Roads:Dublin to Monaghan is about 77 miles. The traditional route is the N2 (Dublin to Derry road) but the quickest way now is via the M1 to Belfast, take the exit for Ardee in Co Louth and then rejoin the N2.

Carrickmacross has been bypassed and a bypass of Castleblayney is underway. Monaghan town will also be bypassed taking Derry-bound traffic out of the town. Distances from Monaghan: Belfast (58 miles); Drogheda (53); Dundalk (31); Cavan (30).

Trains:None. The nearest mainline service is at Dundalk (31 miles). Monaghan was formerly served by the Great Northern Railway which closed in 1957. The station still exists. Will the line ever reopen?

Buses:Bus Éireann depot on North Road runs frequent expressway services to Dublin, Sligo and other destinations and to cities and towns throughout Northern Ireland. See www.buseireann.ie

Airport:Belfast International Airport (57 miles); George Best City Airport (62 miles); Dublin Airport (75 miles)