Castleblayney

Castleblayney is situated on the N2 (the main Dublin/Derry Road) 66 miles from Dublin and 60 miles from Belfast. The Town and its environs has a population of approximately 2,950 persons.

The service sector is the main source of employment in the town, while the food industry is the main source of industry in the area.

Castleblayney took its name from the Blayney Family, who arrived in the area in 1611 and is located on the shores of Lake Muckno, which is the largest lake in the County of Monaghan.

Castleblayney is steeped in a strong tradition of music, with people like Big Tom, Paddy Cole and Anna Mc Goldrick. Having enjoyed acclaim over the years. Similarily Castleblayney amassed a wealth of Show Bands who enjoyed success on the various circuits both here in Ireland and abroad.  These bands included the Maurice Lynch Showband, Paddy Cole All Stars, The Regal Showband, Everglades, Travellers, Big Tom and the Mainliners, The Outlaws, Emmet Celi Band , Gerry Black and the Seasons Ginger Morgan Band and the Mc Guigan Accordian Band.  Today, many new and emerging bands are also enjoying huge success namely Ben Reel Band and Speedking.

A strong connection to Drama also exists, not alone in the existence of highly successful Drama Troupe, Castleblayney Players, but also in the endeavours of a professional line committee who will in March 2008 stage their 18th Annual Drama Festival, which is affiliated to the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland.

Castleblayney is also home to the "Mighty Faughs" who are renown for their feats on the GAA football circle and have the distinction of having the most Club Championship Titles (37) in the County.

Many very positive groups and organisations operate within the town. Many of these groups are listed in the Community Section of our Website.

Finally, Castleblayney has many attractions to offer the visitor or individual who has occasion to arrive in the town. Its people are industrious and share an excellent community spirit.  The town stage an annual summer Festival in July each year called the Kingspan Muckno Mania Festival.