County Roscommon, in the province of Connaught, is home to many historical and archaeological sites and is known for its lakes and forests.
Here are some of the most interesting facts about and places to see in Co Roscommon.
Origins
Roscommon Coat of Arms. (CelticBrowne /Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International)
The name of Roscommon comes from ‘Ros’ and Irish word meaning wooded, gentle terrain and Comán, from Coman mac Faelchon, a famous Irish saint and the founder, first abbot and bishop of Roscommon.
The High Kings of Ireland
Legend has it that Rathcroghan, near Tulsk, was the seat of Queen Medb (Maeve), the Kings of Connacht, and later, home to the High Kings of Ireland.
Roscommon Castle
Roscommon Castle. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Roscommon Castle is a 13th-century Norman castle near Roscommon town. After being won and lost by siege multiple times over the course of four centuries, it was burned down one final time in 1690. It is a ruin today, but still stands. The castle is next door to Loughnaneane Park, a wildlife gem.
Gate to the Otherworld
Oweynagat, ‘Cave of Cats,’ also in Rathcroghan, is said to be the home of The Morrigan, the Irish Goddess of War and Fertility, Birth and Death. According to Irish mythology, the cave is a portal to the Otherworld, and every Samhain, The Morrigan, keeper of the Otherword, leaves the gates unguarded.
Boyle
Boyle Abbey. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Boyle, a city at the foot of the Curlew Mountains, is known for its history and culture. There you will find Boyle Abbey, which was founded in the 12th-century, and, each summer, the Boyle Arts Festival. Just north of Boyle is the famous Gaelic Chieftain - a sight to behold! Irish actor Chris O’Dowd is from Boyle.
Lough Key Forest Park
Lough Key Forest Park. (Getty Images)
Lough Key Forest Park near Boyle is one of the most picturesque locations in Ireland. It is comprised of woodland, lakes, islands, a variety of wildlife, and many points of historical and archaeological interest.
Irish Famine Museum
Strokestown Park House (Ireland's Content Pool)
Strokestown Park House and Famine Museum is an award-winning museum dedicated to telling the story of the Irish Famine, and it contains some of the most extensive records from the time of the Famine.
Arigna Mining Experience
Arigna Mining Experience. (Ireland's Content Pool)
The Arigna Mining Experience, in Arigna, Co. Roscommon, traces 400 years of mining history in the area and offers underground tours exploring Ireland’s first and last coal mine.
Rindoon
Rindoon. (Arno-nl / Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.)
Rindoon is a deserted medieval town situated on the peninsula of St. John’s Point, on the western shore of Lough Ree. Built in the 13th century, with a town wall, castle, medieval hospital, church, and mill, it is one of the most important complexes of medieval monuments in Ireland.
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* Originally published August 2016. Updated in Sept 2024.
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