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
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
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.
