County Roscommon Tourist Attractions List of sites and attractions in County Roscommon

Boyle (Irish: Mainistir na Búille) is a town in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is located at the foot of the Curlew Mountains near Lough Key in the north of the county. The renowned fishing lakes of Lough Arrow and Lough Gara are also close by. The Cistercian Monastery in Boyle, Boyle Abbey, was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts. Though mutilated during the 17th and 18th centuries when it was used to accommodate a military garrison, Boyle Abbey is one of the best preserved structures of its type, and attracts many thousands of visitors per year. A restored gatehouse 16th/17th century vintage houses an exhibition. Guided tours are available. King House home to the King family has been fully restored and guided tours are available all year.

Carrick-on-Shannon is steeped in history and is full of interesting buildings. The best way to discover these is to follow the 'Guides Walking Tour' available in many shops. A bustling romantic town dominated by the river with the Slieve Annierain mountains as a backdrop. The town has a large marina to house its ever-growing cruiser fleets and its successful rowing club.

Roscommon is a thriving and attractive midland town set in pleasant countryside - in the heartland of the 'invisible Ireland' that is less frequently seen by tourists. Roscommon is ideal for cycling and walking trips, or using as a base for fishing, golfing and discovering the authentic side of Ireland, where people still make time to chat to strangers and friends alike in convivial local bars.

An impressive and well preserved Cisterian monastery which was founded in the 12th century under the patronage of the local ruling family, the MacDermotts. Though mutilated during the 17th and 18th centuries when it was used to accommodate a military garrison, Boyle Abbey nevertheless retains its ability to impress the visitor as one of the most formidable of the early Cistercian foundations in Ireland. A restored gatehouse of 16th/17th century houses an exhibition. Restricted access for visitors with disabilities.

This Dominican Priory founded was in 1253. It ws famous in early Christian days as a seat of learning under the Abbot Coman, it also has close ties with St. Ciaran and Clonmacnois. In the choir is a tomb said to be that of its founder Felim O'Connor and at the base 8 sculptured figures representing gallowglasses, medieval Irish professional soldiers. The Abbey is now in ruins and can be visited.

The Visitor Centre has been open to the public since August 1999. The centre uses the most modern and innovative of exhibition technology in a sensitive way to explore the largest and best preserved Celtic Royal Site in Europe, Rathcroghan, and the inauguration site of the Kings of Connaught, Carnfree. Facilities at the visitor centre include a cafe, craft and gift shop, a tourist information office, conference room, toilets and baby change facilities. The centre is accessible to people with disabilities. Alternative email address: info@cruachanai.com.

Located in a scenic and historical area of Roscommon, Lough Key consists of approximately 350 hectares. It comprises of forested areas and open parkland. Some of the features include tunnels, a viewing tower, icehouse, bog garden and gazebo. There are approximately 10kms of forest walks which take you through magnificent lake shore, canal banks and trees. The forest park offers a haven of tranquility in peaceful surroundings in an area of great natural beauty.