Cloghran: Local History and Events

When looking for a hotel in Cloghran, it is worth first deciding what brings you to the area: the village’s church and cemetery history offers a different focus from events at the National Show Centre.

Church, Cemetery and Architectural History

Within the enclosed cemetery grounds of Cloghran Church are the foundation remains of an early medieval church. The cemetery is a medieval parish cemetery. Cloghran Church itself was an early 18th-century parish church, later demolished. The early church foundations, the cemetery’s medieval function and the later church building can therefore be understood as distinct historical layers.

The Second World War adds another historical layer: during “The Emergency,” gun emplacements were built along the boundary wall of Cloghran Church cemetery. The cemetery’s story is not solely about religious use; a historic defensive feature is also part of its history.

Cloghran’s Holy Well is an enclosed stone well at the foot of a flight of steps beneath a tree in a field. Castlemoate House, by contrast, is notable for its architectural history: the 19th-century house is now used as an office, has an outbuilding and gates, was built in the early 19th century and substantially altered in the Italianate style in the late 19th century.

The former Cloghran Stud Farm includes the former early 19th-century Glebe House and entrance gates; the stable complex is not part of it. The historic sites mentioned here are therefore quite distinct: from foundation remains and a cemetery to a well and buildings with their own architectural and usage histories.

Events at the National Show Centre

The National Show Centre is a venue for exhibitions and conferences, sporting events, and various performing arts. The hall measures 39 × 76.5 metres. If you are travelling for a specific type of event, check the event dates before booking. This will let you compare your reason for travelling with the actual dates, rather than assuming a particular programme will be available during your stay.

Access to the National Show Centre is via the R132 and Stockhole Lane. Check your route before setting off.

County Fingal as a Regional Context

In the wider destination of County Fingal, the coastline stretches for around 88 kilometres from Sutton to Balbriggan. It includes three protected estuaries, salt marshes and 13 larger beaches. The regional beaches vary in both length and features: Velvet Strand in Portmarnock is a 5-kilometre-long sandy beach; Balcarrick Beach measures 3.4 kilometres and has dunes and rock pools; and Skerries South Strand measures 2 kilometres and has a promenade and coastal path. For a regional coastal trip, you can compare beach lengths and landscape features.

Another focus in the wider County Fingal is the Howth cliff paths. The Howth Cliff Path comprises four loop routes between 6 and 10 kilometres long. The cliffs along the paths on Howth Head are important bird habitats; grey seals can also be spotted there. The cliff paths offer views of Ireland’s Eye and Lambay Island. Check path markings and conditions before setting out on a walk.

County Fingal’s heritage also takes a different form in the wider region: Skerries Mills is a restored complex with two windmills, a watermill and a 19th-century bakery. During guided tours, visitors can traditionally grind flour using a millstone and watch the waterwheel in operation. This offers a hands-on way to explore the history of milling, alongside Cloghran’s religious and architectural heritage.

Discover more destinations: Howth, Malahide, Castleknock, Balbriggan, Donabate, Sutton, Garristown, Tyrrelstown

For the wider travel overview: County Fingal.