Things to do in Roscommon: Exploring the Wonderful County in Ireland

Updated On: April 13, 2024 by   Sara Lynch

Roscommon, also known as Irish Ros Comáin is a county in the province of Connaught, north-central Ireland. It is bounded by County Sligo to the north, County Leitrim to the northeast, County Mayo to the west and County Galway to the southeast.

Perfectly nestled with Ireland, the county offers a range of fantastic activities and experiences. From castle ruins to historic museums, this idyllic region is full of interesting things to do in Roscommon.

What is Roscommon famous for? 

Roscommon is famous for being the birthplace of Percy French. A renowned Irish songwriter, entertainer, and artist. Percy French is known for composing humorous and sentimental songs, many of which have become beloved Irish classics.

Things to do in Roscommon

Roscommon boasts a variety of activities and experiences for its visitors. It’s the ideal location for spending the day in tranquil surroundings and taking advantage of the many historic sites around the county. Check out these things to do in Roscommon below. 

Roscommon Castle

Explore the ruins of Roscommon Castle, an impressive 13th-century Norman fortress, that was built by Robert de Ufford, an Anglo-Norman lord. 

The castle was strategically located on a rocky hill that overlooked the town and the surrounding countryside. The castle served as a stronghold for the de Ufford family and later passed through the hands of various noble families, including the Burkes and the Fitzgeralds.

Take a walk through the castle grounds and learn about its impressive history and admirable architectural features. Roscommon Castle is open to the public, and visitors can explore the castle ruins and grounds. While the interior of the castle is mostly in disarray, the surviving stone walls and towers offer a glimpse into the castle’s former grandeur. 

Lough Key Castle

Lough Key Forest Park is home to the remains of a 19th-century castle, which resides on an isolated island within the park. The castle was built by the King family as a Gothic-style mansion and served as a luxurious country retreat for the King family and hosted notable figures such as the poet W.B. Yeats.

In recent years, efforts have been made to stabilize and restore Lough Key Castle. While the interior is not open to the public, visitors can still access the castle ruins via a short walk from the visitor centre within Lough Key Forest Park.

Roscommon Arts Center

Check out the cultural events and performances that are regularly held at the Roscommon Arts Center. This venue showcases a variety of artistic disciplines, including theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.

Roscommon Golf Club

Play a round of golf at Roscommon Golf Club, an 18-hole parkland course known for its challenging layout and beautiful surroundings. The course has a traditional design, with tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkering, and well-maintained greens. It also has a practice range and putting green to up your golfing skills.

Things to do in Roscommon for Families

If you are in Ireland and seeking somewhere to bring family, be sure to visit Roscommon. There is a rich selection of adventurous activities that the whole family will love taking part in, check them out below. 

Lough Key Forest Park

Lough Key Forest Park is a popular recreational area and nature park located near Boyle in County Roscommon. It offers a range of outdoor activities, stunning natural beauty, and historical attractions. 

The forest park boasts a picturesque lake that is surrounded by woodlands and rolling hills. It covers an expansive area of approximately 800 acres, providing ample space for exploration and relaxation. You can also do the Tree Canopy Walk, which exists in perfect harmony with the surrounding forest.  

There is also an onsite Adventure Play Kingdom – a large outdoor playground area with various structures, slides, climbing frames, and zip lines. It’s a great place for children to burn off energy and have fun.

Boda Borg

Boda Borg is located within Lough Key and it provides a range of challenging activities for families to complete. This unique experience involves completing a series of physical and mental challenges within specially designed rooms, offering an immersive and interactive quest that is suitable for both groups and families.

Zipit Forest Adventures

Zipit Forest Adventures is an aerial adventure course with ziplines, bridges, and obstacles set among the trees. It offers an exhilarating and challenging experience for those seeking a thrill and adventure, and it is certainly one of the more unusual things to do in Roscommon. 

Lough Ree

Lough Ree is located in the heart of Ireland, spanning across counties Roscommon, Longford, and Westmeath. It covers an area of approximately 32,000 acres and stretches for about 18 kilometres in length.

The Lough is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. Its expansive waters provide plenty of space for sailing, motorboating, and cruising and you can take part in water sports such as kayaking, water skiing, and fishing – making it the ideal location for a family trip.

Lough Ree is also known for its numerous islands, which add to the charm and exploration opportunities of the lake. Some of the notable islands include Inchcleraun (Hare Island), Saints Island, and the privately-owned island of Castle Island, which is home to a medieval castle.

Historical and Cultural Things to See in Roscommon

Roscommon is home to many historical and cultural sites. When you visit here, you’ll gain a truly immersive experience of its history, learning about particular periods such as The Famine, the Kings of Ireland and the Cistercian influence. 

Strokestown Park House and Famine Museum

Step back in time at Strokestown Park House, a Georgian mansion that offers guided tours of its elegant rooms and gardens. Adjacent to the house is the National Famine Museum, which tells the story of the Great Irish Famine in the 19th century.

Clonalis House

Visit Clonalis House, the ancestral home of the O’Conor family, the last High Kings of Ireland. Take a guided tour of the house and explore its extensive gardens, which include a woodland walk and a walled garden.

Abbey Boyle

Discover the ruins of Boyle Abbey, a well-preserved Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century. The abbey features beautiful Gothic architecture and offers guided tours to explore its history.

What is the nearest beach to Roscommon?

Roscommon is a landlocked county and does not have a coastline. Therefore, there are no beaches directly located within Roscommon. However, several beaches are accessible and within a reasonable driving distance from Roscommon, they include, Enniscrone Beach, Strandhill Beach, Rosses Point Beach and Mulranny Beach.

Explore Things To Do Near Roscommon

If you enjoyed hearing about things to do in Roscommon, why not check out what else is going on in nearby counties?

Take a look at these other blogs:

Things to do in Mayo | Things to do in Antrim | Things to do in Derry | Things to do in  Fermanagh | Things to do in Armagh | Things to do in County Down | Things to do in Tyrone | Things to do in Monaghan | Things to do in Northern Ireland for Couples | Things to do in Northern Ireland for Families | Things to do in Donegal | Things to do in Sligo  | Things to do in Leitrim  | Things to do in Louth  | Things to do in Cavan