A Century of Travel: Celebrating 100 Years of O’Hanrahan Travel in Monaghan

On Monday 14 December 1925, a young Cork man named Timothy O’Hanrahan opened the door of a new business at 59 Dublin Street, Monaghan. It was a modest premises with an ambitious vision-part travel agency, part auctioneers, part newsagents-serving a town very different from the Monaghan we know today. No one could have predicted that this small family business would grow to become one of Ireland’s longest-established, award-winning travel agencies, now proudly celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The Early Days: Steamships, Rail Tickets & Big Dreams

Travel in 1925 was dominated by the sea. O’Hanrahan’s arranged transatlantic passages from Queenstown (Cobh) to New York, journeys filled with hope and uncertainty. For many locals, they organised ferry travel to Holyhead, Liverpool, and Stranraer, journeys essential for work, migration, or family visits.

Their professionalism soon earned them a coveted appointment as a British Rail agent, selling rail travel throughout the UK at a time when the railway network was the backbone of British transportation.

The O’Hanrahan family lived above the shop, their home and work intertwined. Timothy’s dedication laid the foundations for a business defined by trust, service, and a deep connection to its community.

Taking Flight: Becoming One of Ireland’s First IATA Agents

In 1946, O’Hanrahan Travel reached a groundbreaking milestone: they were appointed one of Ireland’s first IATA-licensed agents, allowing them to sell flights worldwide. Air travel was still in its infancy, yet Monaghan residents now had access to the expanding world of aviation ­long before mass tourism took off.

In the late 1950s, Timothy’s son Seamus took over the thriving business. His vision extended far beyond the counter. In the early 1970s, he became one of the founding members of the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA). Through this involvement, Seamus forged strategic alliances with airlines and tour operators, ensuring customers in Monaghan benefited from greater choice, value, and industry-leading expertise.

Sunshine, Suitcases & Sweepstake Tickets: The Changing Times

The late 1960s saw the arrival of the package holiday, transforming how Irish people travelled. Suddenly, Spain and other European hotspots became accessible to families seeking sun, fun, and adventure. O’Hanrahan Travel embraced the new era with energy and enthusiasm.

The shop reflected the vibrancy of the times-they didn’t just sell holidays; they sold suitcases, knitting machines, and even Irish Sweepstake tickets. It was a bustling hub of activity and an integral part of Monaghan’s commercial life.

By the 1970s and 80s, the third generation-Peter and Seamus Jr., sons of Seamus-had taken control of the business. They navigated charter flights, new tour operators, and a rapidly evolving industry. Eventually, Seamus Jr. emigrated to the USA, leaving Peter as the family’s representative in the business.

A New Era Begins:

In 1993, Peter formed a dynamic partnership with a very young local lad: Mark Clifford. Mark was no stranger to O’Hanrahan Travel-he had started as an office junior at just eleven years old, learning the trade from the ground up. His early passion for travel led him to roles in Eugene Magee Travel in Bray and Centre Travel in Dundalk, where he honed his skills before returning to his roots in Monaghan in 1993.  Mark’s drive, expertise, and forward-thinking approach quickly became central to the business. In 1996, he took over full ownership, ushering in a new chapter of growth and modernisation.

Growth, Expansion & A Move to Church Square

As demand increased from a more adventurous and globally minded clientele, Mark expanded the business and recruited experienced staff to serve both business and leisure travellers countrywide. In 2010, O’Hanrahan Travel moved to a new, spacious premises in Church Square, Monaghan, reflecting its evolution into a contemporary, full-service travel agency.

The agency has since earned numerous local and national awards, becoming one of Ireland’s leading travel agencies and an active member of both the Irish Travel Agents Association and the country’s premier travel consortium, Travel Centres.

A Century of Resilience

Reaching 100 years in business is an extraordinary achievement-especially for a travel agency that has weathered some of the greatest challenges in modern history. O’Hanrahan Travel has survived:

• Worldwars
• Recessions
• Ash clouds grounding European air travel
• Gulfwars
• Financial downturns
• The complete shutdown of travel during COVID-19

Through each test, the business held firm-thanks to a loyal customer base, a dedicated team, and a passion for helping people explore the world.

2024/25: The Busiest Years in a Century

In a fitting tribute to its legacy, 2024 & 2025 became the busiest years in O’Hanrahan Travel’s 100-year history. This remarkable milestone is testament to the trust placed in the agency by generations of customers-locally, regionally, and now nationally-and to the expertise, professionalism, and warmth of the staff who have served the business so well.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

As O’Hanrahan Travel marks its centenary, it stands tall as a pillar of Monaghan life and a shining example of resilience, community, and innovation. From steamships and handwritten rail tickets to digital itineraries and worldwide adventures, the agency has guided travellers through a century of change.

Here’s to 100 years of service, dedication, and unforgettable journeys ­ and to the next chapter in the extraordinary story of O’Hanrahan Travel.