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A commemorative plaque built into a mound
on the roadside bears this inscription, “The Great Famine.” It recounts the story of the woman who, in
1846, first discovered the potato blight in a small village just a stone’s
throw from Knockatallon. Today, well over 150 years later, there is no sign of
blight or shortage in Knockatallon, especially at the Sliabh Beagh (pronounced
Sleeve Bay) Restaurant and Function Room.
Opened in 2001, the Function Room can seat
up to 200 people, and on every Sunday, the crowds who come from all over County
Monaghan for the Carvery Luncheon nearly fill it to capacity. Though no
reservations are required, a short wait in a long line is inevitable as people
file in to sample the Carvery offerings of starters (soup and egg mayonnaise
salad), meats (roast pork loin, turkey, ham, chicken and beef), and vegetables
(potatoes—mashers, roasties, and chips—green beans, carrots, cabbage), and
dessert (sumptuous chocolate cake). The meats are tender and juicy, the
vegetables flavourful, and the desserts, delicious...all made even more
appealing by the camaraderie and friendly fellowship of those gathered, seated
or standing, to enjoy the feast and share a tale or two of local lore. “Ah,
yeah, youse’ll be fed and fathered here.”
In addition to its carvery lunches,
Knockatallon is famous for its nature walks, so after a hearty lunch, take
advantage of the glorious scenery—truly breath-taking--on one of the many
well-marked walking trails available. Brochures at the counter.
Hours
and prices
Carvery Luncheon ( 12.50 Euro adult; 5 Euro
child) every Sunday, 12:30 – 4:00. Bookings required for groups of 20 or more
with reserved seating.
Address:
Sliabh Beagh Hotel Function Room
Knockatallon, Co. Monaghan
T: +353 47 89014
www.knockatallon.com
Directions:
From Dublin, take N2 to Monaghan Town, 70
miles; from Belfast, A3, 50 miles. From Monaghan, take N54 toward Clones, 1km,
take R186 to Bellanode, approx 3 miles. At Bellanode, follow signs to Scotstown,
2 miles. At Scotstown, follow sign to Knockatallon, 3 miles. (well sign posted).
At Knockatallon, follow sign to Sliabh Beagh.
Written by Joy Davis - Summer of Travel 2007
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