Carrickmacross: Lace, Workhouse and Stained Glass

Carrickmacross brings together a distinctive local craft and places that reveal different chapters of the town’s history. Carrickmacross lace represents a cherished tradition; the Workhouse conveys the historical background of the Great Famine, and St Joseph’s Church is associated with Harry Clarke’s stained glass. The visitor arrangements vary, so plan accordingly: demonstrations at the gallery are arranged for sewing groups following prior contact and booking, and advance booking is required for Workhouse tours.

The tradition of Carrickmacross lace

Carrickmacross Lace Gallery keeps the tradition of Carrickmacross lace alive. Its distinctive features include handmade lace and individual designs. At the gallery, you can explore the history of the craft and view lace products and gifts. If you are particularly interested in how it is made, the gallery can arrange demonstrations for sewing groups. Prior contact and booking are required, so demonstrations are not available as a walk-in option for spontaneous visits.

History at Carrickmacross Workhouse

Carrickmacross Workhouse has been restored as a visitor and community centre. Tours tell the story of life, death and emigration during the Great Famine of the 1840s. The rooms visited include an original children’s dormitory, which overlooks the Mass Famine Graves. The combination of a preserved room and the view gives this historical subject a tangible setting. Tours are available on weekdays throughout the year; advance booking is required.

Harry Clarke and St Joseph’s Church

St Joseph’s is a Roman Catholic church in Carrickmacross dating from 1866. It has ten stained-glass windows designed by Harry Clarke. The church’s St Ceara window was completed in 1925. It was the only window in Carrickmacross that Clarke designed entirely and partly executed himself. In the summer of 1924, Clarke was commissioned to create a two-light window for St Joseph’s Church in Carrickmacross. These details provide a historical context for the stained glass: they cover both the design and execution work and the dated completion of the St Ceara window.

Walking around Carrickmacross

Two walks around the town are described in different ways. The Carrickmacross Historic Town Trail takes about 35 to 40 minutes on foot. The Carrickmacross Slí na Sláinte, by contrast, is described by its distance: it is three kilometres long and starts and finishes at the top of Main Street, at the gate to St. Finbarr’s Church. The time given for the Historic Town Trail and the distance given for the Slí na Sláinte are different planning measures. Another perspective is offered by the Walking Tour of Carrickmacross, which aims to bring the town’s living history to life. Together, these offer a Town Trail described by its duration, a precisely located route that returns to its starting point, and a tour focused on history.

Discover more destinations: Glaslough, Clones, Doohamlat, Ballybay, Castleblayney, Mullinacross, Tedavnet, Corkeeran

For the broader travel overview: County Monaghan.