Places of Historic Interest in Castleblayney

Hope Castle
Built by Lord Andrew Thomas Blayney in the 1780's near the original castle, no longer extant, the building was refaced and embellished during the 1860's by Henry Thomas Hope. The entrance porch and canopy date from this as does the nearby Coach House or Annex.
The Castle was the home to the Duke of Connaught (son of Queen Victoria) and his family for 4 years and later served as a military barracks during the War of Independence (1919-21). It was the site of Monaghan Co. Hospital 1932-37 and served as a Franciscan Order from 1942 until the early 1970's. It is one of the central features of Muckno Leisure Park.

Court House
The Court House is at once both an interesting and puzzling building. There was a market house on the site as early as 1801. A new courthouse was built in 1856. The upper part of the existing building looks Victorian but the bottom storey looks much older. From this it would seem that the new Court House was built on top of the old Market House.

Church Street
A most impressive display of continental design in a row of 7 houses built in 1877 for the labourers on the Hope Estate. The design is reputed to be of French origin.

St. Maoldoids Church (C.O.I)
The Church of Ireland was rebuilt in 1808 on the site of an older church. A spire of 36 metres was added in 1818 and a gallery built. The church was further extended in 1829 when Lady Blayney presented stained glass windows.

The Blayney Vault
Situated in the cemetery of St Maoldoids Church, they contain the remains of a number of Blayney family members. Lord William, the 6th Lord Blayney was the first family member to be buried in the vaults. He died on January 3rd, 1706. The 11th Lord, Andrew Thomas, is buried in a separate vault nearby.

more >>