Roscommon

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Roscommon offers an enchanting glimpse of hidden treasure to those who seek. Brimful of history and heritage, Roscommon boasts many archaeological structures including Rathcroghan, ancient home of the High Kings. From more recent times, great houses and castles are to be found, some, such as Strokestown Park, Clonalis House and King House now restored to their former glory and open to the public. Here, a more tranquil and serene beauty reigns, framed by mountain, moor-land and lake. Nature and wildlife flourish in undisturbed habitats. The warmth of the people is tangible, part of the essence of the county.

Explore

Boyle
Boyle,one of the chief towns of the county, nestles at the foot of the Curlew Mountains on the main pass connecting the plains of Connacht with the North. It is a great town for fishermen, whether they are interested in trout or coarse fishing

Ballaghaderreen
Ballaghaderreen is situated near the ned of the Lung River, which empties into Lough Gara, east of the town. It is a very busy town with an excellent 9-hole golf course

Ballintubber
Ballintubber is a neat attaractive village. A visit to Ballintubber Castle is worthwhile.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Castlerea
Castlerea is a thriving market town and is beautifully situated in wooded country on the banks of the Suck.

Roscommon Town
Roscommon town is the county town of Roscommon. It is located four miles from the river Suck and offers the visitor a wide range of amenities and interesting historical buildings.

Attractions

King House, Boyle
This restored 18th Century mansion is now home to an award winning interpretative centre where the visitor can step back in time to the ancient kingdom of Connacht.

Frybrook House
This house stands on 2.4 acres overlooking the beautiful Boyle River and is a rare example of an original 18th Century town house. The house also contains an impressive collection of both old and modern paintings.

Elphin Windmill
This 18th Century windmill was perfectly located to harness the winds sweeping over the plains of Boyle. Unusual features are a thatched revolving roof and sails that are turned into the wind using cartwheels on a circular track.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Co. Roscommon Heritage & Genealogical Centre
This Centre houses an Interpretative Display on Pagan Celtic Society in Pre-Christian Ireland, on the monuments of Rathcroghan and the Display also focuses on the epic tale of the Tàin Bò Cuailgne. There is also a Genealogical Centre for those who wish to trace their 'Roscommon Roots'.

Boyle Abbey
Despite ongoing mutilations, the restored ruins of Boyle Abbey is still regarded as the finest of the Cistercian churches to survive in Ireland.

The Old Schoolhouse Museum
The Old Schoolhouse Museum allows you to go back to your early days with the aid of a re-created classroom, photos and memorabilia. There is an adjoining craftshop and tea room.

The County Museum, Roscommon
The County Museum houses several original artifacts including a 9th Century inscribed slab and a dug-out canoe as well as Dominican Priory and Old Jail Histories.

Clonalis House
This 45 room mansion was built in 1878 and contains a priceless collection of over 10,000 archival documents illustrating a tradition going back 60 generations. Also preserved in Clonalis is O'Carolan's harp.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Activities

Cruising
With it's friendly towns and villages and the unspoilt, unpolluted River Shannon as it's boundary to the East, Roscommon provides the ideal base for a cruising holiday.

Walking
Roscommon is a walkers paradise. Some might enjoy the walking ways, others might prefer the serene countryside pathways. Whatever your taste, Roscommon will be sure to please you.

Cycling
Roscommon has some of Ireland's quietest roads which run through some of Ireland's most unspoilt scenery. Cyclists can travel from friendly village to village with little disturbance from the hustle and bustle of 20th century life.

Historic Sites
This is a County rich in history and has more than it's fair share of impressive historic buildings and archaeological sites and they are all so easy to enjoy in these quiet and undisturbed settings.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Angling
Roscommon has an abundance of uncrowded, unpolluted and peaceful waters which have good stocks of a wide variety of freshwater fish.

Golfing
Roscommon's parkland courses are both peaceful and challenging. The fact that they are situated in some of the most scenic areas of the County is an added bonus!

Traditional Music Schools
Roscommon is the perfect venue to learn, or just experience the vibrant and beautiful sounds and movements that are Traditional Irish Music & Dance. It is the County's long standing and lasting association with these traditions that makes it so ideal.