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Down a narrow, twisty road in the middle of
nowhere stands a four-star gem: The Monaghan Wildlife Educational Centre.
Opened in June of 2000, it displays one of the largest, privately-owned
collections of mounted birds and mammals in Ireland, with 200 species of Irish
fauna in 5 designed habitats: Coastal, Moorland, Woodland, Farmland, and
Garden. Each display is intended to depict the mammals and birds in their
natural environment.
Owner and tour-guide extraordinaire, Peader
Morgan, a retired wildlife ranger with a passion for heritage and animals, has
privately funded this amazing facility which offers not only mounted displays
but outdoor exhibits, an infirmary, and a sanctuary populated by a variety of
unusual species including his pet barn owl, fifty brightly coloured parakeets,
two Chinese geese (that double as guard dogs), a recovering fallow deer, and a
soon-to-be-released rare kestrel.
The tour continues into the Ballyfin House
where Peader displays priceless antique mounted specimens acquired during the
renovation of Ballyfinn Hall. Among the most striking is a magnificent Sea
Eagle, its wings spread upward, its talons wrapped victoriously around its
small prey. Dated from 1905, the display is a treasure. Another notable
features a collection or rare mounted butterflies dated 1904.
Next door is the Heritage Centre. On
display there are various tool, implements, and farming machines from the
1800's. An additional site is planned: a cottage house with an original Irish
fireplace, an outdoor well, and a thatched roof. Up the pathway is the
Audio-Visual centre which seats up to 60 people and is home to the famed Giant
Elk Skull, believed to be 11,000 years old, found in a bog near the Centre's
site. The Centre is perched atop Listinny Hill, 500 metres above sea level and
gives a commanding view of 5 counties: Monaghan, Fermanagh, Tyrone, Armagh, and
Louth. Listinny Hill, made famous in song and battle, has its own history as
the home of the famed Battle of Clontibret during the Nine Years War between the
forces of Queen Elizabeth and the warriors of Hugh O'Neill. O'Neill's victory
marked the first set back for the Royal army.
With such rich history and his abiding love
for animals, Peader Morgan has created a unique centre which honours Ireland's
history and protects and conserves her wildlife. It is a must-see attraction
for the young and the young at heart. The Wildlife Centre caters to groups of
any age, is kid-friendly, and easily manoeuvrable for the mobility impaired.
Admission: Adults, €5; Children, €4
Hours:
Open all year. Call for arrangements.
T: 047 80632
Email:
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www.monaghanwildlife.cjb.ie
How
to get there:
From Dublin: N2 to Clontibret (7km from
Monaghan Town). Continue 2km to Wildlife Centre sign. Turn right. Follow
numerous signs 5km to Centre. Uphill all the way on small, twisty roads, but
signs will guide you directly there.
From Belfast: A3 to Monaghan Town. N2
toward Dublin. Approx 5km from Monaghan Town, look for Wildlife Centre sign on
left. Follow numerous signs. Beautiful drive along country roads. Well worth
the effort.
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007
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