Roscommon is a heritage county dotted with beautiful lakes, historic towns and ancient tombs. An hour and 20-minute drive from Galway city to Roscommon, you could be uncovering all the great things that make up Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands in no time. Castles, abbeys, heritage museums, national museums and genealogy centres are just part of the reason you would miss if you did not explore County Roscommon this summer. Gain knowledge of what makes up Ireland, not just the Hidden Heartland’s Ros Comáin.
County Roscommon is full of history, heritage and adventure. Derryglad Folk & Heritage Museum has everyday objects of rural life in Ireland, such as farm machinery, trades, and tools, and memorabilia. Argina Mining Experience is where you can learn all about the local men who sustained their communities from the 1700s through to the late 1900s. The Miner’s Way & Historical Trail, which connects the mine to neighbouring counties, Leitrim and Sligo. Strokestown Park is also home to the National Famine Museum, while the Royal Site of Rathcroghan is an archaeological site steeped in Irish mythology and has witnessed over 5,500 years of history.
McDermott’s Castle, located on Castle Island, Lough Key, is a standout protected national monument in Roscommon. Said to be something out of a Disney film, the castle has hosted fortifications since the 12th century and is only accessible by boat. Surrounded by Lough Key and lush green mounds and rock, the historical site offers insight into Ireland’s medieval past and the Mac Diarmada dynasty. Steeped in local legends and folklore, including the Hag of Lough Key and forbidden love, McDermott’s Castle is the Hidden Heartland’s embodiment of history, romance and mystique.
Once you have your history fix, enter a world of adventure with Lough Key Forest and Activity Park. Zipit Forest Adventures, Boda Borg, Treasure Trail, Lough Key Boat Tours, orienteering, walking and cycling trails are some of the activities available in the Hidden Heartlands, all while exploring Roscommon’s Lough Derg. There is something for all ages and interests, so make the time to enjoy the space, fresh air, clear skies and natural surroundings of Lough Key Forest and Activity Park.
Roscommon’s Suck Valley Way is one of the sections on the Beara-Breifne Way, Ireland’s longest national waymarked trail. Running almost the length of the country, journeying along the coast of the Beara Peninsula, across six mountain ranges, along the banks of the River Shannon and through the lake regions of Roscommon and Leitrim, you can fill your stamps along the Way’s passport. The Suck Valley Way is a trail of constantly changing sleepy side roads to woodland trails and riverbank walks. Start your journey at the Suck Valley Way Visitor Centre and explore historic and heritage-filled Roscommon at a closer glance on foot.
