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Arigna Mining Museum offers a fascinating insight into a unique way of life
and the Cavan and Leitrim railway is restored to its glory days of steam for the
locals and tourists alike.
Lough Key Forest Park with its large
combination of quiet walks, wildlife, and beautiful scenery has drawn admirers
from all walks of life. The 800 acres, which make up the park, were formally
part of the Rockingham Estate. There are boats for hire and trips around the
lake. Just some of the places to find and visit are The Wishing Chair, The Ice
House, Drummans Bridge and The Tunnel.
King House Boyle Recently
restored Georgian Mansion, steeped in history is a must to visit; there you will
see the connection between the Rockingham Estate and King House.
Origin
Farmers Market Every Saturday, 10am to 2pm, in Grounds of King House, Boyle.
Experience the atmosphere of a traditional market. The opportunity to purchase
locally produced organic wholesome product, local meat, freshly caught fish and
much more.
Local places of interest:
Ballintubber Castle -
situated southeast of Castlerea and built in the 13th century, this castle was
home to the O'Conor clan. Though fell into disrepair at the beginning of the
18th century, the remaining ruins are substantial and are laid out in
quadrangular form, with polygonal towers at the angles. It is believed to be the
earliest example of an Irish stone castle.
Castlestrange Stone - situated in
the Castlestrange demesne between Fuerty and Athleague, lies an Iron Age boulder
known as the Castlestrange Stone. Covered with Celtic style ornament, this
boulder has been dated to 250 BC and is one of only four such boulders in the
country.
County Heritage Centre - situated near Stroketown, the County
Heritage Centre contains an interpretative display on pre-Christian Ireland as
well as supplying information regarding the monuments of Rathcroghan and the
Táin Bo Chúaille.
Dominican Priory - the impressive priory ruins is one
of Roscommon Town's main landmarks. Founded in 1253 by Féilim O' Conchúir, King
of Connaught, a late 13th century effigy of the founder has been placed on a
15th century tomb decorated with eight mail-clad warriors.
Donamon
Castle - located beyond Fuerty, this is one of the oldest inhabited buildings in
Ireland. Though the oldest part of the building dates from the 1400's, it has
undergone much change over the years and is now under the ownership of the
Divine Word Missionaries.
Old Jail - set in Roscommon town-square is the
Old Jail, an institution with a lurid past and a great tale to go with it.
Towards the end of the 18th century, a stranger knocked on the door of a woman
called Betty, who lived in the town. She admitted him and then killed him for
his money. Upon going through his papers, she discovered that she had murdered
her own son, who had become a stranger to her over the years. Having confessed,
Betty was condemned to death alongside some of her fellow prisoners. As it
turned out, the hangman was sick and so, Betty volunteered her services in
return for a pardon. Her offer was accepted and after despatching her companions
to their reward, she continued to act as the jail's hangwoman over the years.
Dáithí's Pillar, Rathcroghan - not far from Castlerea lies
Rathcroghan, one of the most important archaeological sites in Ireland. This was
the headquarters of Méabh, Queen of Connaught during the 1st century and the
15-acre area contains no less than 53 ancient sites. A six-foot standing stone
marks the grave of Dáithí, the last pre-Christian king of
Ireland.
Roscommon Castle - standing dramatically on a hillside outside
Roscommon Town, the ruins of this fortification built in 1268 are indeed an
impressive sight. The castle fell into ruin following the Cromwellian invasion
of 1652 and today's ruins are of solid square layout, with rounded bastions at
the corners and a double-towered entrance gate.
Roscommon County Museum -
adjacent to the Old Jail in Roscommon Town, visitors can examine such varied
exhibits as a sheela-na-gig from Rahora, a dugout canoe and a replica of the
Cross of Cong.
Strokestown Park House - lying just north of Roscommon,
this is a beautifully restored 18th century mansion. The stables of the house
have been converted into a famine museum and among the many exhibits are letters
written by former tennants of the time.
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