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Roscommon is an inland county where the main attraction is the beauty of island-dotted lakes. Much of the county is level plain, bogland and river meadow - broken with low hills and many lakes. The highest point (1,385 feet) is on the County Leitrim border in the north; also prominent are the Curlew Hills (867 feet) in the north-west and the Slievebawn hills (864 feet in the east.

The county's eastern boundary is formed by the River Shannon and its lakes. Located on Ireland's fertile central plain, the county has an area of 2,463 sq km (951 sq mi). Most of the county is situated between the Shannon River, to the east, and its chief tributary, the Suck River, to the west.

Roscommon, in the province of Connacht, was home to the last of Ireland's High Kings, King Rory O'Connor, whose home, Clonalis House is a library for the O'Connor Clan, and is open to the public. Strokestown house, is now the national Famine Museum, commemorating the Great Hunger. Roscommon, mainly a farming county, also benefits from tourism on the Shannon river, Lough Ree, Lough Arrow and Lough Key (Lough Key national Park, shown here). The neolithic monuments in the Curlew mountains in the north attract a steady flow of European visitors.

The Great Famine of 1845-8 had a devastating effect here. Many died and more emigrated when the potato blight destroyed the county's main food crop. The famine museum at Strokestown Park House gives a unique insight into the lives of the Irish people who battled against hunger and want. One of Ireland's principal lakeside parks, Lough Key Forest Park, is located five miles east of the town of Boyle. Over 840 acres in size, it offers nature walks, ring forts, monuments, cruising, fishing, a bog-garden, an old ice-house, picnic grounds, and a fully-serviced caravan and camping park. Deer wander freely through the park.

Roscommon Castle
Roscommon, Roscommon .
Roscommon Castle to the north of the town was built by the Normans in 1269 and four years later was captured by the Irish and raised to the ground, to be rebuilt in 1280. In the spacious main street is the beautiful renovated Bank of Ireland which was once the courthouse and afterwards served as the Catholic church until 1903.

Ballintober Castle
Ballintober, Roscommon .
Shortly after the Norman invasion, Ballintober became the chief seat of the O'Conors of Connacht, but the castle was probably not built till around 1300.

The castle is nearly square in plan, with an open courtyard in the centre and a strong polygonal tower at each corner. In the east wall there are two projecting turrets which guarded the entrance. The whole castle was surrounded by a water-filled moat. The castle was taken by another branch of the O'Conors in 1315, and was besieged and burnt a number of times again before 1500. In 1627 the north-western tower was partially rebuilt, as an inscription on a fireplace on the second floor shows. The castle was held by the O Conor Don until 1652 when it was taken by the Cromwellians. But it was restored in 1677 and lived in until the last century.

Ringdown Castle
Lecarrow, Roscommon, Roscommon .
A road on the left at Lecarrow leads to a pleasant lakeside amenity area beyond which is the castle standing on a promontory projecting into the lake. This was built in 1214 but, according to the Annals of the Four Masters, an earlier fortification was built there in 1156. For a time this castle was in the hands of the Knights Hospitallers and is sometimes called St. John's Castle; it is an example of medieval military architecture.

Boyle Cistercian Abbey
Boyle, Boyle, Roscommon .
One of the best preserved in Ireland, this Cistercian Abbey was colonised from Mellifont in 1161. the building of the chancel, and the transepts with their side-chapels, must have begun shortly after this date, though the lancet windows in the east gable were inserted in the 13th century. There is an interesting combination of rounded and pointed arches in the transepts and crossing. The large square tower formed part of the church from the beginning, though it was raised in height at a later stage. The five eastern arches of the nave and their supporting pillars were built at the end of the 12th century, and have well-preserved capitals typical of the period. Although built at the same time, the arches of the northern side of the nave are different in type, and have differently shaped columns and capitals. The three westernmost arches in the south arcade, with their attractive leafed and figured capitals, and the west wall were built after 1205 but before the church was finally consecrated in 1218. Nothing remains of the cloister, but on the eastern side there are two doorways of c.1200, now blocked up, while on the west side there is a two-storey gatehouse, which acts as an interpretative centre. The rest of the buildings surrounding the cloister are largely 16th or 17th century in date. The Abbey was one of the most important in Connacht, and was invaded by Richard de Burgo and Maurice Fitzgerald, and Justiciar, in 1235. In 1659, the Cromwellians occupied the monastery and did a great deal of destruction.

Roscommon Heritage & Genealogical Centre
Church Street, Strokestown, Roscommon .
History is primarily about people and the Roscommon, Heritage & Genealogical Centre offers a family research service to people with Co. Roscommon roots. There is a permanent display pertaining to County Roscommon surnames, around which a series of Historical and Heritage Exhibitions are held each season. The Church of Ireland church, in which the Centre is housed, contains an octagonal nave, a unique architectural feature of its period in Ireland. Opening Times: May - September: Monday - Friday: 09.00 - 13.00 14.00 - 17.00 Closed: Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays

Strokestown Heritage Centre
Strokestown, Roscommon.
This former Church of Ireland built in 1819, is on the site of an earlier church dating back to 1754. The heritage centre is sited in the heart of Roscommon near the great complex of monuments at Royal Rathcroghan, the birthplace of Percy French, the ancient Cathedral site if Elphin and a host of other notable antiquities. 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 Tain Bo Cualigne. The centre offers a family research service to people with Co.Roscommon roots who are anxious to trace their ancestry.

Drumanone Dolmen Located 2km west of the town of Boyle, this is one of the largest dolmens in Ireland, measuring 4.5m by 3m, and was constructed before 2000 BC.

Dr. Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre
Deirdre O'Gara, Frenchpark, Roscommon.
Dr. Douglas Hyde was born in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon on 17th January 1860.

The family moved to Portahard when his father, Rev. Arthur Hyde, (1819-1905) was appointed rector here in 1867. Here, as a privileged Anglo-Irish youth, Douglas enjoyed the country life, fishing, hunting and helping out on the farm. From the age of seventeen he began to write prose, poetry and plays in Irish and English. Fearing the imminent demise of the Irish Language and loss of its wealth of oral folktales and songs he began collecting this material which he later published in his popular bilingual anthologies such as "Beside the Fire" (1890) and "Love Songss of Connaught" (1893). These works were acknowleged by W.B.Yeats (1865-1939) as major sources for the Irish literary Renaissance. Dr. D. Hyde joined with Yeats, Lady A. Gregory (152-1932), J.M. Synge (1871-1909) and others in creating an Irish theatre. He entered Trinity College in 1880. An excellent student, he won many prizes for his academic prowess including the gold medal for Modern Literature in 1884. He graduated in 1888 with an LLD Degree. Dr. Hyde married Lucy Kurtz, a German, in 1893 and they had two daughters, Nuala and Una. Also in 1893, he was one of the seven co-founders of the Gaelic League (Conradh na Gaeilge) and was elected as its first president, a post he held until 1915. His work in reviving the irish language and his contribution to the formation of the modern Irish identity was symbolically acknowledged by Dail Eireann (Irish Parliament) when he was unanimously selected as first President of Ireland in 1938.

PORTAHARD CHURCH AND INTERPRETATIVE CENTRE
Portahard Church of Ireland was built in 1740 and restored in 1riginal function was preserved and an Interpretative Centre telling the life-story of Dr.Douglas Hyde (1860-1949) was installed. Dr. Hyde's contribution to modern Ireland is highlighted in the exhibition by the use of informative charts, maps and photographs. Through audio-visual material you can capture the spirit of his dream and celebrate the achievements of one life dedicated to one vision. Also on display is the original letter nominating him as first President of Ireland, signed by members of the two main political parties in Dail Eireann - Fianna Fail and Fine Gael - along with many other items of historical interest. The Interpretative Centre is accessible to people with disabilities. Ample parking for coaches and cars is provided and there is a picnic area in Gairdin An Chraoibhin. The Sheepwalk Restaurant is situated across the road and is open from 10 am to 10 pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon to 9 pm on Sunday. Coach tours welcome.

The centre is located on the N5, Longford-Castlebar road at Frenchpark. Opening times: May - September: Tuesday - Friday: 14.00 - 17.00 Saturday - Sunday: 14.00 - 18.00 Closed: Monday. The Interpretative Centre and Garden is open daily from May to September, or at other times by ringing the Curator, Mrs.Deirdre O' Gara, at 907 70016. Free admission for all. Donations are very welcome as they ensure the continued survival of the centre.

Boyle
One of the chief towns of County Roscommon, Boyle has a pleasant position at the base of the Curlew Hills and the north bank of the river Boyle, which connects Lough Gara and Lough Key. It is a good touring centre, with golf (9), tennis, and river and lake fishing. Launch trips and boats for hire at Lough Key.

The town is situated at the foot of the Curlieu Mountains, on the main Dublin/Sligo N4 route. Boyle has many historical buildings and archaeological sites have long been of national importance. The wonderful lakes of the area, Lough Key, Lough Arrow and Lough Gara attract fisherman from all over Europe, making the region one of the most popular angling destinations in the country. Renowned for its musical tradition, Boyle offers a wide variety of live entertainment all year round. Add to this its natural unspoilt beauty of the countryside, the many facilities in the area, the lively pubs and the famous hospitality and friendliness of the people and you have the makings of an enjoyable and memorable stay in Ireland's North West.

Carrick-on-shannon
Carrick-on-Shannon is the county town of Leitrim. The Shannon is navigable to a short distance above the town, as is the strait westwards to Lough Key near Boyle. Carrick-on-Shannon was incorporated as a borough by James I in 1613, and sent two members to the Irish Parliament until the abolition of the franchise.

Castlerea
The third most important town in the county, is beautifully situated in wooded country on the banks of the Suck. It was the birthplace in 1815 of Sir William Wilde, educated in the diocesan school in Elphin and father of the celebrated dramatist and wit, Oscar Wilde. Clonalis House, just west of the town, is the ancestral home of the clan O' Conor, who gave eleven high kings to Ireland and twenty four kings to Connacht. The family traces back to Feredach the just in 75 A.D. and is Europe's oldest family. The 45 room mansion was built in 1878 and contains a priceless collection of archival material, illustrating a tradition going back 60 generations. One of this great family, Charles O' Conor, was the first Catholic candidate to contest an American presidential election. He was defeated by Ulysses Grant in 1872.

Knockcroghery (cnoc an Chrochaire), the Hangman's Hill, is so called from an elevated mound east of the village, which was once a place of execution. The village was once noted for the manufacture of clay pipes from clay imported from England. Beyond the village is Galey Bay near the shore of which stands Galey Castle, built in the 14th century. Out in the lake is the island of Inishcleraun named after a sister of Queen Maeve, Clothra. Queen Maeve is said to have been killed here by an enemy while she was bathing. This island is the site of a monastery founded by St. Diarmait in 540 and on it are the remains of aix churches.

Knockcroghery village is situated between Roscommon and Athlone. Its predominant industry in the past was the manufacture of clay pipes. When the village was burned down by the Black and Tans, the pipe clay industry was ended. This practice has recently been revived by a worker in the Knockcroghery Heritage centre who produces the pipes on a small scale.

The Knockcroghery festival is held every year in September and lasts from a Friday to a Sunday. Its main focus is a sheep fair and activities for children also take place. The present-day industries are a family-run jam making business and agriculture.

The Claypipe Visitors Centre
Visitors Centre
Situated in the centre of the village of Knockcroghery, it provides a window into the unique history of Knockcroghery with its prolific Claypipe industry and its unusual demise. Open hours: May - September Tuesday - Saturday 10.30am to 5.30pm Admission free.

Roscommon Town, County Roscommon
Roscommon is a thriving and attractive midland town set in pleasant countryside - in the heartland of the 'invisible Ireland' that is less frequently seen by tourists.

Roscommon is ideal for cycling and walking trips, or using as a base for fishing, golfing and discovering the authentic side of Ireland, where people still make time to chat to strangers and friends alike in convivial local bars. It is an important road junction and a good touring centre. It mainly occupies the southern slopes of a gentle hill, and took its name and origin from St Coman, who founded a monastery here in early Christian times. Modern day Roscommon is a lively market town with an excellent retail centre in town, restaurants, character pubs and very friendly residents. The beautifully refurbished County Library in Roscommon is also sometime host to art exhibitions. The County Council and County Enterprise Board are both based in Roscommon.

Visitors to Roscommon can enjoy excellent golf set in spectacular parklands on the outskirts of town. Fishing and angling are both readily available in the many rivers and lakes surrounding the town. Roscommon's renowned Racecourse has numerous meetings each year. Other sporting facilities include Hyde Park, the location for many Gaelic football matches with a seating capacity for up to 33,000 spectators. The town also has a history and tradition of colourful monthly fairs.

Business in Roscommon is largely retail based with a growing services industry. The manufacturing of mosaics, plastics, castings and leather goods make up part of the industry profile of the town along with engineering, food and agricultural production and pharmaceuticals. The Roscommon Chamber of Commerce and the County Enterprise Board are both very active with new and local business initiatives.

Accessible by road, main line rail from Dublin and the country wide bus service, Roscommon is an ideal destination to enjoy the heart of Ireland. Twinning Roscommon is twinned with the charming French town of Chartrettes. The twinning is to promote relations between the two towns, cultural, business and social exchanges.

Roscommon Golf Club
Mote Park, Roscommon, Roscommon .
Established 1904 The opening of Roscommon Golf Club's exciting new eighteen hole course, represents not just a magnificent local achievement, but an important milestone for the game of golf in the Midlands and West of Irleand.

Here, located on rolling pastures adjoining the old Mote Park Estate, is a golf course of outstanding merit, successfully blending the old established nine hole course with an exciting and equally demanding new nine-hole lay-out. The old nine hole coure at Roscommon was always held in high regard, and one of the tasks of the design team appointed to oversee the development of an eighteen hole course was to bring together the old and the new, without leaving the golfer with two distinctly different nine hole tests. This has been achieved partly by interspersing the new holes with the old course as far as possible, and by the commencement of a tree planting programme immediately the new land was purchased, to augment the existing mature plantations. In 1992 the Club was most fortunate to be able to negotiate the purchase of an additional fifty eight acres of neighbouring land. Thus began a new chapter of endeavour at the club which today culminates in the completion of the IR500,000 extension, giving the County town an eighteen hole championship course which it can be justifiably proud of. The Club has a proud record of achievement, having produced seven young international golfers in the last two decades. it has won numerous national and provincial titles. Its members now look forward to sharing their new course with Ireland's ever-growing golf fraternity.

County Roscommon - Coarse Angling
Roscommon, Roscommon .
The Suck Valley to the west of the county has excellent stocks of bream to 8Ibs and roach to 2Ibs, and don't be surprised to find a large hungry pike snapping at your bait. The River Shannon with its vast inlets and back water lies to the east. There are well developed sections of the lake in the Athlone-Kiltoom area where bags of Bream and Roach in excess of 100Ibs are common. Strokestown and Tulsk Lakelands have consistently produced specimen Rudd and Bream Hybrids. Bags of these species to 60Ibs are common for a day's fishing in this district. The Boyle River and its network of lakes, in the Elphin- Carrick-on-Shannon, and Boyle area has a great diversity of coarse angling. Tench to 6Ibs are common in this area and the head of Roach is excellent here with mixed bags to 80Ibs. The River Lung in Ballaghaderreen has a big stock of Roach and large shoals of bream. Just where to fish in Roscommon is a difficult choice with so many lakes and rivers to choose from, and all with stocks of fish to specimen weight. Fishing facilities have been erected on most of the lakes and natural swims are kept clear to facilitate the angler. County Roscommon is surrounded by prime coarse fishing rivers and lakes.

Strokestown and Tulsk - coarse angling
Strokestown, Roscommon.
Strokestown: With its wide tree-lined streets, is a centre of great historical interest and is surrounded by numerous lakes. It is a perfect centre from which the angler can pursue his pleasure. The coarse angling paradise of the west is surrounded by 65 lakes within a seven mile radius of the town. All our lakes have an abundance of pike, perch, bream, and rudd, and some tench. Record for Irish rudd smashed 3 times in 1995. On our lakes Mr Hugh Gough smashed the existing Irish rudd record when he landed a 4Ib 1813.2g specimen in 1995. Species include: bream, rudd pike, perch, eels, hybrid and trout.

Pubs

Keenans Pub
Mr & Mrs Barry & Annette Keenan, Tarmonbarry, Roscommon .
Keenans is renowned for its excellent food, service and standards. Situated in the picturesque village of Tarmonbarry on the banks of the River Shannon it is an ideal base for a fishing holiday or for touring the West and has top class accommodation. Irish traditional music every Monday night. Award winning Black and White Connaught Pub of the Year.

Beirnes of Battlebridge
Mr & Mrs Joe & Eilish Beirne, Roscommon, Roscommon .
Battlebridge, situated at the upper limits of navigation on the River Shannon forms the first lock to the newly opened Lough Allen Canal & provides the Traveller with a secure and sheltered mooring. Here one can walk along the Canal banks and forest paths or simply relax in this wonderfully refurbished Old World Pub which maintains its original charms. It is a Black & White Award Winning Pub. Traditional Irish Music Sessions. Hot & Cold Snacks available all days.

The Weir Lodge
Liam Quinn, Roosky, Roscommon .
The award winning Weir Lodge bar and restaurant is situates strategically in the picturesque village of Rooskey overlooking the busy Shannon-side marina. This delightful establishment is the social mecca of the region offering a warm haven of contentment to the tourist, visitor, local and passer by. These premises which comprise a bar-lounge, fisherman's restaurant and large entertainment lounge were completely renovated in 1990 making it one of the country's most desirable food, drinks and entertainment emporiums.

The entire establishment is a blend of traditional/luxury styling with comfort and elegance being of the essence in all quarters. Food is available all day every day in a choice of setting with a superb menu of tasty bar snacks and an entensive selection of homecooked Irish and Internationally accepted dishes. This is a great entertainment venue with live bands and top cabaret acts performing here four nights a week in summer. (Programme from management). There is a constant buzz in The Weir Lodge, the unhurried ambience conducive to enjoyment and comfort. Friendly staff provide a first class professional service and all requisites are met with efficiency and courtesy. The beer garden adds a continental dimension to these premises which attract a cosmopolitan clientele and this in one of the few pubs which caters for and welcomes children. This famous roadside rendezvous on the main Dublin/Sligo road is ideal for any social occasion and welcomes all nationalities. The level of perfection with regard to the modus operandi and atmospheric appeal of The Weir Lodge needs no further adornment. Check it out.