Introduction to Roscommon
Roscommon is a connaught county lying between Irelands midlands and the west with a lot to offer any visitor.
A Brief History of Roscommon
According to the Annals of the Four Masters, Roscommon was one of the areas first populated by the foreign legions that invaded the country. The county abounds in burial mounds, megalithic tombs, ring forts and many traces of early colonisation - over 5,000 at the last count!
From before the dawn of history, Rathcroghan, in the heart of the county, was the home of the kings of Connaught and at later times, the home of the high kings of Ireland. The two great families of the county - the O'Conors and the MacDermotts - were amongst the leading Gaelic families of medieval Ireland.
The county's rich grazing ranches fell prey to many cattle rustlers, notably the O'Rourkes of Breffni and the O'Donnells of Tir Conaill; they came through the Curlew Pass and the ford in the River Boyle at Knockvicar. In the various plantations of more recent times, practically all of the Roscommon lands passed into the hands of non-Irish, and the ³Big House² became a feature of the landscape while many of the old families receded to the bogs and the poorer areas of the county. In the 1920's and 1930's many of these large farms were acquired by the Irish Land Commission and today happy homesteads replace the large and, in many cases, non-residential ranches.
Areas of Interest in Roscommon
Great Famine Garden Of Remembrance
The Great Famine Garden of Remembrance in Carrick-on-Shannon was opened by President Mary McAleese.
Thousands of Leitrim people perished in the Great Famine, and many of their graves were never identified. This community effort recalls and commemorates this bleak period in history.
The Historical Society of Carrick-On-Shannon earmarked and restored a famine graveyard. They have recreated a wildlife preserve, planted native Irish trees and developed the entire grounds.
Clonalis House
Clonalis House is the ancestral home of the O'Conors, kings of Connaught and providers of the last high kings of Ireland.
The O'Conor inauguration stone, similar to the Stone of scone, which lies in Westminister Abbey, can be seen at Clonalis. A fascinating historic archive of over 100,000 documents is maintained at Clonalis, including a copy of the last Brehon Law judgement, handed down about 1580. Turlough O'Carolan, the blind Irish bard, composed three planxtys in honour of his O'Conor patrons, and his harp is on display in the house. Other exhibits include costumes, uniforms and laces belonging to the family.
The house is well furnished with Sheraton and Louis Quinze-style furniture.
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.
Tours are available by prior appointment.
Arigna Mining Experience
Ireland's First Coal Mining Museum - 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.
Mote Park - River Suck Tour
Mote Park is located 3km from Roscommon on the Athlone road. It was the ancient seat of the Murray family. Continue on the N61 to the pretty village of Knockcroghery. The village was once noted for the manufacture of clay pipes from clay imported from England. Beyond the village is Failey Bay near the shore of which stands Gailey Castle. This was built in the 14th century by William Boy O'Kelly who is celebrated by the Irish bards as a prince of unbounded munificence. Out on the lake is the island of Inishcleraun named after a sister of Queen Maeve, Clothra. Queen Maeve is said to have been killed here by an enemy while she was bathing. This island is the site of a monastery founded by St Diarmait in 540 and, on it, are the remains of six churches.
Derryglad Folk Museum
No trip to the midlands is complete without a visit to the privately owned, award winning Derryglad Folk Museum - 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.
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.
Traditional Music and Craic in Roscommon