
Also to the west you can explore the lovely grounds of the National Trust's Crom Castle in Northern Ireland.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Ulster Canal Stores
Clones Round Tower. The Round Tower is a 70ft tower located in the middle of St. Tierney's Cemetery which was built in the 10th century. The cap was lost gradually between the years 1591 and 1741.
Ulster Canal. The surrounding hedgerows provide a habitat for small birds such as sparrows, wrens, and blackbirds, while the canal itself attracts waterbirds like moorhens, mallards, and the occasional heron standing motionless by the water’s edge.
The canal is also home to a variety of aquatic life, with dragonflies and damselflies often seen skimming the surface in summer. Look closely, and you might spot frogs or even an elusive otter, particularly in the quieter stretches. The rippling waters are teeming with fish such as perch and roach, making the canal a favourite spot for anglers.
Clones is a historic market town with a rich heritage that reflects its significance as an ecclesiastical and cultural centre. The town’s origins date back to the early Christian period when it was established around a monastery founded by St. Tighernach in the 6th century. The ruins of the Round Tower and St. Tighernach’s Church are reminders of this ancient past, with the tower standing as a well-preserved example of early Irish monastic architecture. Clones also boasts a High Cross, intricately carved with biblical scenes, which is a significant artefact of Ireland’s early Christian period.
During later centuries, Clones became a bustling market town, benefiting from its location on key trade routes. Its historic market square is a central feature, surrounded by Georgian-style buildings that add to its charm. The town's connection to the Ulster Canal further contributed to its development in the 19th century, facilitating the transport of goods and people until the canal fell into disuse. Today, there are ongoing efforts to restore sections of the canal, with parts now accessible for walking and recreation.
Modern Clones maintains a vibrant cultural identity, hosting events such as the annual Clones Film Festival, which attracts visitors from across the region. The town is also known for its sporting heritage, particularly Gaelic football, with Clones serving as the venue for Ulster Championship matches at St. Tiernach’s Park, one of the province's largest stadiums.