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There’s more to Roscommon that meets the eye and we’ve got a whole host of underground attractions you’d never suspect. Caves, mines and tunnels – who knew. Here’s a whirlwind tour of going underground in Roscommon.

Start by delving deep into a real coal mine on a tour led by a real former miner bringing history to life right where it happened. Arigna Mining Experience in north Roscommon is a rare chance to explore one of Ireland’s coal mines. Put on your hard hat and wrap up warm to descend into the dark, damp underworld. You’ll get a remarkable glimpse of the cramped conditions miners worked in to extract the precious coal on the 45 minute tour. You’ll find a treasure trove of mining equipment, documents, photographs and videos in the visitor centre exploring 400 years of mining history. Arigna is suitable for all ages and an entertaining day out for adults and children alike.

Back in the real world, the Miners Way Historical Trail beginning and ending at Arigna is a way marked 118km figure-of-eight walking route. The trail passes three lovely lakes including Lough Key and scenic Lough Key Forest Park near Boyle where a different underground experience awaits.

The forest park was originally a demesne called Rockingham with one of the finest houses in Ireland owned by the King family and designed by famous architect John Nash. Unfortunately, an accidental fire destroyed it in the 1950s. Today you can rediscover Rockingham in the Rockingham Remembered Tour, an engaging self-guided tour which includes an unusual underground element. You’ll see two 19th century servants’ tunnels which survived the blaze. They were built so the gentry wouldn’t see the servants carrying supplies bringing supplies to the house from the lake or going to the stables. These 300m long barrel-vaulted underground passageways were lit by lightwells and have mainly flagstone floors.

During Rockingham Remembered you’ll also go 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 and the same length as the servants’ tunnels at 300m. It gently rises 9m above the woodland floor and gives wonderful panoramic birds’ eye views of the treetops, the park, the shimmering island studded lake and McDermott’s Castle. Rockingham Remembered uses an audio guide and lasts around 45 minutes.

Another servants’ tunnel can be found at the newly opened National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park House whcih presents local and national famine history in a new light. The tour will soon include the house itself, currently being refurbished, and it also has a servants’ tunnel created for the same purpose as those at Rockingham though shorter in length. You won’t be able to walk through this tunnel but you’ll hear all about it when on the tour. The National Famine Way starts in front of Strokestown Park House. It’s a 165km way marked walking trail which could be called a trail of tears. It follows the route of forced emigration from Strokestown to the Dublin docklands which 1490 tenant farmers and their families walked in Black ’47. A free downloadable app tells their stories at each of around 30 bronze cast children’s shoes marking the way. Most of it is off road along the Royal Canal.

Down the N5 in Tulsk the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre is a journey back to a time before the pyramids, to the world of Queen Medb and the epic tale of the Táin Bó Cuailnge. Nearby is a mystical cave called Oweynagat (Cave of the Cats), known as “Gate to Hell” and the entrance to the Otherworld. It is part of the complex of about 50 archaeological monuments making up the ancient pre-Christian royal site of Cruachán. The impressive underground construction includes two ogham stones incorporated as lintel stones in the roof. It is a protected National Monument which is accessible and open to the public but is not part of an official tour.

So now you know there really is a lot more to Roscommon than you think. It’s only 90 minutes from either coast and well worth the trip. Take a peek at what’s beneath your feet on your next visit.

A very warm welcome back!

Roscommon is delighted to be able to welcome back visitors after this very challenging time. We look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones, who are exploring this beautiful county for the first time.

Staycation is certainly the buzzword of the season and we are spoilt for choice here in Ireland, with so many wonderful places to visit. County Roscommon may not be the first place that springs to mind when planning an Irish Staycation, but that is one of the reasons this beautiful county is so special.

There is space for you to breath here in Roscommon, as you explore the spectacular landscapes, the castles that tell stories of ancient kings and the tracks and trails that take you along the banks of the mighty River Shannon and through ancient woodlands.

Whether you are looking for a romantic weekend break or a holiday that all the family will love, Roscommon is a true getaway that gives you the chance to really relax and recharge the batteries.

Magnificent unspoilt Landscapes

The West of Ireland is well known for stunning, unspoilt landscapes. With the River Suck to the west and a shoreline of 140km of the mighty River Shannon to the east, Roscommon invites visitors to meander through inspiring countryside at their own pace.

Not only a tranquil setting for boating holidays, the area also has some of the best Trout and Pike fishing lakes and rivers in the region, including Lough Ree, River Suck, Lough O’Flynn, Kilglass Lakes, River Lung and the Boyle River.

Take a glimpse of ages past

Visitor centres, museums and stately homes tell the changing story of Roscommon throughout history.

The legendary Warrior Queen of Connacht, Queen Maeve (Medb) is said to have resided at Rathcroghan (one of the four major Royal sites of Ireland). The archaeological sites in Tulsk date back to 4500 BC and a visit to the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre gives you an insight to this fascinating period of Irish history, bringing these myths and secrets of ancient Ireland to life.

The 12th Century Cistercian Monastery of Boyle Abbey; Roscommon Castle (an amazing example of a 13th Century Norman Castle); Roscommon Abbey and Rindoon and St. John’s Castle invite visitors to enjoy a quiet moment and reflect on past times.

One very unique visitor attraction in Roscommon is the Arigna Mining Experience. The centre pays tribute to coal mining life, which has played a fundamental role in Arigna since the 1700s. Ex-miners guide you through the mines, where visitors discover what it was like to work in some of the narrowest coal seams in the western world.

Roscommon has a number of magnificent period homes that have been restored to their former glory. Strokestown Park House, Gardens & National Famine Museum is a stunning Georgian Palladian mansion, surrounded by glorious walled pleasure gardens. In stark contrast, the house is also home to the National Famine Museum and hosts a number of engaging events, which commemorate the history of the Great Irish Famine.

King House in Boyle was built in 1730 by the powerful landowning dynasty, the King family. The house later became a military barracks for the Irish regiment of the British army, the Connaught Rangers. The house contains absorbing exhibitions of its history, the Boyle Art collection and the Mary McAleese collection. The first President of Ireland, Dr. Douglas Hyde, was born in Castlerea in 1860.

Dr. Hyde’s contribution to modern Ireland is highlighted in the exhibition at the Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre in Frenchpark.

Read more about all the Heritage attractions in Roscommon.

Explore our Walking & Cycling Trails

Roscommon is a sanctuary of wildflower meadows, native woodlands, peat bogs, turloughs, rivers and lakes. It is the perfect place to escape into nature.

Roscommon’s many miles of walks and trails are a wonderful way to experience the county. There are more than 20 walks of varying length and difficulty to explore amidst the wild beauty of native flora and fauna – and the Green Heartlands and the newly constructed Boyle to Lough Key Cycleway offer you the opportunity to cycle through this breathtaking landscape.

Our Trails section has full details of the lovely walks here to enjoy during your Roscommon Staycation!

Invigorating activities

The Roscommon landscape certainly lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities. Adventure centres like Shannon River Adventure in Rooskey and Baysports Water Sports Centre in Hodson Bay offer many land and water activities for individuals and groups. Baysports is also home to the world’s tallest floating slide – and its thrilling watercourse of interlinking walkways, slides, towers and obstacles covers almost an acre.

Lough Key Forest and Activity Park in Boyle is the complete family adventure. The award-winning park features Ireland’s only tree canopy walk, an outdoor adventure playground, a high wire aerial adventure centre ‘Zip-It’, Woodland Segways and the weather-independent Boda Borg puzzle house. With 800 acres of forest and parkland to explore and the Lakeside Café serving delicious homemade food, it is a fun-filled family day out.

Visit the Activities section to plan your family’s Roscommon Staycation adventure!

Relaxing places to stay

A choice of quality accommodation welcomes visitors to cosy self-catering cottages, camping and glamping sites in stunning locations and grand country hotels with beautiful grounds and gardens.

A set of magnificent medieval gates welcomes guests to the Kilronan Castle resort through an ancient forest, next to a beautiful lough. Arriving at the castle feels like something straight out of a fairytale.

To experience the relaxation of a real country escape you will find the most beautiful self-catering Scandinavian Pine Lodges that adjoin Lough Key, the Boyle River and Clarendon Lough at the Riverhaven eco-tourism development. And Willowbrook Glamping and Hideaways invite guests into the heart of the countryside with camping and glamping on 21 pristine acres.

With welcoming hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs waiting to extend a friendly Roscommon welcome, there is a place to stay to suit everyone.

Visit our Accommodation section for a full list of Fáilte Ireland approved accommodation in Roscommon.

However you choose to explore County Roscommon on your Staycation, you can rest assured that a very warm welcome awaits you.

Whether its returning home to spend time with loved ones, or a short break to our beautiful county, Roscommon is a must this Christmas and New Year.

Step into Nature

To help build up an appetite for all that scrumptious food why not grab your coat, hat and walking shoes; bring the family and get out exploring Roscommon’s majestic rural landscape. Our amazing scenery, wildlife, waterways and landscape are yours to uncover.

Check out all you need to know on all of our trails here.

Why not explore the newly created Sculpture Trail in Loughnaneane Park, Roscommon Town (site of Roscommon Castle). The trail reflects the history of Roscommon through sculptures of the great O’Conor family, Cú Chulainn and Queen Medb (Maeve) of Connacht. As well as an amazing Nature Chair where you can sit like a King or Queen amid our historic land.

Or keep warm indoors!

However, if you would rather stay in the warmth of indoors this holiday season, a number of our attractions will be open over the Christmas period for you to enjoy. See their Christmas opening hours below.

And don’t forget a full listing of all our wonderful accommodation and eateries to complement your visit, is available to check out here on our website.

Where ever you are spending this Christmas, we wish you and all your loved ones a very happy, safe and peaceful Christmas.

Nollaig Shona go gach duine

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

Arigna Mining Experience
Monday, 23rd December – Saturday, 28th December (inclusive) – CLOSED Sunday, 29th December – 10.00am to 5.00pm
Monday, 30th December – 10.00am to 5.00pm
Tuesday, 31st December – CLOSED
Wednesday, 1st January – CLOSED
Thursday, 2nd January – 10.00am to 5.00pm

Lough Key Activity and Forest Park
Monday, 23rd December – Thursday, 26th December (inclusive) – CLOSED
Friday, 27th December – 11.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday, 28th December – 11.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday, 29th December – 11.00am – 5.00pm
Monday, 30th December – 11.00am – 5.00pm
Tuesday, 31st December – CLOSED
Wednesday, 1st January 2020 – CLOSED
Thursday, 2nd January 2020 – 11.00am – 5.00pm

Rathcroghan Visitor Centre
Saturday, 21st December – 9.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday, 22nd December – Wednesday, 1st January (inclusive) – CLOSED
Thursday, 2nd January – 9.00am to 5.00pm

Strokestown Park and Irish Famine Museum
Saturday, 21st December – 10.30am – 4.00pm
Sunday, 22nd December – 10.30am – 4.00pm
Monday, 23rd December – 10.30am – 4.00pm
Tuesday, 24th December – Sunday, 29th December (inclusive) – CLOSED
Monday, 30th December – 10.30am – 4.00pm
Tuesday, 31st December – 10.30am – 4.00pm
Wednesday, 1st January – 10.30am – 4.00pm
Thursday, 2nd January – 10.30am – 4.00pm

Cast spells with witches, visit the home of Halloween and lots more this October in County Roscommon!

Each year Glendeer Pet Farm is completely transformed by the staff. You can cast spells with their scary witch, toast marshmallows over an open fire, enter the eerie maze but be warned, it’s as your own risk!

Follow Pumpkin Passage through the Forbidden Forest and see lots more skeletons, ghosts and ghouls! Glendeer Pet Farm will be open from Sat 26th Oct – 3rd Nov 2019 for their fun, spooktastical Halloween Event which is suitable for all ages.

Admission: €9 per adult & €9 per child (under 18 months are free). Visit Glendeer Pet Farm for details.

The Haunted Halloween Tour will take place at Rathcroghan Visitor Centre. With the cave of Uaimh na gCat (Oweynagat) being the home of Halloween, and reputed as Ireland’s Gate to Hell, what better way to spend Halloween, the ancient festival of Samhain, than by a special dusk guided visit down into the bowels of the earth, to prove yourself on this most unholy of nights!

The tour begins in modern day Tulsk and from there you will work your way back in time, finishing at the cave Uaimh na gCat (Oweynagat), the origin place of Halloween, and home to the mighty Morrigan and many more malicious, mystical monsters.

Here you can face your fears and any demons that reside within. This is a truly atmospheric Halloween tour, you won’t want to miss!

The ‘Haunted Halloween Tour’ will take place on Tuesday 29th October.

As an extra offering this year Rathcroghan are offering ‘Origins of Samhain’ tour’. A daily tour to Oweynagat (the Cave of the Cats), the birthplace of Samhain and the home of Halloween.  This special seasonal tour will run from 29th Oct to 1st Nov 2019 inclusive, departing Rathcroghan Visitor Centre at 3pm.

For more details or to book a place on the tours visit Rathcroghan Visitor Centre

Lough Key have a week full of spooktacular for their Lough Spooky Halloween Fest!

The week long Halloween Fest will run from Saturday 26th October right through to Sunday 3rd November and events will include Time Travelling Adventure, Pumpikin Carving, Captivating Performances, Science Labs, Puppet Shows, Balloon Animals, Disco, Boda Booooo, Magic Show, fancy dress and more!

Visit Lough Key  for more details.

We hope you have a spooktacular time in Roscommon this Halloween. Don’t forget to download our Roscommon Walks Booklet and get offline and explore County Roscommon’s countryside.

If you can’t make it for Halloween, Strokestown Park House, Arigna Mining Experience, Rathcroghan and Lough Key Forest Park are open all year round.

Please do share your photos on our social media using our hashtag #loveroscommon

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