County Roscommon is located in the
centre west of Ireland within the province of Connaught. Uniquely,
it is the only Connacht county which does not have a coastline.
Roscommon can boast that its residents can statistically look
forward to the longest life expectancy of any county in Ireland.
Lough Key in north Roscommon is noted for having 32 separate
islands, matching the traditional number of counties in Ireland upon
which our Area Guide is based. Roscommon is Ireland’s third least
densely populated county with less than 60,000 residents. Naturally,
Roscommon town is the county town, and elsewhere only Boyle could be
described as a sizeable town within the county boundaries.
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Roscommon can lay claim to part of the neighbouring large town of
Athlone (often referred to as Ireland’s most central town) but
overall Athlone is designated as a County Westmeath town due to more
of the town centre falling within Westmeath’s border. Strokestown
can boast of having one of the widest and most stylish streets in
Ireland, leading to Strokestown Park House, a sprawling and
impressive 18th century mansion.
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. Restricted access for people with disabilities.
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Ballintubber to Lanesborough Tour
First take the N60 west to Ballymoe where you turn right along the
L98 for Ballintubber. From Ballintubber visit Castlerea, where
Clonalis House is located (see adjacent photograph). As you leave
Clonalis, drive to village of Frenchpark on the N5. Turn right here
and pass through Bellangare on the way to Rathcroghan, which is the
burial place of the kings of Ireland and Connaught. South of
Rathcroghan is the village of Tulsk, the "hillock of the thorn
tree", once a place of importance and a borough that sent a number
to parliament. On the raised ground south of Tulsk is Carnfree where
the Kings of Connaught were crowned. From Tulsk, you can go east to
Strokestown, which includes Strokestown Park House, Famine Museum
and Gardens. St John's Church in Strokestown is now the County
Heritage Centre. The 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
Táin Bó Cuailgne. Also conscious of the fact that history is
primarily about people, the Centre offers a family research service
to people with Co Roscommon roots who are anxious to trace their
ancestry. Leaving Strokestown, you can travel east to Scramogue and
south on to Lanesborough, a cruising base on the Shannon. On the N63
road back to Roscommon Town are the ruins of the Manor of Kilteevan,
the home of the Mapother family.
Roscommon Abbey
The ruined ‘Abbey’of Roscommon is on the outskirts of the core of
the old town of the same name, and is reachable by a path at the
back of the Abbey Hotel. It was founded just over 750 years ago by
Felim O Conor, king of Connacht, who was buried there himself in
1265. The effigy in a niche on the north side of the chancel is
either that of himself (but carved 35 years or more after his
death), or of one of his successors; dating from around 1300, it
shows a king dressed in a long robe and mantle of a kind that
suggests he may have been aping an English regal costume of the
period, an idea supported by the fact that he carries a sceptre with
fleur-de-lis head in his right hand. The tombfront supporting his
effigial slab (but not originally belonging to it) bears eight
niches containing fifteenth-century carved figures of gallowglasses,
mercenaries of Scottish origin who played a major role in Irish wars
of the Later Middle Ages. These have their bodies protected by a
coat of mail and each wears a helmet known as a bascinet. All are
armed with a sword, except one who bears an axe-like sparth, a
typical gallowglass weapon. Usually called the ‘Abbey’, it is more
accurately described as a friary, for it was created for the
Dominican friars. During the course of its existence, it has gone
through various vicissitudes, starting with a fire in 1270, a
lightning-strike in 1308, and having Lord Audley take large sums of
money deposited in it by the poor people of the town for the use of
his army against a king of Connacht. But the main part of the church
must have survived these misfortunes, for much of its existing
fabric dates from the thirteenth century, as seen in the style of
the lancet windows in the north and south walls. The east wall of
the church probably had five such windows grouped and graded
together, but they were replaced in the fifteenth century by one
single large traceried window which probably shed more light inside
during the morning. At the same period, a chapel - also with a large
window - was added to the north, at right angles to an aisle which
is separated from the nave by an arcade supported by round columns
which still partially survive. Suppressed at the Reformation, the
ruined buildings were denuded of their majestic tower, and probably
also of the cloister to the south, when they served as a handy
stone-quarry for their owner in 1794.
Roscommon Holiday Cottages
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.
Although born and reared in the Anglo-Irish tradition, he was a
scholar who was profoundly interested in the Irish language and
traditions and 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.
O'Carolan Heritage Park
The O'Carolan Heritage Park, in the centre of Keadue village, was
opened in 1993. At the opening ceremony a specially commissioned
work by sculptor Fred Conlon modelled on Turlough O'Carolan's Harp,
was unveiled in memory of O'Carolan. Turlough O'Carolan was reared
in Kilronan and spent his years as a harper and composer travelling
around the area and adjoining counties. The Park also features a
reconstructed Sweat House, the ruins of which were found on the
original site when work commenced on the Park. These houses were the
fore-runners of the modern sauna.
Roscommon County Museum
Items on display include a ninth century inscribed slab from St.
Comans foundation, Church Street Roscommon, a replica of the Cross
of Cong which the inscription states was "made in Roscommon", a
superb example of a "Sheel na Gig" figure from Rahara. A unique
collection of artefacts relating to the history of the county , the
town and its people. The Museum formerly was a Presbyterian Church
built in the 1860s. A collection of horse drawn farm machinery is
also displayed in a yard behind the museum. It is run by County
Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Society and their journal
can be bought there. The Roscommon Tourist Information Office is
also housed and is open from May to September.
Ballaghaderreen Cathedral
Even before, but particularly after, Catholics attained religious
emancipation in Ireland in 1829 following centuries of suppression
after the Reformation, they began to build stone churches. As their
confidence grew, so also did the size of their churches. Because
there are so many of these churches still in use throughout Ireland,
there is a tendency to overlook their quality and attractions. One
good example is Ballaghaderreen Cathedral, seat of the Catholic
Bishop of Achonry, which comprises parts of Counties Mayo, Roscommon
and Sligo. The plan to build the Cathedral came from Patrick Durcan,
the diocesan bishop in the third quarter of the nineteenth century.
Nobody knows why he gave the commission to build the Cathedral to
Weightman, Hadfield and Goldie of Sheffield in 1855. It is thought
that Hadfield was probably the main architect involved in this
commission.
Within five years Ballaghderreen had a Gothic church echoing
medieval English and French models. Approaching the Cathedral from
the town, the overriding picture is that of an expansive open
carpark leading to a vastly tall tower and spire, which is visible
for miles around in the flat landscape of north-west Roscommon.
Curiously, however, this tower was not part of the original design,
but a 1912 addition by the Dublin architect William Byrne, who also
installed a fine carillon of bells. In comparison with the height of
the steeple, the main body of the church seems almost to cower
behind it, though it is, in fact, quite a tall building in its own
right. The impression on entering it is that of a lofty interior of
the Late Middle Ages. The nave, with timbered ceiling, has lower
side-aisles, also timber-roofed, and a tall arch leading to the
chancel. The arch is flanked by paintings of The Annunciation and
the diocesan patron, St Nathy, executed by Michael Gallagher in
1989, while the chancel roof depicts angels bearing verses from the
Benedicite. The aisles have large twolight windows in German Gothic
style, which are original, while those over the confessionals are
probably by Earley. The Saint John and Saint Anne windows of 1907
may be by Beatrice Elvery of An Túr Gloine, who also worked in
Loughrea in the neighbouring county of Galway. Further large windows
commemorate the 14th Viscount Dillon in the Baptistery, and Charles
Strickland in a chapel on the south side of the sanctuary. Saint
Nathy and Saint Bridget are among the subjects featured in the large
6-light east window, and an arch painted with The Transfiguration
allows a view past the organ of 1925 and through an arch to the
elaborate west window over the door.
King House Interpretative Galleries & Museum
King House is a magnificently restored Georgian mansion built around
1730 by Sir Henry King, 1st Baronet Kingston. The grand scale of the
reception gallery, its original stone floor, tripartite windows and
high vaulted ceilings, portray the impression that this 18th Century
residence was built as a symbol of the status, wealth and power of
the King family. After its first life as a home, King House became a
military barracks to the famous Connaught Rangers regiment from 1788
until 1922. In more recent years, King House has been a barracks for
the Irish Army. Today, children and adults alike can explore this
unique architectural treasure and enjoy a range of interactive
presentations that offer an enchanting view of Ireland's heritage
and culture. The exhibitions tell the story of the house, its people
and the surrounding locality in an entertaining and informative
manner. They focus on the world of Gaelic Ireland, the dramatic
episodes in the lives of the King family, the architecture,
construction and restoration of the House and the military history
associated with the property. Facilities include coach and car
parking, also children's worksheets. Rooms for hire and conference
facilities are available. There is also an adjacent adventure
playground and public park.
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The Hooker Brewery
The Hooker brewery is 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.
Claypipe Visitor Centre
The tiny village of Knockcroghery in Co Roscommon has been famous
for almost 300 years for its claypipes or dúidíns. In the late
1800s, virtually the entire village was involved in the industry.
Production of the claypipes ceased abruptly in 1921 when the village
was burned down during the War of Independence. Today, with original
moulds from the late 1800's, Ethel Kelly makes claypipes using the
same skills employed by artisans centuries ago. Traditional
craftsmanship renders each pipe a unique, authentic Irish Craftpiece.
The Visitor Centre is located on the original site of the last pipe
factory where you can enjoy photographs and artefacts relating to
this unique facet of our heritage.
Towns and Villages in County Roscommon
Other distinguished towns in Roscommon include Ballaghaderreen,
Ballinlough, Ballyfarnan, Castlerea, Elphin, Frenchpark, Keadew,
Lanesborough (Ballyleague), Loughglinn and Roosky.
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