Clones, town in County Monaghan, Ireland
Clones is a border town between Ireland and Northern Ireland located in County Monaghan. It has a compact layout organized around a central square, with buildings spanning different periods and various local institutions that serve the community.
Clones started as a monastic settlement in the early medieval period and grew around a religious center. Over the centuries, the settlement expanded into a significant town, with its border location shaping its economic and cultural direction.
Clones sits on the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, and this location shapes how the town feels and functions today. Local crafts, especially lace-making, remain visible in shops and community spaces where visitors can see this traditional skill still practiced.
As a border town, Clones is easily accessible from both sides of the Irish border and sits on transit routes between north and south. The central square and local streets are straightforward to explore on foot and give a clear sense of the town center and its facilities.
Clones was historically a major center for lace-making and bobbin lace production, a craft that shaped generations of local artisans. This textile tradition, though less publicized than other Irish crafts, remains embedded in the town's character and local pride.
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