rossie sayings

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taste of
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Roscommon

Cult ure &

on it, in it!

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A county to put a smile on your face, and a story to take home.

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Roscommon
Welcome to Ireland under-the-radar.
Welcome to sweet scenery and constant surprises. To fun and passionate people youll greet as strangers but leave as friends. Welcome to striking scenery and enough visitor attractions to warrant our title as the Playground of the West! Pay a ying visit. Stay for weeks. Whizz down a zip-line Go fishing Cruise the Shannon Walk ancient paths Eat lamb Lose yourself in a local conversation Theres no shortage of things to do. Or you could simply do nothing at all

A county to put a smile on your face, and a story to take home.

Culture and Heritage

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Famous Faces

Chris ODowd, Actor & Comedian Everything about Roscommon is home to me. Theres nowhere like it. Its untouched by the cynicism of modernity, and has remained true to its identity through bubbles and dips. Its no coincidence that it lies in the heart of Ireland, either. I love walking down to the Doon Shore in Boyle on summer mornings. And Stephens Day, when hot toddies are served up during the treasure hunt at Lough Key, remains my favourite time of my year.

Did you know?

That natives include Percy French and Irelands first President, Douglas Hyde?

Roscommon is almost entirely surrounded by water.

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A county to put a smile on your face, and a story to take home.

Whatever you do, for however long you stay, youll find Roscommon easy to get to and hard to leave. True characters and community spirit are just part of the Rossie DNA.

Welcome to Roscommon
contents

Great Times Together Lakelands, On it - In it! Into Nature Culture and Heritage Historic Houses Taste Of Roscommon Ceol & Craic Crafts & Shopping Towns & Villages Local Heroes Community Tourism Centres Roscommon GAA Rossie Sayings Map Of Roscommon

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Lakelands, On it, In It!

Looking for adventure? In Roscommon, youve come to the right place.

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Taste Of Roscommon
Theres no lamb in Ireland like Roscommon lamb. Forget Michelin Stars. This is food to put a smile on your face.

The Official Guide to Roscommon | 3

great times
together
Horse-riding, soft play centres, watersports on numerous lakes and cycling trails are some of the family-friendly options in a county just waiting to be your playground.
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Roscommon is not only easy to get to from all over Ireland; its easy to have fun once you get here!

Why not meet the native and exotic animals at Glendeer visitor farm near Athlone or Tullyboy Farm near Boyle, where kids can kick back in the playground while Mum and Dad collapse into a cup of tea? What about a family day out at Roscommon Racecourse, or a fishing trip on our abundant rivers and lakes?

Local Voices
Louise Fitzpatrick Lough Key Forest & Activity Park Roscommon is a gem of a county that has managed to upgrade itself into the 21st Century while still retaining all the loveable attributes of Old Ireland. Its a place that would fulfil any foreign tourists image of what Ireland is about.

Did you know...

You can swing on Tarzan ropes at Zipit, Lough Keys aerial adventure centre. And did you know Boyle was the birthplace of Maureen OSullivan, the Hollywood actress famous for playing Jane alongside Johnny Weissmullers Tarzan?

Imagine one of the most beautiful lakes in Ireland.

Add 350 hectares of woodland, braided with hiking trails. Throw in a tree canopy walk, old servants tunnels and an adventure playground. Or what about climbing a cargo net or riding a BMX bike through Irelands first aerial trail activity course? Now youre talking. If you sat a family down and asked them to design the perfect place to revive, refresh and rewind, the result would look a lot like Lough Key Forest Park.

exhilarating
Local Voices
Phil OConnell Glendeer Pet Farm Eamonn and I opened Glendeer 21 years ago, and like many parts of the countryside here, its lovely and peaceful in the evening as the animals wind down after a busy days petting and feeding. Its then that I love to stroll amongst them, listening to the different sounds of birds, insects and animals including monkeys, wallabies, and Rio the Parrot! Im so lucky to have it all on my doorstep.

Try on a chieftains cloak or write with a quill at King House

In Roscommon, you can tour the Arigna Mines in the company of a miner who made his living squeezing into gashes in the rock. You can try on a chieftains cloak or write with a quill at King House - onetime barracks for the Connaught Rangers in Boyle.
The Official Guide to Roscommon | 5

great times
together

Looking for adventure?

In Roscommon, youve come to the right place. Within minutes of arriving here, you could be windsurfing on Lough Ree, cycling the Suck Valley Way, or fishing some of the feistiest pike in the midlands.

Fancy a Walk?
The Arigna Miners Way is a 62km trail following a network of paths once used by workers in the Arigna coal mines. You can hike for days through towns like Keadue and Ballyfarnon, stopping off at friendly B&B accommodation along the way, or simply dip into one of the shorter stretches along the route whatever takes your fancy.

Lakes and Rivers

Anglers will have a field day on Roscommons rivers and lakes and theres golf, horse-racing, watersports in Rooskey and power boating on Lough Ree. Phew!

Like Horses?
Then youll love the riding lessons at Roscommon Equestrian Centre just outside Roscommon Town, or hacking out from Lough Gara Stables, Boyle.

Into Wildlife?
Or what about a gentler meander through St. Johns Wood and guided visits to Rindoon?

And More ?
There is clay shooting, archery, falconry and a nature treasure hunt at Lough Gara too...

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Looking for an adrenaline rush?

If its adrenaline youre after, try kayaking, sailing, raft-building at Baysports on Lough Ree. Hurl yourself off a water trampoline, or go old-school and learn to row a currach.

explore
Did you know...
If youre cruising, sailing or kayaking around Lough Ree, watch out for Hodsons Pillar, on a tiny islet in Hodson Bay. Its said to mark the geographical centre of Ireland.

Cut local voice Ben and replace with XXXXXX Lough Ree, the Shannon and the miles of county Roscommon

Local Voices

Richie O Hara Baysports

shoreline provide the most beautiful setting for invigorating and exhilarating watersports! I have the pleasure of working in and enjoying Roscommons natural amenities on a daily basis and am delighted to help all adventurers share in this enjoyment.
The Official Guide to Roscommon | 7

lakelands
For a landlocked county, Roscommon certainly has its fair share of water.
Bordering the River Shannon to the east, following the flow of the River Suck in the south-west, and spotted throughout with pleasure lakes, it is three-quarters bounded by water.

Did you know...

Roscommon is almost entirely surrounded by water.

on it, in it!

The result is one of Irish anglings best-kept secrets. The Suck is renowned for its coarse fishing, with bream and roach plentiful in the 30 mile corridor linking Roscommon and Galway: The Suck Valley. Irish pike fight hard too, and theres no shortage of them in this river. How about fly-fishing for wild brown trout, casting off for rudd and tench in the River Boyle, setting up shop on the reedy shores of the Shannon, or dipping into the dozens of lakes surrounding Strokestown and Tulsk? The lakes dont stop there, either.

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Think of Errit, a secret spot where locals have boated and fished for generations. Or Lough Key, lapping up against a forest park on the old Rockingham family estate, itself festooned with forest trails, camping pitches, a play kingdom and aerial trekking course. Lough Ree is known for its coarse angling, but also for its boat tours, watersports and heritage hot-spots. Think of Hare Island, where Viking gold was found in 1802; Inchcleraun, where legend has it that Queen Maeve was killed; or Rindoon Castle built by Normans to shore up the invasion of Connaught, and today home to an intriguing deserted town.

Hire a Cruiser
Why not hire a cruiser and explore the waterways at your own pace? Potter along, cast off, stop to explore an old ruin, catch some summer music, cook on board or eat out in Rooskey, Lecarrow, Tarmonbarry or Athlone. The nine-to-five will seem very far away indeed

Local Voices
Bodo Funke Angling Services Ireland When I first visited Roscommon at the age of 11, you could say I fell in love. I come from Berlin, but the friendly people, the beautiful scenery, and the lakes and rivers - with their countless fantastic fishing opportunities - made a big impression. These memories were so special, in fact, I later chose Roscommon as my home. I met my wife here, we are bringing up our children here, and I am proud, delighted and thankful to be able to live in the county.
The Official Guide to Roscommon | 9

From Lough Allen to Shannonbridge, Roscommon contains the longest stretch of the River Shannon of any Irish county - following the west bank for almost one third of its length.

Did you know...

Roscommon is truly undiscovered, a place where every highway and byway seems to deliver you far from the madding crowd. From peat bogs to wildflower meadows, native woodlands to turloughs, lakes & marshes, its the perfect place to escape into the wild.
In this unspoilt environment, nature lovers are spoiled for choice. 2,500 square kilometres of rolling landscape gives way to one revelation after another whether youre cycling country roads, fishing rivers, or simply sticking your nose in the nearest hedgerow

into nature
Did you know...
Sphagnum moss, covering much of the surface of Roscommons bogs, can hold up to 20 times its own weight in water. Without it, the bogs would not exist.

Did you know...

That whooper swan and golden plover spend their winters on its turloughs, or that Roscommon wildlife ranges from hovering kestrels to insect-eating sundew plants, mute swans and brimstone butterflies?
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Did you know...

That Roscommon is home to around 70 peat bogs?
All Images John J Earley Msc.

Nothing beats wandering into another world.

And whether youre a hardy hiker, a cyclist blowing off the cobwebs, or a Mum or Dad breaking out the buggy along a forest trail, Roscommon has another world for you. Best of all? Theyre absolutely free.

Green Heartlands Cycle Route

Take the Green Heartlands Cycle Route, a gently undulating 217km course through farmland and forests, through bogs, rural villages and lakes Roscommon in a nutshell. Or take The Suck Valley Way, following the River Suck for 100km as it meanders into East Galway. Its another trail you can walk or cycle over a couple of days, or simply dip in and out of as you choose.

Lough Key Forest Park

Take Lough Key Forest Park, 350-hectares of parkland braided with walks and trails. Put one foot in front of the other, and within minutes you could lose yourself in a world of majestic trees, fairy bridges, 19th century follies and stunning lake views. Oh, and watch out for the otters

Boyles historic trail

The countryside isnt the only place to walk. Boyles historic trail threads not just through old streets, buildings and monuments marking the history of Roscommon, but the history of Ireland, too. In Roscommon Town, there are two 4km Sl na Slinte routes to follow.

Lake OFlynn
Think of Lake OFlynn, north of Ballinlough. This limestone lake is best-known for its boating, sailing and kayaking, but its also home to several looped walks. A short, 3.4km trail loops around the picnic area and outdoor gym, while the 6.4km Wild Goose Bog Walk brings walkers into the heart of the bog habitat. Its also circled by a short and sweet cycle route.

Deserted Medieval Village

You could follow a looped walk around the deserted medieval village at Rindoon. You could summit Sliabh Bn, go orienteering in Mote Park, explore the colourcoded walks around Kilronan Castle, or follow old miners pathways on the long-distance Arigna Miners Way and Historical Trail. Get your boots on. Roscommon awaits

All Images John J Earley Msc.

The Official Guide to Roscommon | 11

Cult ure and

heritage
Roscommon isnt just full of surprises today. Its been throwing them up through a rich history.

High kings, stately houses, subterranean mine tours and a jail reputed to have had the only hangwoman in Ireland - Lady Betty are just a taste of what lies in store.

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Did you know?

At Trinity Island on Lough Key, legend says two trees grow entwined above the graves of Una Bhn MacDermott and Tomas Laidir Costello. The lovers were thwarted in life, when Una Bhns father banished her to Castle Ireland where she died of a broken heart. In his grief Tomas Laidir used to swim to the island every night to keep vigil at her grave. Eventually he got pneumonia and realising that he was dying requested that MacDermot allow him to be buried beside Una Bhan. His request was granted and thus the two lovers were belatedly united. Tradition says that two trees grew up over their graves, entwining together to form a Lovers Knot, standing guard over the site.

Full Of Surprises
Roscommon was the birthplace of Douglas Hyde (1860-1949), the first President of Ireland, who is commemorated at an interpretive centre in Frenchpark. It hosts a summer school celebrating local hero, Percy French, and its even the starting point on the epic Tin Trail, a 300-mile route tracing Queen Maeves quest to steal the Brown Bull of Cooley.

Local Voices
Patricia Golden, Manager Una Bhn Tourism At least once a day we answer the phone to Hi, can I speak to na please......? What proceeds is really quite funny and we begin to tell the person, that unfortunately na cannot come to the phone just now, she is actually the main character in a beautiful local love story legend Queen Maeves royal seat was at Rathcroghan, where Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk anchors a complex of over 200 archaeological sites today. Youll find a remarkably rich tapestry of Gaelic medieval settlement in the county, from Roscommon Castle to the deserted town of Rindoon. History buffs can visit the Drumanone Dolmen, one of the largest in Ireland, pore through the Derryglad Folk Museums collection of over 2,000 items, or the amazingly intricate memorial stones at St. Comans graveyard.

Arigna Mining Experience

Then there is the Arigna Mining Experience, where visitors are taken on an underground tour guided by ex-miners. Whether working by candlelight, squeezing themselves into precarious gashes or pummelling the coal with pneumatic picks, theirs was one tough life. The world-class attraction doesnt stop after evoking 400 years of mining, either. It traces the landscape right back through 350 million years of geology - to a time when this region of Roscommon was a conflux bigger than the Mississippi Delta.

Local Voices
Maurice Cullen, Former Miner Arigna Mining Experience The work was hard and laborious but the general form of the day was to get in there and get the job done. Now, our unique underground tour, guided by ex-miners, shows you the way of life in Irelands last working coal mine.
The Official Guide to Roscommon | 13

King House

historic

Did you know...

Clay pipes or duidin, made in Knockcroghery, Co Roscommon, were famous all over the country for over 300 years.

houses

Every house tells a story, and youll discover no end of tales and trivia within the walls of Roscommons four great heritage houses.
But Clonalis, Strokestown Park, Castlecoote and King House go a little further, too. They also tell the story of Roscommon itself.
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Castlecoote House

Roscommons Four Great Heritage Houses

Clonalis House
Clonalis House is the ancestral home of the OConor family, former kings of Connaught. Located just west of Castlerea, it dates in its current form from 1880, but the lands have belonged to the family for a history-making 1,500 years. A collection of over 100,000 items includes the OConor coronation stone and the harp once belonging to the great Turlough OCarolan.

Strokestown Park House

Strokestown was laid out around this Georgian mansion built for the Mahon family, and its broad avenue today leads to a sensitively restored house full of original furnishings and fabrics. Highlights include guided tours that take in Irelands last surviving galleried kitchen amongst other rooms, a six-acre walled garden, and the National Famine Museum whose exhibits centre around original documents and letters discovered during a restoration of the house in 1994.

Castlecoote House
Castlecoote House, setting for the annual Percy French Summer School, is an elegant Georgian pile bounded on three sides by the River Suck. The house stands on the site of a medieval castle originally developed by Sir Charles Coote, and has been restored to its former splendour by its current owners. Watch out for Joshua Reynolds evocative portraits of the Gunning sisters their family was rumoured to have won Castlecoote in a poker game in the 18th century.

King House
Visitors can dip into stories of cattle raids, great banquets, murder trials and tragic romance at this graceful Georgian house in the heart of Boyle. The house dates from 1730, was originally built for the King family, and later served as a barracks for the Connaught Rangers. Recently the subject of a wonderful restoration, visitors can step into jail cells, beat drums and even try on a chieftains cloak in a series of interactive exhibits telling its story today.

Local Voices
Marguerite OConnor Nash Clonalis House Clonalis is a Historic House, but also a family home. It is the ancestral Home of the OConors - the last High Kings of Ireland and the traditional Kings of Connaught but since Pyers and I moved here 30 years ago with our young family, weve been welcoming friends and guests from all parts of the world and encouraging them to enjoy what we love about Roscommon... the history, the flora, the bogs, the rivers, the birdsong and hospitable people who always have time for you.

Did you know...

Roscommon suffered the most of any county during the Great Hunger, more people died or were deported than any other place in Ireland.
The Official Guide to Roscommon | 15

taste of

Roscommon

Theres no lamb in Ireland like Roscommon lamb.

Roaming free in the fields, eating lush grass growing on limestone-rich soil, cared for with the true passion of farmers who understand their craft and their customers - whether the end result is served at a local restaurant or taken away to cook at home, the taste is uniquely sweet.

Food to put a smile on your face

Dock your boat for a sizzling sirloin steak in Lecarrow, halibut gratin at Hodson Bay, or a creamy seafood chowder in Tarmonbarry. Grab a slap-up breakfast at a local B&B, a friendly meal at a family-run caf, or a quick blast of pub grub. But theres a lot more than lamb on the menu. In Roscommon, youll find rare breed pigs, freshly-grown fruit, herbs and vegetables at numerous organic growers in the county and flourishing farmers markets throughout the county.
Farmers Market in Boyle, Co. Roscommon

Irelands only lamb festival

Roscommon has the highest lamb output in Ireland. Little wonder Roscommon is home to Irelands only lamb festival a celebration held every May not just to laud our lovely lamb, but as an excuse for a royal knees-up. Farm walks, kids cookery classes and shearing world record attempts are just the start of the boisterous events.

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Did you know...

Roscommon has the highest lamb output in Ireland. It also hosts Irelands only lamb festival a celebration of great food, farming and community spirit during which you can exchange your euros for a special currency, Roscommon Alternative Money (RAM)!

Local Voices
Brendan Allen Castlemine Farm Drive through any part of Roscommon, and youll soon come across two farmers chatting. This is always more than a chat however; its a sharing of family values, knowledge and opinions. This culture of community is very special among Roscommon farmers - but its not just the farmers, or Roscommons farming land, that allows us to produce something special. Its the desire in the Roscommon people, too. Desire for good food, and desire for the local economy.

Local Voices
Mary Gleeson Gleesons Townhouse To get a real taste for the county, Roscommon Lamb Stew is a must! Hearty portions swimming in a rosemary and thyme broth with veg, carrots and potatoes shoring up succulent chunks of lamb its our much loved signature dish!

Like the sound of Roscommons foodie scene?

Then youll love the recipes online at www.roscommon.ie
The Official Guide to Roscommon | 17

ceol &
Traditional Music Scene
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craic

Roscommon has always known how to carry a tune. Its no coincidence that Roscommon is the birthplace of Percy French, Matt Molloy of The Chieftains, legendary bodhrn player Frank McGann, and the burial place of harpist, Turlough OCarolan.

Percy French Summer School

Roscommon hosts the annual Percy French Summer School, which takes place every July at Castlecoote House. Lectures, recitals, poems, monologues, music, drama and paintings celebrate the life and times of Roscommons famous songwriter.

Seek out Roscommons traditional music scene in a cosy pub, kick back at Strokestowns File Frank McGann, or take a show or workshop at the Roscommon Arts Centre, where events range from traditional singing lessons to cutting edge comedy and monster dance-offs.

The county was also home to Turlough OCarolan, who moved here with his family at the formative age of 14. Blinded by smallpox four years later, OCarolan went on to carve out a legendary reputation as a travelling harpist. His grave is found beneath the Arigna Mountains at Keadue, where a Harp & Traditional Music Festival is held in his name every August.

Also worth travelling for is Boyles annual arts festival. A programme stuffed with classical and traditional music, literature, drama and childrens events has blossomed from a community vision into a summer

Warm hearths and great tunes at our Of course,ayou donttoneed the excuse of festival visit. toasty country Youll find music and craic pubs. in Roscommon, Castlerea and
other towns, waterfront ambience at mooring points along the River Shannon, and warm hearths and great tunes at our toasty country pubs. Encore, anyone?

highlight. Watch out for the art exhibitions staged in spaces all over the town, too the impromptu galleries range from retail units to Boyle Abbey and King House. Roscommon Drama Festival, held every March, is a much anticipated celebration of local amateur drama from the length and breath of county.

Did you know...

Percy French wasnt just a memorable songwriter. Roscommons Renaissance man trained as a civil engineer and was active as an editor, concert promoter, painter, poet and banjo player. He even wrote the libretto for two comic operas, and played the leading role in both!

Local Voices
Sean Browne Hells Kitchen Bar and Railway Museum, Castlerea People are stunned to see a full sized Railway Locomotive crashed into the back wall of my pub. But my back yard was the perfect location for a railway museum. Today, I have the largest collection of privately-owned railway memorabilia on display in the country. Railway Buffs love it. My favourite artefact is the Ballaghaderreen to Kilfree Junction Staff, which was used on the line until the day it closed in 1963. It was the last outpost of steam locomotion in Ireland.
The Official Guide to Roscommon | 19

Famous Faces
Ruth Scott DJ Im always going on about my home county of Roscommon. Im immensely proud of it. Its amazing scenery has some real hidden gems. Its lakes and wooded walks are amongst Irelands finest. Everyone knows that nights out in the county are amazing but I promise you, the days out are even better.

crafts and
Rossies love to shop but we love shops with character - the town street vibe, the chat at the counter, the personal touch, the trusted butchers, publicans and retailers, the quality goods and, of course great bargains. We also love our crafts so many craftspeople live and work in Roscommons restful countryside. People like Michelle Fallon - knitting, sewing and running crafts courses from her cottage in Kilrooskey; Roscommon-born na Burke, whose
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shopping

Forget giant chain stores and soulless shopping malls.

leather designs have been worn by Lady Gaga; or fibre artist Frances Crowe, weaving in her country studio in Fourmilehouse.
Frances Crowe, Fibre Artist

Serendipity lies at the heart of Roscommon shopping too.

Local Voices
Una Burke Fashion Designer I feel so lucky to have grown up in an area of such natural beauty, where I had the freedom to explore and have adventures every day. It was so peaceful and serene, allowing my mind to roam freely and take time to appreciate everything from the tiniest insects to the tallest trees. I loved to spend my days on the swing outside our house, looking up at the treetops and the clouds imagining they were turning into fairytale things. I wandered the meadows picking such enormous bunches of wildflowers that I could often only barely fit both my hands around them. My dad, with his practical farmers eye, sometimes pointed out that some were weeds. I strongly disagreed. Living in a city now, I long for this space and freedom, so I try to get home as often as possible. My favourite Roscommon memories surround the beautiful Lough Key and so many summer days spent by her shores or in boats visiting the Islands for picnics with family and friends. I remember incredible summer sunsets over the lake, and wonderful frozen landscapes in the winter.

Local Voices
Michelle Fallon Roscommon is where I grew up and where I live. Its where I learned to knit, to sew, to ride a bike, drive a car and bake a cake all the important things that have stayed with me through my life! I lived in London for 16 years and spent my days dreaming about coming home, doing up my grannys cottage and teaching sewing and knitting. Now I live that dream!

Did you know...

Dudns, or clay pipes, were crafted for use in Irish wakes. Filled with twist tobacco, they were laid out for mourners, who enjoyed a smoke before breaking them into pieces to be tossed into the grave. In the 1800s, the industry employed over 100 people in Knockcroghery.

Knockcroghery
Think of Knockcroghery, the centre of a thriving clay pipe industry until the village was burned by the Black and Tans in 1921. Passing through today, you might pull in at Ethel Kellys Clay Pipe Centre to find a souvenir unlike any other a clay pipe made from original moulds, bog buddies carved from turf, or hand painted Ogham wishes.

The Official Guide to Roscommon | 21

towns &

villages

Roscommon is home to a number of historically and archaeologically significant gems

ATHLEAGUE: Tucked into an S-curve on the River Suck, Athleague marks the starting point for a stage of the Suck Valley Way, a 60-mile longdistance walk incorporating part of the famous OSullivan Beara trail. The town is also a short distance from the Neolithic Castlestrange Stone. ATHLONE: The largest town on the River Shannon stands on the boundaries of two counties - Westmeath and Roscommon. Its AngloNorman castle is just one of the tourist attractions at the gateway to Lough Ree, and the heart of Ireland itself. BALLAGHADERREEN: Situated on the Mayo/ Roscommon border, Ballaghaderreen is a busy Cathedral town located in a richly archaeological landscape near the source of the Lung River. On approach from the east, watch out for the former home of Irelands first President, Douglas Hyde. BALLYFARNON: Roscommons most northerly village is set on the gushing River Feorish at the foot of Arigna Mountain. The great harpist Turlough OCarolan is buried in nearby Kilronan Abbey, and his last home, Alderford House, is adjacent to the village.
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BOYLE: Boyle is home to a 12th century abbey, the restored King House and the 4,000-year-old Drumanone dolmen. Its not all ancient history, however. The old market town is home to a thriving summer arts festival and a Saturday farmers market drawing visitors from far and wide. CASTLECOOTE: This picturesque village features the remains of a castle built by Sir Charles Coote, President of Connaught during the rebellion of 1641. The castle towers now form part of Castlecoote House, a historic pile that hosts the annual Percy French summer school. CASTLEREA: Enveloped in wooded countryside on the banks of the River Suck, Castlerea is the birthplace of William Wilde father of Oscar. Clonalis house, ancestral home of the OConor family, who provided several high kings throughout Irelands history, lies just west of the town. COOTEHALL: A beautiful village nestling at the foot of the old Bawn beside the River Boyle, Cootehall is also close to the fairy hills of Sheemore and Sheebeg the latter of which is

reputed to be the burial ground of the great Irish mythical hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill. ELPHIN: The Episcopal college at Elphin is believed to have been one of the first monasteries founded by St. Patrick highlighting the religious significance of the town in pre-Reformation times. Nearby is the restored Elphin Windmill, built in 1720, and the oldest of its kind in Ireland.

mounds and megalithic tombs, dating back over 5,000 years. Rathcroghan Visitor Centre at Cruachan A is the gateway to what is shaping up as a World Heritage Celtic Royal Site. ROOSKY: Set on the River Shannon near the meeting point of Roscommon, Leitrim and Longford, Roosky is a friendly, picturesque village and a popular angling hub. Its harbour and marina are regular ports of call for summer cruisers, and it is the birthplace of former Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds.

FRENCHPARK: A small village on the N5 south-east of Arts Centre Roscommon ROSCOMMON: The county town Ballaghaderreen, Frenchpark is home to a number of historically and is famous as the birthplace of archaeologically significant gems, including Douglas Hyde. Hyde was born in Ratra House, Roscommon Castle and Abbey and the Old and went on to found the Gaelic League before Roscommon Gaol. Shopping, golf, horsebecoming the first President of Ireland in 1938. racing, a lively mart and a wide range of FUERTY: A small village in south-west accommodation contribute to its buzz. Roscommon, Fuertys most famous son was St. STROKESTOWN: Ciarn, who went on to found Clonmacnoise. It A broad avenue that has had its tragedies, too notably the slaying was once the widest of 100 priests in a church in Cromwellian main street in Europe times. The Franciscan church still stands in a leads directly to the fascinating graveyard. gates of Strokestown KEADUE: Sitting snug at the foot of the Arigna Park House, historic Mountains, Keadue is the burial place of home to the Mahon legendary harpist Turlough OCarolan, and hosts family. Youll find an annual harp and traditional music festival in the National Famine his name. It has twice won the Irish Tidy Towns Museum here, as well Competition. Small, but perfectly formed! as bustling annual KNOCKCROGHERY: A little village near the poetry and traditional t at western shores of Lough Ree, Knockcroghery music festivals. Organic Marke yle Bo was home to All-Ireland-winning football captain King House in TARMONBARRY: This Jimmy Murray, and famous for its clay pipes in restful little village along the River Shannon the 1800s. Didns are once again in production is a popular spot with cruisers, who enjoy its today, thanks to craftswoman Ethel Kelly. tree-lined river walk, popular hotel and clutch LECARROW: Connected by a navigable canal of restaurants. Watch out for the award-winning to Lough Ree, Lecarrow makes a fine foodie gastro pub, which also hosts an art gallery. stop for passing boat folk as well as drivers or Slieve Bn is nearby. cyclists. Rindoon Castle is the focus of a short looped walk nearby, set on a peninsula that TULSK: The medieval village of Tulsk is in the contains the remains of a once-thriving medieval royal citadel of Rathcroghan, and home to the town. remains of a 15th century Dominican Priory. The first death by gunshot in Ireland occurred RATHCROHGAN: Once the Royal Seat of in Tulsk, and the village was also the original Connacht, Rathcroghan is surrounded by some OConnor seat of Kingship. 200 archaeological monuments, including burial

The Official Guide to Roscommon | 23

Roscommon may be off the beaten track, but the county has produced more than its fair share of famous names from Queen Maeve to Hollywoods Queen of the Jungle.
Chris ODowd, heartthrob star of Bridesmaids and The IT Crowd, grew up in Boyle. So did Maureen OSullivan, famed for playing Jane to Johnny Weissmullers Tarzan. OSullivans daughter, Mia Farrow, also enjoys childhood memories of Roscommons undulating countryside. Percy French was born in Roscommon, as was Irelands first president, Douglas Hyde, and contemporary personalities like journalist John Waters, DJ Ruth Scott and na Burke, the designer whose work has been worn by Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Daphne Guinness. Matt Molloy of The Chieftains is one of a long line of flute players to come from the county, Booker Prize-winning author John McGahern was brought up in Cootehall, and another former President, Mary McAleese, has a waterfront holiday home in the county. Rossies also dearly remember Knockcroghery publican and All-Ireland winning captain Jimmy Murray, and Dermot Earley, former Chief of Staff of Irish Defence Forces, who won two All-Star awards in a glittering Gaelic football career stretching from 1965 to 1985.

local heroes

Famous Faces
Paul Young Oscar-nominated Animator Its only now Im older and have seen more of Ireland that I appreciate how special a landscape and countryside Roscommon has. I grew up around Boyle, and when the weather got hot, we had Lough Key and the river to swim in. Boyle was a great place to have an adventure. Conroys hill for snow sledging, the Dune shore for swimming and the wooden bridge for perch fishing. A short cycle from our house and I could get lost in the bog gardens in Lough Key forest Park. These are the places that I remember having my best times around Boyle.
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Famous Faces
John Waters Journalist, Magazine Editor & Columnist Roscommon seems to have absorbed something of the character of all the counties that touch it, and yet has turned this all into something unique to itself. To cross Roscommon is as to cross a whole country. There is a personality beneath the evidence of the changing landscape that asserts itself and imposes itself on you. I love the Roscommon accent also, even though it is not a strong, recognizable accent in the manner of Kerry or Mayo. It is so gentle and tender that you feel embraced as soon as the person speaks. I think of Roscommon as the heart of Ireland. It has roughly the right shape, and also its history has been central over the long haul. But it is also the county which, as you pass through it and are moved to stop. It strikes you as being at the heart of some deeper life of an historical Ireland.

tourism centres
Community is a concept bred right into Roscommons DNA.
YOU CAN FIND THEM AT THESE LOCATIONS: NA BHN TOURISM Grounds of King House, Boyle From house to house, street to street and village to Contact: Patricia Golden village, Rossies share a huge passion for their county. Tel: 071 966-3033 Email: unabhan@indigo.ie That passion is something were passionate about sharing, too. From ancient heritage to pleasure lakes and family-friendly festivals, visitors never leave short of tips. Thats why six new community tourism centres have been established. MUSEUM AND GLEESONS Market Square, Roscommon Contact: John on 090 6625613 or Sarah on 090 6626954 Email: marketing@gleesonstownhouse.com THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE Rooskey Contact: Dolores Neary Tel: 086 852-1796 NORTH WEST CDP Ballaghaderreen Contact: Micheal Frain Tel: 087 225-0614 Email: northwestroscommoncdp@yahoo.ie DRUM HERITAGE VISITOR CENTRE Drum, Athlone Contact: Edward Egan Tel: 086 197-2323 Email: drumheritagegroup@gmail.com RATHCROGHAN VISITOR CENTRE Cruachan A, Tulsk Contact: Lora OBrien Tel: 071 963-9268 Email: info@rathcroghan.ie
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community

Roscommons new Community Tourism Centres can provide all the information you need about the countys attractions, and because they are run by local communities, they exude an authentic sense of people and place, too.

Local Voices
Jean Coleman Cuisle Holiday Centre What do I love about Roscommon? The relaxed, good-humoured people. Visitors from all over Ireland love coming to Cuisle Holiday centre, and they enjoy the camaraderie with staff, having a laugh and good food in a setting where everything is accessible. But most of all, they love the fact that everyone knows their name.

the rossies
From the Two Mile Bush at the Fourmilehouse, Paddy Joe is a true Roscommon Legend. I absolutely love the Rossies! I love coming into work every day to meet heroes and legends and love working in the greatest city in the world Roscommon Town.

County Roscommon has a rich and proud tradition in GAA with many great moments and heroes for Roscommon people to cherish and enjoy over many decades past.
From the heroes of the 1940s team that won two All Ireland senior titles to the great Roscommon minor team of 2006 who beat Kerry in a replay on a day that will never be forgotten by those who were there in Ennis. Jamsie Murray, Donal Keenan, Bill Carlos, Gerry O Malley, the late great Dermot Earley, Tony Mc Manus, Harry Keegan, Seamus Hayden, Frankie Dolan and Fergal O Donnell are just some of the great names that spring to mind when Gaelic Football is spoken about in county Roscommon. There are 33 vibrant clubs in football and there is also a hard core of seven dedicated and fiercely committed hurling clubs in the county.
Seamus Duke, Sports Editor, Roscommon People
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Local Voices
Colm, PRO, Roscommon GAA Roscommon GAA teams are lucky to have such loyal, passionate and knowledgeable supporters. No matter the competition level or the location our fans are there in large numbers to bring great encouragement and colour to our games. At local competitions their good humour and quick wit often give some light relief to even the most tense occasions.

What other sayings or phrases are synonymous with the Rossies? Join our Twitter #Rossies to let us know! We have gorgeous (and free) fridge magnets and window stickers to promote Rossies sayings. Simply like our Facebook page and ask us we will gladly send to you to proudly display!
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Gaelic Chieftain, Boyle, County Roscommon

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county

roscommon

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Want to know more about Roscommon ?

You will enjoy our other publications...
Roscommon at a Glance a comprehensive directory of Roscommons tourism providers. Roscommon Calender of Events a 30 page guide to whats on and happening in Co. Roscommon You can download both these documents from our website: www.roscommon.ie To see lots of Roscommon videos visit our You Tube channel. Join us on Facebook and Twitter #Rossies for lots more local heroes and a unique perspective on our county.

The images of Roscommon are simply stunning. Enjoy our galleries on Flickr and Pinterest.

connect with us
30 | www.roscommon.ie

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The Official Guide to Roscommon | 31

great times
together

ceol &

craic

taste of

Roscommon

lakelands

on it, in it!

historic

Cult ure &

heritage

houses

crafts &

shopping

Welcome to sweet scenery and constant surprises. To fun and passionate people you ll greet as strangers but leave as friends.