Roscommon
Chill out amidst the beautiful unspoiled scenery of County Roscommon
Sightseeing
A 12th-century abbey, a wonderful Georgian mansion and Ireland’s National Famine Museum
Boyle Abbey
One of the earliest Cistercian monastery foundations in Ireland, Boyle Abbey was founded in the 12th century, and now houses an exhibition of Irish history.
King House, Boyle
This magnificently restored Georgian mansion was built in 1730 by Sir Henry King on a stunning location overlooking the River Boyle.
Lough Key Forest Park
Over 350 hectares of woodland, lake and islands, Lough Key Forest Park boasts a truly picturesque caravan and camping park, nature walks, a bog garden and more.
See more highlightsRoscommon Castle
Now in ruins, Roscommon Castle was originally quadrangular in plan with rounded bastions at the corners and a double-towered entrance gate, along with six round towers.
Strokestown Park House & Famine Museum
A restored 18th-century mansion with original furniture, Strokestown is home to the National Famine Museum. A combination of original documents and images interprets the famine.
The Lakes
Two-thirds of Roscommon is bounded by water with the River Shannon at the east and the River Suck at the west. Roscommon’s lakes are beautifully peaceful places to enjoy some rest and relaxation so head to Lough Key, Lough Gara and Lough Boderg.
Activities
Enjoy excellent golf in a truly scenic environment
Cycling
The Táin Trail Cycling Route retraces the steps of one the most famous Irish sagas and takes you through the very heart of mythical Ireland.
Golf
The exceptionally scenic Carrick Golf Club was recently upgraded from a nine-hole to an 18-hole and, at its highest point, offers breathtaking views.
Walking
Try the Suck Valley Way [www.suckvalley.com], which incorporates part of the O’Sullivan Beara Trail and offers walkers exceptional beauty and tranquility over 90km. Walks within the Arigna Region are also renowned for their scenic treasures with a wide selection of options from historical trails to recreational walks.
Children
Savour the great outdoors with a wonderful open farm and spectacular forest park
Glendeer Open Farm, Athlone
Children can mingle with over 56 species of birds and animals at this family-run open farm. In December, this charming farm is converted into Ireland’s Lapland with Santa, live deer, a snow scene and more.
Lough Key Forest Park
This 350-hectare park includes beautiful woodland, gardens, archaeological remains and almost 10km of walkways.
Tickety Boo, Tuam Road, Athlone
An exciting playcentre for kids with slides, ballpools, climbing frames, a creativity corner and more.
Culture & festivals
Explore Roscommon’s unique cultural attractions with folk museums and Georgian houses
Cruachan Ai Heritage Centre
Many archaeological remains are located close to the centre, from Stone Age to the Historic period, and are interpreted in bright, modern exhibition rooms.
Derryglad Folk Museum, Curraghboy, Athlone
An award-winning museum with a collection of rural artifacts with horse-drawn machinery, tradesman’s tools, butter-making equipment, utensils, an old thatched bar and grocery, gramophones, rare washing machines and old 78 records.
Doctor Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre, Frenchpark
The first president of Ireland and founder of the Gaelic League, Douglas Hyde had a profound interest in the Irish language and traditions. This interpretative centre focuses on his life, work and contribution to Ireland.
See more highlightsFrybrook House, Elphin Street, Boyle
Built around 1750 for Henry Fry, Frybrook House is a handsome Georgian house with three storeys, elegant bay windows and fine examples of decorative Georgian plasterwork.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
An elegant country house overflowing with heirlooms, plus a truly special restaurant
Clonalis House, Castlerea
This fabulous 19th-century county house is occupied by the descendants of Connacht’s ruling dynasty, the O’Connors, and it’s a fascinating place filled with incredible heirlooms, such as the family’s coronation stone and Carolan’s Harp.
Hell's Kitchen Museum & Bar
This is a pure treasure-trove for enthusiasts and anyone interested in by-gone days. On display is the largest private collection in the country and there’s the added bonus of being able to settle back with a glass of Guinness while taking stock of how times have changed since.
The Old Fort Restaurant, Shannonbridge
This fascinating restaurant is housed within the newly restored main building of the Shannonbridge Fortifications, which date back to the Napoleonic period in 1810. As well as being a delightful and unique venue, the Old Fort is also an excellent place to eat with dishes like poached Irish salmon and pan-fried tournedo of wild boar.
