County Roscommon

Tucked away in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, County Roscommon is something of a well-kept secret – a tranquil oasis with plenty to entertain. This is a landscape that lulls you into a sense of relaxation, with peaceful lakes and rolling hills, forested country parks and large estates steeped in history. Explore the shores of Lough Key, wander through the ruins of the 12th-century Boyle Cistercian Abbey, or delve into the depths of the earth at the Arigna Mining Experience. You’ll find that Roscommon is an unhurried destination that rewards the time you spend exploring it.

County Roscommon’s unique history has led to some interesting sites, museums and landmarks around the county. Look out for the distinctive mix of Romanesque and Gothic features of Boyle Abbey, a classic example of the School of the West architecture.

Stroll across nearby 12th-century Abbeytown Bridge, one of the oldest stone bridges in Ireland. Then discover four centuries of history at King House, a beautifully restored Georgian mansion.

In Roscommon town, you’ll find the imposing towers of 13th-century Roscommon Castle, an Anglo-Norman fortress that became a seat of power for the O’Connor kings of Connacht. 

Just a short drive away is fascinating Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum. Here, you’ll be transported back in time through the everyday objects of rural life in Ireland, such as farm machinery, trades, tools and memorabilia.

A totally different experience is on offer at the Arigna Mining Experience. Descend deep into the earth and uncover the stories of the local men who sustained their communities from the 1700s through to the late 1900s. The compelling tour shows you the cramped conditions the men worked in before the mine finally closed in 1990.

Discover more of Ireland’s underground attractions

The National Famine Museum at Strokestown House explores the parallel lives of the hungry tenants and their landlord who governed them during the tragic period of the Great Famine of Ireland.

Take a tour of Strokestown House to discover centuries-old rooms that offer a vivid insight into how the landed gentry once lived. Below stairs, the 18th-century galleried kitchen is one of the last preserved of its kind in Ireland.

The standout star of County Roscommon has to be the Royal Site of Rathcroghan. This archaeological site is steeped in Irish mythology and has witnessed over 5,500 years of history. 

At the visitor centre, you can learn about the history of Rathcroghan, where experts have discovered artefacts stretching back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. They’ve also found medieval settlements, standing stones, burial mounds, ringforts and even the “Gate to Hell”, Oweynagat (Cave of the Cats).

Uncover Irish myths and legends and where to find them

And finally, lovers of the great outdoors are in for a treat in County Roscommon. It may not have a coastline, but it does have 32 islands! Sail and cruise boats glide around Lough Ree, and rivers like the Shannon and the Suck are enticing locations for anglers.

At the heart of the county lies Lough Key, surrounded by 350 hectares of woodland; the old Rockingham family’s 19th-century estate has today been transformed into a fantastic forest park. 

Walkers, meanwhile, should opt for the Miners Way & Historical Trail, which connects with neighbouring counties Leitrim and Sligo. Some of these paths would have been used by miners on their way to and from work. While the route itself is 66km long, it can be walked in sections.

Discover great walks in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

County Roscommon is bordered by seven counties. This means that it’s perfect for continuing your journey through Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, or venturing into Ireland’s Ancient East or the Wild Atlantic Way.

A great option is to pair it with a visit to Sligo and Leitrim, both of which sit to the north. In Sligo, the landscape itself tells stories, from the landmark tabletop mountain Ben Bulben to the Knocknarea and Ox mountains. Poet WB Yeats found the scenery here such an inspiration that he immortalised it in his work. 

The county is also famous for its surfing culture and the buzzy villages of Strandhill and Enniscrone have drawn holidaymakers for generations. Both villages also have very different expressions of another deeply traditional aspect of Sligo’s culture: therapeutic seaweed bathing.

County Leitrim’s beauty is just as legendary, with Glencar Waterfall being a particular highlight. Like something out of a fairy tale, the cascade pours 15 metres down from moss-covered rocks into a pool surrounded by ferns. The water then flows into scenic Glencar Lake, a short walk away.

To explore more of Leitrim, follow the Shannon-Erne Waterway by boat, kayak or bicycle. Explore the mountainous landscapes with great walking trails around Sliabh an Iarainn. Or go back in time at the dramatically beautiful Parke’s Castle, a remarkable fortress house overlooking the wind-ruffled waters of Lough Gill.

From the historic treasures of County Roscommon to the quiet waters of County Leitrim, your Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands adventure starts here. Get planning today.