PLACES TO VISIT IN ROSCOMMON

Roscommon Castle To the north of Roscommon town sits this Norman Castle, built in 1269. The Irish forces destroyed it in 1273, and rebuilt it shortly afterwards. Built and originally occupied by Robert de Ufford, Lord Justice of Ireland, the castle was passed on to families of the surnames O'Conor and O'Kelly before Cromwellian forces took it in 1652. The remains of Roscommon Castle today include an entrance gate flanked by two large towers. It has rounded corners, bastions, and a series of mullioned windows. Occupant Sir Nicholas Malby, who also altered and renovated the original castle building, added other buildings located on the grounds after 1578.

Roscommon Abbey More than 750 years ago, Felim O Conor, King of Connacht, established the Abbey of Roscommon, found on the outskirts of the old town of the same name. The Roscommon ruin has many highlights, including an effigy of a king dressed in a long robe and mantle. It is thought to be O Conor, who was buried on the grounds, or possibly one of his successors. Though the structure is usually referred to as an abbey, it's more accurately described as a friary, as it was created for the Dominicans. It faced many difficult times during its history, including a fire in 1270 and lightning strike in 1308.

Roscommon Town Park and Playground Loughnaneane Park is a 14-acre recreational area situated in the north western area of Roscommon town bordered by the ruins of Roscommon Castle, which is a dramatic and imposing 13th Century Norman Castle. The Park includes a crannog known locally as the Hill o' Bones, a wildflower meadow, bird walk, lake feature, mounds, children's playground and car park. The playground is a special facility within the Park. It has been designed to cater for children up to twelve years

Roscommon County Museum. Located at The Square, Roscommon Town, the museum has a unique collection of artifacts relating to the history of the county, the town and its people. Formerly a Presbyterian Church, it was built in the 1860s. A collection of horse drawn farm machinery is also displayed in a yard behind the museum. Items on display include a ninth century inscribed slab from St. Coman's foundation, Church street Roscommon, a replica of the Cross of Cong with the inscription "made in Roscommon", and a superb example of a "Sheela na Gig" figure from Rahara.

Roscommon Co. Library One of the most modern Library Headquarters and Branch Libraries in the country, it is housed in the building known as the Old Infirmary. This impressive building was built in 1783 from an endowment from Mrs. Laetitia Walcott, a woman of considerable substance. The original building was of limestone, three storied over a basement, with slated roof and plain limestone dressings around the windows. The two symmetrical pavilions on the North and South ends of the central portion were constructed after 1832. The South Pavilion incorporated the physician's residence with an entrance to the front of the building, with carved door case and steps. Other renovations were carried out to the building in 1902 and 1929. It continued to be used as a hospital until 1941, when the new county hospital was built. This is a beautiful building, well worth a visit particularly if you are interested in researching your Roscommon roots. The Library houses a wealth of archival material.

Roscommon Jail Roscommon Jail is the massive building of solid stone, once the county jail. It had the distinction of having a hangwoman in the person of "Lady Betty", a criminal who had her sentence for murder withdrawn on condition that she carried out the hangman's task, without fee or reward. According to local records, the jail was built in the early 1740s and was owned by the Roscommon landlord, the Earl of Essex. The building served as a jail for less than a century. It subsequently became a lunatic asylum, then a refuge for smallpox sufferers and later a private house. The Jail has been totally rebuilt, although the front facade has been retained, and now houses an arcade of shops and restaurant on the ground floor with living apartments on the upper floors.

The Sacred Heart Church Sacred Heart Church dominates the town. The church spire is 52 m high. Built of local cut stone and opened in 1903, it was completed in 1925. The church is built on rising ground and fronted by a sunken grotto. Over the main door is a fine example of mosaic, carried out by the Italian firm of Salviate, depicting two bishops of Elphin connected with the building of the church. The interior is equally impressive and contains a replica of the Cross of Cong. This wonderful example of Irish Craftsmanship was made in Fuerty between 1120 - 1123.

Rindoon Castle The castle at Rindoon, located beside Lough Ree, has been described as "one of the most Important complexes of medieval monuments in Ireland" ~ John Bradley. Before the development of modern transport systems, goods and people were brought more easily by water than overland. The Shannon river was the most important north/south waterway navigated by the Vikings. It had to be crossed by those moving from east to west. Because Rindoon is situated on a peninsula on the west shore of Lough Ree about half way between Lanesboro and Athlone and at a point where the distance from the opposite east shore is quite narrow, it became a place of great strategic importance in the 13th and 14th centuries. Whoever controlled Rindoon controlled Lough Ree and with it the boat traffic up, down and across the river. The site therefore attracted military, civilian, and monastic settlements.

The Hooker Brewery A locally-based enterprise dedicated to the production of high-quality and full-flavour beers, using only natural ingredients. Unlike most other beers available in Ireland, Galway Hooker ale is craft brewed using traditional techniques without the use of any artificial chemicals or preservatives. The beer initially greets the palate with a balanced burst of tangy bitterness and understated biscuity flavours which perfectly compliment the floral aroma and citrusy, dry finish. Tours of the brewery are available by prior appointment.

Arigna Mining Experience: www.arignaminingexperience.com Arigna Mining Experience opened Ireland's first Coal Mining Museum. With an exhibition area tracing 400 years of mining and a tour that actually takes you through what was a working mine, the whole experience is both educational and extremely intriguing for kids. All of our tour guides are ex-miners and are therefore able to relate a history of a life that no longer exists in a way that is both educational as well as being interesting.

Lough Key Forest Park & Tree Top Walk, Boyle, Co, Roscommon Lough Key has for many centuries drawn people to its spectacular views, abundant wildlife, historic buildings and evocative islands. This beautiful landscape is steeped in a rich history, beginning with Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements, continuing through the 12th Century rule of the MacDermot Clan and up to the 1600's when the Lough Key lands were granted to an English family under the Cromwellian settlement. The Kings resided at Rockingham, as their estate was known, until 1957 when a huge fire destroyed their mansion, although it was the early 1970s before the ruins were finally razed to the ground. Now after major development the historic backdrop encompasses a landmark cluster of unique attractions serving the needs of a 21st century visitor with a new lakeside centre providing an ideal gateway for gentle leisurely activities or more energetic pursuits in the Park. For Further Information: www.loughkey.ie

Boyle Abbey An impressive and well preserved Cistercian Monastery which was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts. Though mutilated during the 17th and 18th centuries when it was used to accommodate a military garrison, Boyle Abbey nevertheless retains its ability to impress the visitor as one of the most formidable of the early Cistercian foundations in Ireland. A restored gatehouse of 16th/17th century houses an exhibition.

Castlecoote House: www.castlecootehouse.com Home of The Percy French Summer School, Castlecoote House is an early Georgian Palladian mansion built on the grounds of a ruined 16th century castle overlooking the beautiful River Suck. It is surrounded by woodland and the pastoral countryside of County Roscommon, Ireland. Castlecoote House, circa 1690, was destroyed by fire in 1989. It has been lovingly restored by some of Ireland's finest craftsmen. The result is a romantic hideaway, which combines elegant 18th century architecture, beautiful Georgian features, fine plasterwork ceilings and marble fireplaces with the 21st century luxuries of whirlpool spa baths and under floor heating. Outside are beautifully landscaped grounds. Take a stroll along by the river savouring the tranquillity, or perambulate through the orchard enjoying the rare apple trees, castle ruins and mill race walls.

The Claypipe Centre Located on the main road, halfway between Athlone and Roscommon in the village of Knockcroghery. Proprietor Ethel Kelly makes all her own clay pipes using moulds, some of which were in use in the village when its claypipe industry was known throughout Ireland and beyond. The Knockcroghery "Dúidín" was famous for many years until the industry was finally destroyed when the village was burned by the Black and Tans in 1921. Ethel has developed a thriving industry with a worldwide market. An excellent (and unusual) gift for business, sport or commercial presentation.

Clonalis House, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon www.clonalis.com Clonalis House - ancestral home of the O'Conors of Connacht Nestled in a crescent of cypress and redwood trees and overlooking a parkland of oak and copper beech, sits Clonalis House a wonderful Irish Country House and ancestral home of the O'Conors of Connacht. The family here are direct descendants of Connacht's traditional ruling dynasty and in the 12th Century AD, of Ireland's last High Kings.

Cruachan Ai www.cruachanai.com Rathcroghan, County Roscommon - one of the 'Celtic Royal Sites' of Ireland has been recognised by UNESCO in 2010 as having the potential for World Heritage Status. In coming years, the Rathcroghan Royal Complex will stand alongside Newgrange and Tara as a place through which Irish and international visitors can connect with our ancient past. Rathcroghan was the seat of Royalty in the West of Ireland for nearly 2000 years. Here, you can explore Irish history through the ages; walk the land of Celtic Warrior Queen Maeve, see where the great bulls fought their epic battle in the Cattle Raid of Cooley, follow the Druid's quest for knowledge to the sacred triple spring of healing, stand where the Gaelic Kings stood to fight invading tyranny and receive their rightful crowns. Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre interprets for you the Rathcroghan Complex, an area with over 200 sites and many stories. including Oweynagat (Cave of the Cats) the entrance to the Celtic Otherworld and home to the Goddess Morrigan; which is located between Cashel Mannannan - a druid school connected with Manannán Mac Lír - and Cruachan, the home of Warrior Queen Medb (Maeve Queen of Connacht) who started The Cattle Raid of Cooley (an Táin).

Donamon Castle Donamon Castle is one of the oldest inhabited buildings in Ireland. There was a fortress here from earliest times, but the earliest recorded reference is in the Annals of the Four Masters for the year 1154. The castle was the seat of the O'Finaghty's, the Chiefs of clan Conway, which clan held the land for miles round about. The Castle was attacked, destroyed, occupied and repossessed many times in the course of the next 500 years In 1939 the Divine Word Missionaries bought the property. The grounds were a wilderness and the Castle was in a ruinous condition. Great hardship was suffered by the first community and matters were made worse by the fact that it was cut off by the war from its sister-houses on the Continent. The Castle is now home to a small number of Divine Word Missionary priests. The former seminary now houses 'Cuisle' - a respite centre and holiday home for disabled people.

Derryglad Folk Museum www.derrygladfolkmuseum.com No trip to the midlands is complete without a visit to the Derryglad Folk Museum, which is hidden in south Roscommon in a land of lakes and rivers. The collection deals with Farm & Folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past. The museum is privately owned and run by the Finneran Family and houses a unique 25 year collection of over 5,000 items. These include; horse-drawn machinery restored to the original working order, tradesmans tools and buttermaking equipment. For those with an interest in the lifestyle of bygone days, the Museum hosts laundry memorabilia, old and rare washing machines, 1930's old-style thatched bar & grocery, old-style sheep shears, radios, gramophones and a large collection of 78rpm records, shop dockets and bill-heads, sports display McCormack's photography room where the contents include dark rooms finishing r D & P line, camara's enlargers and B & W colour processors. as well as much, much more.

Doctor Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre Douglas Hyde was first President of Ireland and co-founder of Conradh Na Gaeilge (the Gaelic League). The interpretative, exhibition and information centre, is dedicated to this remarkable man and is housed in the church, where his father was rector, in Frenchpark County Roscommon. Although born and reared in the Anglo-Irish tradition, Douglas Hyde was a scholar who was profoundly interested in the Irish language and traditions; he published many works under the pen name 'An Craoibhin Aoibhinn'. His contribution to Ireland is traced through informative charts, books of his poems and prose, personal items, letters, maps and photographs. The churchyard contains the remains of the late President and other members of his family. There is no entrance charge. The Douglas Hyde Centre is open daily from May to September, or by appointment at other times by contacting the curator, Mrs. Deirdre O'Gara

Elphin Windmill 1km north west of the town and well worth a visit is the recently restored 18th Century Windmill - 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. Originally used for grinding corn by the local landlord and now back in full working order, this is the only working windmill in the West of Ireland. Restoration work started in November 1992 and was carried out by trainees under a FAS Community Youth Training Scheme. Hollywood film star Gabriel Byrne, whose mother hails from the parish of Elphin, officially opened the mill.

The County Roscommon Heritage and Genealogy Centre Located in St. John's Church, Strokestown. This former Church of Ireland built in 1819, is on the site of an earlier church dating back to 1754. The Centre offers a family research service to people with Co. Roscommon roots who are anxious to trace their ancestry. It has built up a comprehensive database relating to the area including church and civil records, census records and land records. The cost of this service varies and is dependent on the dates that records begin in each parish, the size of the family and the quality of information provided by the client. Each enquiry is commenced with an initial assessment, which will establish the overall cost of the research.

Glendeer Pet Farm www.glendeerpetfarm.ie Glendeer Pet Farm is an award winning 12 acre open farm situated in the heart of Ireland. Glendeer provides a safe and carefree environment for children of any age. The farm itself comprises of 6 acres and an additional 6 acres of a nature walk. The farm has over 50 species of animals but new ones are always arriving! Glendeer Farm is a fantastic day out for families, groups and school tours. It is both fun and educational and a great opportunity to interact with both farm & exotic animals. Children are provided with a bag of food to feed the goats, sheep, emu, donkeys, cows, llama and lots more animals.No matter what the weather conditions are, there is always something to do as there is a lot of facilities undercover.Visit the indoor farm pets, the indoor Skywalk play area and the coffee shop which all provide shelter and entertainment.

King House www.kinghouse.ie King House is a magnificently restored Georgian Mansion located in Boyle, County Roscommon. It was built in the early 1700's for Sir Henry King, whose family were one of the most powerful and wealthy in Ireland. After its first life as a home, King House was converted into a military barracks in the 19th century for the famous Connaught Rangers regiment. At the end of Civil War in 1923 the barracks passed into the control of the newly formed Irish Free State Army. Following many years as a merchant's store, King House was saved from demolition in the late 1980s and restored to its former Georgian style by Roscommon County Council. Marvel at the grandeur, savour the magnificence of the period rooms, or just have fun exploring our interpretive exhibitions designed for both adults and children alike! Children Playing Writing with a quill and ink or building a brick vault are just some of the many things to do, and a tour of King House would not be complete without a visit to the cold and forbidding jail cells!

Strokestown Park www.strokestownpark.ie The Irish National Famine Museum. Strokestown Park is a unique visitor attraction in Strokestown. Co Roscommon comprising of Strokestown Park House, a Georgian Palladian mansion preserved with its original furnishings and fabrics, which can be seen daily by guided tour. The House was the family home of the Packenham Mahon family and is built on the site of the 16th century castle, home of The O Conor Roe Gaelic Chieftains. The Landlord Major Denis Mahon was assassinated in November 1847 at the height of The Great Famine of Ireland and it is fitting that The Irish National Famine Museum was established at Strokestown Park in 1994 using the unique original documents that came to light during the restoration of The House. The six acre walled pleasure gardens have been restored to their original splendour and give an insight into horticultural design and architecture from the 1740's to the present day.

Una Bhan Rural Tourism www.unabhan.net Una Bhan is a Tourism One-Stop-Shop providing an Approved Accommodation Booking Service, Traditional Craft Shop, Tailored Holiday Packages,Information on all Attractions & Activities in Boyle, County Roscommon & surrounding areas.