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
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