Roscommon is an inland county situated between the Shannon River to the east, and the Suck River to the west. County Roscommon is full of interesting sites for example the impressive castle of Roscommon town dating from the 13th century, an old abbey, a museum and many other sites to be discovered. Strokestown Park In north Roscommon, the restoration of Strokestown Park House (an 18th century mansion) has recreated a microcosm of 19th century Irish life.
You can visit a museum about 'famine in Ireland', and admire the restoration of the house and gardens. The house is unique because it has not been modified since the Mahon family lived there in the 18th century. Folklore Museum A museum very interesting for lovers of history, folklore and habits in Ireland.
Locke Distillery This museum recalls all the history of the manufacture of whiskey in the building of what is probably the oldest distillery in the world (which opened in 1757 and closed in 1954) Lough Key Forest Park This park is located a few kilometres north of Roscommon town. It formerly belonged to the family of King Harman. The park is situated on the shores of beautiful Lough Key and about 5 minutes from the centre of town of Boyle. There, you can practise nautical activities like windsurfing, water skiing, or sail in boats, there are many pedestrian roads arranged in order for you to appreciate the panoramic beauty of the park and the lake. An ideal and popular place for campers, fishermen and walkers.
Boyle Abbey Boyle Abbey was built in 1161 by Maurice O'Duffy under the patronage of the reigning local family, the MacDermotts. It is among the finest cistercians buildings of the country. You will be able to admire the sculptures of animals and the strange figures found in the stone columns.
King House King House in Boyle was lovingly restored. This house is one of the most important in Ireland. Inside, you can learn lots of things about the story of the house, the life of the King, Gaelic traditions in Ireland, etc. The Roscommon County Museum Thanks to the Roscommon County Museum, you can discover a lot of things about the town and its people, but also about the story of the county. The Old Schoolhouse Museum The museum is in a schoolhouse dating from 1929. This reflects the state of mind of the Irish education which we find today, and which dates from two centuries. Clonalis House Clonalis House is the ancestral home of the O'Conors - the family of Kings of Connaught. The last Kings of Ireland came from this family.
Elphin Windmill The Elphin windmill (dating from 18th century and fully restored) is the oldest of its kind in the country. Frybrook House Frybrook House is an exceptional example of architectural features dating from 18th century. This town house and garden includes also some beautiful examples of Georgian decorative plasterwork.
The main attraction of the counties in this area is the beauty of the many lakes. Roscommon is essentially made up of plains, low hills and lakes. Moreover, county Roscommon has historical houses and very old sites. This area is full of charm and allows the pursuit of all kinds of cultural and sports activities.