Introducing Carrickmacross & Around
Until recently, the centre of Carrickmacross (Carraig Mhachaire Rois) was clogged with highway traffic. But a new bypass has breathed new life into the town, making it a peaceful spot to wander.
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Father Ted fans may know Carrickmacross as the birthplace of Ardal O’Hanlon aka Father Dougal McGuire in the TV series. O’Hanlon’s first novel The Talk of the Town was set in ‘Castlecock’, a thinly-veiled version of the town.
Carrickmacross was first settled by early English and Scottish Planters, and its broad main street is dotted with some elegant Georgian houses. Delicate Carrickmacross lace, an industry revived in 1871 by the St Louis nuns, is a world-famous export.
There’s no tourist office, but the tourism section of the town’s website, www.carrickmacross.ie, has visitor information.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
