Roscommon Holiday Homes, Attractions & Activities

Museums and Attractions

Arigna Mining Experience
The Arigna Mining Experience is Ireland’s first coal mining museum of Ireland’s first and last coal mines. In the hill country of north Roscommon, Arigna is situated in a picturesque valley with breathtaking scenery and an unspoiled landscape.

Mining was carried out in Arigna for 400 years until 1990 when the last mines closed.

The work of a miner was exhausting and often hazardous, with working conditions that were very harsh and cramped. Experience this for yourself at Arigna Mining Museum. Walk underground through what was the last working mine in Arigna and see how the coal was mined. Take a journey through a part of our national history which you have only ever been able to read about until now. School tours and group bookings are catered for.

Suck Valley Visitor Conference Contre & Riverside Cafe
The Suck Valley Visitor Conference Centre is housed in a building which was originally used as a Church of Ireland and dates from the early 19th century.

The Centre includes visitor information, a craft shop, coffee shop and conference centre. Information is provided on local attractions such as: walking the Suck Valley Way, cycling the 217km Green Heartlands Cycle Route or coarse, trout and Pike angling in quiet, virtually undiscovered rivers and lakes (some of which are wheelchair accessible).

Angling packaged holidays and walking packaged holidays can be arranged by the Visitor Centre.

Derryglad Folk Museum
No trip to the Midlands is complete without a visit to the privately owned, award winning Derryglad Folk Museum in Athlone County Roscommon. Here you can view over 4,000 items dealing with history, heritage and folk culture. The collection also deals with farm and folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past.

On display in the MacCormac Photography Room are the contents of an extensive photographic premises in Athlone from 1948 to 2002. Items from studios, darkrooms, finishing room, political portraits, cameras and much more.

Doctor Douglas Hyde Interpretive 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, in Frenchpark County Roscommon.

Although born and reared in the Anglo-Irish tradition, Douglas Hyde was a scholar who was profoundly interested in the Irish language and traditions, he 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. There is no entrance charge. Donations are, however, very welcome.

County Roscommon Heritage & Geneology Centre
The County Roscommon Heritage and Genealogy Centre undertakes research into families resident in County Roscommon before 1900.

The Centre is located in Stokestown County Roscommon and is run by a community owned company, affiliated to the Irish Family History Foundation.

The Centre is situated at the west end of the main street of Strokestown. The Centre has a broad base of genealogical data which includes church and civil records of births, marriages and deaths all available pre 1900. There is also land and census records and other historical materials pertaining to individual parishes. Contact us and we will trace your family for you.

King House Georgian Mansion
King House Georgian Mansion, in Boyle county Roscommon, is a magnificently restored Georgian mansion built in the early 1700s.

After its first life as a home, King House was converted into a military barracks in the 19th century for the famous Connaught Rangers. At the end of Civil War in 1923 the barracks passed into the control of the newly formed Irish Free State Army.

Following many years as a merchants store, King House was saved from demolition in the late 1980’s and restored to its former Georgian style by Roscommon County Council. A visit to King House today is a truly unique ‘big house’ experience.

As you wander through the house at your leisure, you will encounter life-size historical figures, voices from the past, sound effects and hands-on family activities that bring the building and its residents alive!

Marvel at the grandeur, savour the magnificence of the period rooms, or just have fun exploring our interactive exhibitions designed for both adults and children alike.

Writing with a quill and ink or building a brick vault are just some of the many things to do, and a tour of King House would not be complete without a visit to the cold and forbidding jail cells!

Our exhibitions include the Kingdom of Connacht, The King family, Connaught Rangers, Creation of an Independent Ireland. There is also an exhibition dedicated to the Hollywood icon Maureen O’ Sullivan.

King House is open daily from the 1st April to 30th September, 10am to 6pm with last admissions at 5pm. King House is also open to pre-booked groups of ten or more during the winter months. The average length of visit is 1-1½ hours, however many visitors have been known to stay for much longer than that.

Audio Guides with tour commentary are available. Printed visitor guides are also available in English, Irish, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Pre-booked groups and tours are welcome all year round.

King House is probably one of Ireland’s most accessible historic houses for wheelchair users. Visitors who may have difficulty getting around are also invited, with the aid of a companion, to use one of our transit wheelchairs.

During your visit why not have something to eat in our restaurant or browse around the Úna Bhán Craft Shop? King House souvenirs, guide books and merchandise are also available from reception in the Long Gallery.

The Lough Key Experience
Discover how this fascinating landscape has been shaped; from underground to up amongst the treetops, ‘Ireland’s only Tree Canopy Walk, a truly unique experience immersing you in the history, flora and fauna that make Lough Key so unique.

This is a self guided tour so therefore there is no time limit on your journey through time…… The beauty of this is that you can spend as much or little time as you want on this magical journey.

Guided Tours are also available at any time of the year for groups of at least 10 people.
The Lough Key Experience is fully wheelchair accessible and buggy/pram accessible. Please note that Dogs are not permitted on the Lough Key Experience.

On this journey you’ll discover how humans have shaped this landscape over thousands of years; you’ll be introduced to a way of life in Rockingham House that is now long gone and you’ll find out about the wildlife that thrives in these forests and on the lake.

The ‘Lough Key Experience’ is an engaging audio trail of the Park’s history, flora arid fauna through the 19th century underground tunnels, to the top of the refurbished 5-storey Moylurg viewing tower and along a contemporary Tree Canopy Walk, the first of its kind in Ireland, This 300m long creation of timber and steel gently rises 9m above the woodland floor and offers an engaging ‘birds eye’ view of nature as it meanders through the treetops offering panoramic views of the shimmering island studded lake.

West Coast Holidays have a selection of self catering holiday homes in Boyle, County Roscommon.

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.

Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre
Cruachan Aí Heritage Centre presents a journey back in time to the myth and magic of the Celtic world of Iron Age Ireland.

The Heritage Centre, in Tulsk County Roscommon, interprets the fascinating Celtic Royal Site of Cruachan the prehistoric ritual capital of Connacht.

Rathcroghan was the seat and the inauguration site of the O’Conor kings, it was also the legendary seat of Queen Medb as told in Táin Bó Cuailnge.

Within the Rathcroghan complex lies the Cave of Cruachain which was considered in Irish mythology to be one of the entrances into the ‘other world’.

The exhibition galleries include the rich history, archaeology and mythology of pre-Christian Connacht.

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. Itis 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.

North Roscommon Visitor Attractions
North Roscommon is a striking landscape moulded over thousands of years by chieftains, landlords, miners and farmers.

The North Roscommon Visitor Attractions include a cluster of four unique visitor attractions: Arigna Mining Experience, King House Interpretative Galleries and Museum, Lough Key Forest and Activity Park, and Tullyboy Farm.

These attractions allow you to discover an invigorating blend of culture and heritage mixed with fun filled activities and entertainment for all the family.

See downloadable discount vouchers on each attraction’s website of 10% on admission fees and on purchases from the gift shop and from the coffee shop in each attraction. The visitor needs to produce the vouchers at each location to avail of the discount.

For group bookings for schools or coach groups, there is a further 10% discount on admission rates. The downloadable vouchers are not available for group bookings.

Castlerea Railway Museum & Pub
One of the major attractions at the Castlerea Railway Museum and Pub, in Castlerea County Roscommon, is the locomotive A55, a Metropolitan Vickers diesel electric dating from 1955. It was purchased from Iarnród Éireann minus its machinery and moved to the premises where it was converted into a snug.

A railway museum has been built around the locomotive and the overall effect suggests that it has arrived through the wall of the building into the bar.

The museum displays probably the largest and most varied repository of railway heritage memorabilia in the country, with the exception of the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. The pub is the only one in the world that we know of with a railway locomotive within the pub.

Claypipe Visitor Centre
The tiny village of Knockcroghery in County Roscommon has been famous for almost 300 years for its clay pipes 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 clay pipes using the same skills employed by artisans centuries ago. Traditional craftsmanship renders each pipe a unique, authentic Irish Craft piece.

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 Irish heritage.

Churches, Abbeys and Monasteries

Roscommon Abbey
More than 750 years ago, Felim O Conor, King of Connacht, established the Abbey of Roscommon, found on the outskirts of the old town of the same name. The County Roscommon ruin has many highlights, including an effigy of a king dressed in a long robe and mantle. It is thought to be O Conor, who was buried on the grounds, or possibly one of his successors.

Though the structure is usually referred to as an abbey, it’s more accurately described as a friary, as it was created for the Dominicans. It faced many difficult times during its history, including a fire in 1270 and lightening strike in 1308.

Ballaghaderreen Cathedral
After Catholics attained religious emancipation in Ireland in 1829, they built many stone churches, including the one in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. The Gothic-style cathedral was commissioned in 1855 and in 1912 its imposing tower was added.

Inside, visitors can view the timbered ceiling of the nave, paintings of The Annunciation and, on the chancel roof, angels bearing verses from the Benedicite. The cathedral also boasts a variety of notable windows.

Boyle Abbey
In 1161, the Cistercian monks established the abbey at Boyle in County Roscommon. Previously, they had made three unsuccessful attempts to settle in the province of Connacht. The monastery, which was completed about 1220, was laid out according to the usual Cistercian plan. It had a church on the north side of a rectangular cloister area, with a chapter house for meetings on a second side, a kitchen and refectory on the third, and store houses and dormitory likely on the fourth.

Today, only small parts of the cloister remain, as the Elizabethans converted it into barracks in 1592 and the Cromwellians besieged it in 1645. Despite its ruined state, the abbey continues to be an excellent example of Ireland’s early Cistercian foundations.

For more information about this National Monument, visitors can view an exhibition housed in a restored gatehouse on the property. Guided tours are offered daily.

The Sacred Heart Church
Roscommon Town’s Sacred Heart Catholic Church was designed by Walter Doolin and P.J. Kilgallon and opened in 1903. The stunning church has many features that make it worth a visit. The structure’s 53m-high spire extends toward the sky, while inside, there are many beautiful mosaics, including some created by Salviati of Venice. Other colourful mosaics decorating the walls and floor take inspiration from Botticelli and Michelangelo. Outside, there is a sunken grotto.

National and Forest Parks

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.

Gardens

Castlecoote House/Gardens and Home of the Percy French Summer School
Elegant Georgian Mansion set in rich pastoral woodland area, bounded on three sides by the beautiful River Suck. It is home to the annual Percy French Summer School, www.percyfrench.ie It takes place during the second week of July every year.

Castlecoote House can accommodate 10 people, for Bed/Breakfast on a weekend/weekly basis, or can be rented for longer periods. It is also suitable for business meetings/conferences. There are two hard-court tennis courts and lovely walks in the secluded grounds. They also have a full-size snooker table and magnificent old ballroom.

The grounds include beautiful gardens, an apple orchard, an ice house, a medieval bridge and three look-out towers, which remain almost completely intact.

Guided tours by appointment, or during Opening Months. Visit: www.percyfrench.ie or email info@percyfrench.ie

Visitor Farms

Tullyboy Farm
Enjoy a family day out at Tullyboy Farm and experience the atmosphere of a real working farm in a beautiful setting. Lots of animals to see, cuddle and hand feed, including Ilamas, emus, rheas, pigs, puppies, etc. Every child gets a free horse ride on ‘Bob’. Children also have free use of the bouncing activity centre in the playground and can jump into the straw dive and search for hidden goodies. Rural life kitchen and museum, small gift shop, café and picnic area in courtyard.

As well as families, the farm specialises in group tours (over 10 persons). We also offer very enjoyable guided tours for OAPs, clubs, special needs and all types of groups. We tailor the tour to the requirements of each group and make it a fun, interesting and educational experience for everyone, with plenty of hands on, feeding of the animals and activities. Both young and old enjoy the rural life museum, where you get a feel for the Ireland of 50 to 100 years ago. Groups must book in advance and food requirements can be catered for.

Look out for the special events every bank holiday weekend in season, when among many activities, you can enjoy the Tullyboy Farm Sheep Stakes which is a sheep race with teddy jockeys and is a great hit.

Tullyboy Farm is a very popular venue for school tours. The typical guided tour lasts 2 and one half to 3 hours, with a full schedule of activities, which includes time for a picnic, or lunch in our restaurant, with seating for 50. It is very reasonably priced and you have the option of visiting other visitor attractions in the area which we can book for you. Teachers/playgroup leaders and scout leaders, please telephone, e-mail or look at our website for a copy of our school tours programme.

Historic Houses and Castles

Strokestown Park House, Garden and Famine Museum
Visit the wonderful Strokestown Park House, a fully-furnished Georgian Mansion, and see Ireland’s last remaining Galleried Kitchen.

The National Irish Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, uses what is regarded as the best private archive on the Great Irish Famine to explain the history of that tragic era in Ireland’s past and to draw parallels with the occurrence of Famine throughout the world today.

The Six-Acre Walled Garden has been fully restored to its former glory and is home to the longest Herbaceous Border in Ireland and Britain. Visit the recently-restored Georgian fruit and vegetable Garden, which boasts the oldest restored Peach House and Vinery in Ireland.

The grounds include beautiful gardens, an apple orchard, an ice house, a medieval bridge and three look-out towers, which remain almost completely intact.

Guided tours by appointment, or during Opening Months. Visit: www.percyfrench.ie or email info@percyfrench.ie

Elphin Windmill
This fully restored, working, 18th century windmill, the oldest type in the country, was perfectly located to harness the winds sweeping over the plains of Elphin. Unusual features are its thatched revolving roof and four sails that are turned into the wind by using a tailpole attached to a cartwheel on a circular track.

King House Georgian Mansion
King House is a magnificently restored Georgian mansion located in Boyle, County Roscommon. It was built in the early 1700s for Sir Henry King, whose family was one of the most powerful and wealthy in Ireland.

After its first life as a home, King House was converted into a military barracks in the 19th century for the famous Connaught Rangers. At the end of Civil War, in 1923, the barracks passed into the control of the newly formed Irish Free State Army. Following many years as a merchant’s store, King House was saved from demolition in the late 1980s and restored to its former Georgian style by Roscommon County Council.

A visit to King House today is a truly unique ‘big house’ experience. As you wander through the period grandeur of the house at your leisure, you will encounter life-size historical figures, voices from the past, sound effects and hands-on family activities that bring the building and its residents alive! Writing with a quill and ink or building a brick vault are just some of the many things to do, and a tour of King House would not be complete without a visit to the cold and forbidding jail cells!

Roscommon Castle
Now in ruins this dramatic and imposing 13th century Norman castle later to pass into the Hugh O’Connor, King of Connaught. It is quadrangular in plan with rounded bastions at the corners and a double towered entrance gate.

Donamon Castle
Donamon Castle is one of the oldest inhabited buildings in Ireland. There was a fort here from early times, but the first recorded reference is in the Annals of the Four Masters for the year 1154. It was the seat of the O’Finnaghys, the Chiefs of Clan Conway, who held the land for miles around. In 1232, Adam de Staunton, a Norman Knight, improved the buildings, but they were demolished by the O’Connors the following year. The rebuilt Castle was occupied in 1294 by de Oddingseles. He died the following year. The de Birminghams then took over but it was again destroyed by the O’Connors. 1307 saw the last of the O’Finaghys and the first of the Burkes. The McDavid Burkes occupied it for the next 300 years.

Enjoy a family day out at Tullyboy Farm and experience the atmosphere of a real working farm in a beautiful setting. Lots of animals to see, cuddle and hand feed, including Ilamas, emus, rheas, pigs, puppies, etc. Every child gets a free horse ride on ‘Bob’. Children also have free use of the bouncing activity centre in the playground and can jump into the straw dive and search for hidden goodies. Rural life kitchen and museum, small gift shop, café and picnic area in courtyard.

Roscommon Holiday Homes

Wherever you decide to rent holiday homes in Roscommon, there are plenty of things to do to keep you entertained.