The official launch of recreational enhancements on Black Island. Pictured at the ribbon-cutting ceremony (from left): Dympna Condra, Tourism & Marketing Executive, Monaghan County Council; Robert Burns, Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council; Cllr. PJ O’Hanlon, Cathaoirleach, Monaghan County Council; Cllr Seamus Coyle; Minister Dara Calleary, Minister for Rural and Community Development; Daithí De Forge, Head of Recreation, Coillte; Minister Niamh Smyth, Minister of State at the Department of Tourism; Cllr Paul Gibbons, Cathaoirleach, Carrickmacross-Castleblayney MD; Senator Robbie Gallagher; and Cllr Aidan Campbell.

Black Island ‘an oasis of calm’

Published: Thu 11 Jun 2026, 3:00 PM

Last updated: Thu 11 Jun 2026, 3:59 PM

Members of the public can rediscover Black Island at Muckno Park in Castleblayney, courtesy of some recreational improvements and an investment of over half a million euro in the facility.

Minister for Rural & Community Development, Dara Calleary, praised the project when he inspected the revamped amenity on Tuesday of last week.

He remarked that Monaghan's Tourism Officer Dympna Condra deserved a “lap of honour” following its completion. The works include upgraded visitor facilities, educational spaces, flood mitigation and improved access in an effort to support year-round tourism.

The project was funded by a €500,000 grant from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), with the Carrickmacross–Castleblayney Municipal District (MD) adding almost €60,000 to the pot.

Minister Calleary marvelled at how close Black Island and Muckno Park were to the town centre, only a stone’s throw from the Market House he had just visited: “We’ve come from a very bustling, noisy town centre, just minutes away, into this oasis of calm and paradise. It’s only right and proper that we maintain and invest in it.”

MD Cathaoirleach Paul Gibbons (SF), who is native to Castleblayney, said: “People are participating in outdoor recreation closer to home. Black Island demonstrates the opportunities that arise when improving a space for health and wellbeing is integrated with leisure and tourism.”

Marvelling at the unspoilt beauty of Lough Muckno’s shore, Monaghan Co Council’s Chief Executive, Robert Burns, challenged anyone to find a better view in Ireland than that visible from Black Island.

“We all recognise the benefits of the outdoors supporting our physical and mental wellbeing, while also strengthening our local economy and delivering wider societal value. Projects like this, aligned with the national outdoor recreation strategy, are vital.”

Cllr Aidan Campbell (FG), who was born in the Gate Lodge at the entrance to Muckno Park, hailed it "a great day for Castleblayney". He continued: "I’m very happy, there’s lots of work going on. As the Chief Executive said, we need to look at the Lough Muckno Masterplan and move to the next stage, but we’re getting there.”

Liam Murtagh, who lives in Castleblayney, looked forward to the masterplan being fully realised: “It will involve the buildings, Hope Castle and the annex, and the lands around the lake. I’m one of the members of the public who've made submissions emphasising the importance of the biodiversity, habitats around the lake, the heritage of the castle and grounds. This needs to be a sustainable project in terms of heritage, biodiversity and tourism."