Town in Connacht, Ireland
Photo: Ben Brooksbank, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Roscommon (Ros Comáin, "Saint Coman's wood") is the county town of County Roscommon in northwest Ireland. It's in a lowland area west of Lough Ree and has a castle and other antiquities. In 2022 it had a population of 6500.
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The Museum and tourist information centre are in a former Presbyterian Church built in 1863, a limestone building with a Star of David in the window over the door. Exhibits include a 9th-century grave slab from St Comans Abbey, a dugout canoe, and a Sheela na Gig from Rahara church.
Substantial ruin of a castle built in 1269 by Robert de Ufford, Justiciar of Ireland, on lands seized from the Augustinian Priory. (No point them complaining, the "Justiciar" was both the chief governor and the chief judge, with no "separation of powers"). Although besieged and assaulted several times, it remained largely intact until 1652 when Cromwell set about demolishing all such troublesome strongholds. It was then blown up and the fortifications dismantled, then just for good measure the remains burned down in 1690.
Ruins of a Dominican Friary founded in 1253 on the site of a 12th century Augustinian priory destroyed by the Normans. Felim McHugh O'Connor, King of Connacht, was buried here in 1265; the effigy in the north chancel (in very Anglo-Norman regal get-up) is either him or a successor, while the fellows on the tomb front are 15th-century mercenaries. The friary was suppressed at the Reformation and the stone of its tower and cloister removed.
Impressive Catholic church in neo-Gothic completed in 1903, with the tower added in 1916. It has a sunken grotto, painted ceiling and mosaic floor.
Grand Georgian manor, next to the ruins of the 16th-century castle. Tours are only available Jun-Aug but the grounds are open Apr-Oct daily. They also host the Percy French Festival in July. They may have accommodation.
Large private collection of Irish rolling stock, equipment and fittings.
Prehistoric complex accessed via the visitor centre in Tulsk village. There are some 240 sites in the complex, highlights include Rathcroghan Mound and Oweynagat Cave.
Strokestown Park
Magnificent Palladian mansion, but built upon ruthless exploitation of the tenantry, who were evicted or starved in great numbers. It incorporates the National Famine Museum, self-guided, but the full ticket includes a guided tour of the house at noon and 2PM.
Flat and National Hunt (jumps) races are held May-Sept on an oblong right-handed track of 2 km (1 mile 2 furlongs). There are 9 meetings a year: the main flat race is the Lenebane Stakes in July, while the main jumps event is the Kilbenet Novice Chase in late Sept.
Restaurant with modern European and oriental menu, also has rooms.
Gastropub and restaurant, reliable good quality.
Smart clean place for Irish and European cuisine.
Good scores for comfort and service.
Convenient mid-range place, friendly service but some facilities tired.
19th century townhouse hotel with good restaurant.
Mid-range place with good reviews for comfort, service and food.
Peaceful campsite and caravan park by Lough Ree.
By road from Dublin follow M4, which becomes M6. Just past Athlone, take exit 12 onto N61 north.
Read in the guideYou can easily walk round town but you need wheels for outlying sights such as Rathcroghan.
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Charlestown · International · NOC
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