Christmas Shopping in Monaghan 2026: The Local Guide

Skip the motorway and the retail parks. County Monaghan has independent gift shops, craft makers, food producers, boutiques and Christmas markets in every town — and every euro you spend locally keeps a Monaghan business, and the club jersey it sponsors, going for another year.

Jump to

• The County Monaghan Gift Card
• Christmas markets and craft fairs
• Shopping town by town
• Gift ideas by type
• Santa visits and family days out
• Corporate and staff gifts
• Christmas opening hours & parking

The County Monaghan Gift Card

The County Monaghan Gift Card can be spent at participating businesses across the county — shops, restaurants, salons, hotels and services. Check the official participating-business list and card terms before buying or visiting.

• Buy online: townandcitygiftcards.ie (search "County Monaghan Gift Card")
• Buy in person: check the gift card website for current sales outlets
• Physical and digital cards available; check your balance via the QR code or the Love Local app
• Old paper Monaghan Town vouchers are still valid

Perfect for: staff gifts, Kris Kindle, teachers, and anyone who's impossible to buy for.

Christmas markets and craft fairs

Monaghan's Christmas market season runs from late November to mid-December. Events seen in recent years include:

The examples above are from previous seasons, not confirmed events for this year. Confirm dates and booking with the organiser before travelling. Running a market? Send us the official details for review.

Tip: GAA and community halls host some of the best craft fairs — and the proceeds go straight back to the club. See our Community & Clubs Hub.

Shopping town by town

Monaghan town

The county's main shopping centre: department stores, fashion boutiques, jewellers, bookshops, homeware and The Diamond's Christmas atmosphere. Don't miss the Christmas lights switch-on in late November. Browse: Monaghan town shops

Carrickmacross

Famous for Carrickmacross Lace — a gift that's genuinely made in Monaghan. Plus independent boutiques, a busy Main Street and artisan bakeries. Browse: Carrickmacross shops

Castleblayney

Toy shops, gift shops and a festive trip to Lough Muckno and Hope Castle. Browse: Castleblayney shops

Clones

Clones Lace, antiques, local crafts and a strong craft-fair tradition. Browse: Clones shops

Ballybay, Emyvale, Glaslough & the villages

Garden centres, farm shops, Castle Leslie's estate and smaller independents worth a detour. Browse: All Monaghan towns

Gift ideas by type

• Made in Monaghan: Carrickmacross and Clones lace, local pottery and ceramics, artwork from Monaghan artists, handmade jewellery
• Food & drink hampers: local bakers, butchers, cheese, chocolate, craft beer and farm-shop hampers → Food producers
• Experiences: spa days, hotel breaks, golf, cookery classes, afternoon tea → Hotels & spas
• For him / for her / for kids: Clothing · Jewellers · Toy shops · Sports shops
• For the home: furniture, homeware, florists and garden centres → Homeware
• Stocking fillers: bookshops, gift shops, pharmacies

(Replit: each category auto-lists tagged directory businesses.)

Santa visits and family days out

Santa's grottos, farm experiences and Christmas shows run in garden centres, farms and community centres across the county each year. Book early — the most popular sell out by mid-November.

No Santa experience dates or availability are confirmed on this page. Check the organiser’s current official booking information before making plans.

Corporate and staff gifts

• County Monaghan Gift Card — check the current participating-business list
• Hampers from local food producers
• Branded gifts from Monaghan print and promotional companies → Printers
• Christmas parties: Monaghan hotels and restaurants

Christmas opening hours and parking

• Many shops open late on Thursdays and Fridays in December, and on Sundays in the run-up to Christmas.
• Check Monaghan County Council for any festive free-parking schemes in town centres.
• Check each shop's Google profile or listing for Christmas Eve, St Stephen's Day and New Year hours.

Why shop local in Monaghan this Christmas?

• More of your money stays in the county, paying local wages
• Local businesses sponsor the clubs, schools and charities your family uses
• Better service, real advice and gifts you won't find online
• No delivery delays — and no queueing at the post office for returns

Get your business in this guide

Monaghan retailer, maker, market organiser or venue? Suggest your business for review, or send official event details. There is no charge to suggest an entry, but inclusion is not guaranteed. Make sure your Google Business Profile shows your Christmas hours too.

FAQs

Where can I buy the County Monaghan Gift Card?

Buy through the official County Monaghan Gift Card page, where you can check purchase options, participating businesses and current terms.

When are the Christmas markets in Monaghan?

Most run from late November to mid-December. We list confirmed 2026 dates above as they're announced.

What's a unique gift from Monaghan?

Carrickmacross or Clones lace, a local artist's print, or a hamper of Monaghan food and drink.

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