Discover the legendary kingdom of Connacht, fascinating history and extraordinary places hiding in Ireland's heartlands.
If you're a fan of Irish mythology, County Roscommon is going to be a real treat.
This is a county of legendary queens, ancient ceremonial landscapes and one of the most mysterious entrances to the Otherworld in Irish folklore. But it isn't all legends and spooky stories: there are magnificent lakes, forest parks, historic houses, medieval abbeys and fascinating mining heritage too.
It's another county that deserves far more attention than it gets, and once you start exploring, you'll see why.
One of the most important royal landscapes in Ireland, with more than 240 archaeological sites linked to Queen Medb of Connacht. Start at the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Tulsk.
Why visit? Archaeology, mythology and Irish history.
A narrow cave said to be a gateway to the Otherworld, linked to Samhain, the festival that became Halloween.
Why visit? Folklore and ancient mysteries.
A Georgian estate and an award-winning museum that tells the story of the Great Famine through the estate's own records.
Why visit? Irish history and heritage.
Impressive 13th-century castle ruins in Loughnaneane Park, beside the town.
Why visit? Castles and photography.
A restored 18th-century windmill, a rare survivor in Ireland.
Why visit? Engineering and local heritage.
A huge collection of objects from traditional Irish rural life, near Athlone.
Why visit? Social history.
A lakeside forest park near Boyle with woodland walks, a tree-canopy walk, boating and activities for all ages.
Why visit? Families, nature and outdoor fun.
A remarkably well-preserved Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century, with fine carved capitals.
Why visit? Medieval history.
An elegant Georgian mansion with exhibitions on the history of the area.
Why visit? Historic houses and culture.
Ex-miners guide you underground to tell the story of the coal mines that worked here until 1990.
Why visit? Industrial heritage and history.
Boating, nature and beautiful scenery along the county's eastern edge.
Why visit? Water activities and relaxation.
A long-distance walk through quiet countryside and villages in the west of the county.
Why visit? Walking and countryside.
A deserted medieval town and castle on a peninsula in Lough Ree.
Woodland walks near Roscommon town.
The ruins of a great O'Conor stronghold.
A riverside village and boating stop on the Shannon.
A village beside the River Suck.
A historic market town.
Home of the Douglas Hyde Centre, about Ireland's first President.
Our Hidden Ireland collection is where we keep the places most visitors drive straight past.
History and legend, clearly labelled.
Medb was the fierce queen at the heart of the Táin Bó Cúailnge, the great cattle raid in which she set out to steal the Brown Bull of Cooley. Rathcroghan is said to be where her story began.
At Samhain, the boundary between worlds was thought to open, and creatures poured out of Oweynagat: fierce cats, red birds and the Morrígan herself.
Strokestown Park's archive holds letters and records from the Famine years, including the evictions and the 'coffin ships'. The museum tells this story powerfully.
The O'Conors, kings of Connacht, ruled from Roscommon, and two of them became High Kings of Ireland.
Our Friday Night Frights series explores ghost stories, myths and folklore from all over Ireland.
Realistic days, each focused on one part of the county.
Places with a strong local reputation. We haven't eaten at these ourselves yet, so treat this as a starting point rather than our personal picks, and check opening hours before you set off.
We've kept this list short and only included places we could confirm. Prices are in euro (€).
Prefer a guide, a ready-made tour or someone else to do the driving? These are good places to start:
Disclosure: GetYourGuide, Klook and TourRadar links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours on TourRadar are our picks, not trips we've taken ourselves. Availability and prices change, so always check the provider's page before booking.
Opening times, tours and access arrangements change, so please check official websites before you travel. Useful links: Discover Ireland and Heritage Ireland.
Roscommon's neighbours:
Slán go fóill, and safe travels! — Nicola & Podge