Whether you want to relax and unwind or enjoy a day out with the family, Roscommon has it all. From walking trails, historic houses, floating inflatable islands and heritage sites, there’s something for everyone and for every budget.
1. Bay Sports (€)
Hodson Bay is home to Bay Sports, a fun-filled water park on Lough Ree with Europe’s largest floating water park featuring jungle towers, trampolines, slides, and obstacle courses. There’s also Stand Up Paddling (SUP) Boards, pedal boats, and even a BBQ / picnic area for you to relax and help create the perfect day out for ALL the family (even your dog!) Find out more at https://baysports.ie/
2. Strokestown Park House (FREE to walk gardens € for tour)
There’s always something to do at Strokestown Park! A range of cultural events for all ages and interests take place throughout the season including garden, craft, seasonal and family events, evening concerts and seminars.
The House is built on the site of the 16th century castle, home of The O Conor Roe Gaelic Chieftains. It features a Georgian Palladian Mansion with its original furnishings and fabrics, the National Famine Museum & Archive and Historic Gardens & Woodlands. Take a walk in the gardens, look out for the fairies, take a tour of the house, relax in the coffee shop and bring home a momento from the grift shop. Find out more at http://www.strokestownpark.ie/
3. Roscommon Castle (FREE)
Roscommon Castle is a 13th-century Norman castle situated in walking distance of Roscommon town. After being won and lost by siege multiple times over the course of four centuries, it was burned down one final time in 1690. It is a ruin today, but still stands and is perfect for exploring, with lots and nooks and crannys. If you would like more information, or a guided tour, pop into Roscommon Tourist Office where they will be happy to help.
4. Loughnaneane Park (FREE)
Loughnaneane Park is a beautiful 14 acre green space in the middle of Roscommon town. The Park includes a crannog known locally as the Hill o’ Bones, a wildflower meadow, bird walk, lake feature, mounds, children’s playground, outdoor gym and car park.
5. Arigna Mining (€)
The Arigna Mining Experience is a great day out for both young and old, providing a unique insight into what coal mining life was like. All tours of the mine are guided by ex-miners, who give visitors an insight into a typical miners working day.
Find out more at https://www.arignaminingexperience.ie/
6. Rathcroghan (€)
Rathcroghan Visitor Centre has interpretive rooms, where you can see how the Iron Age and Medieval Irish dressed, what they ate, where they lived, and what they believed in. You can go on a tour of the unique monuments from the mysterious ritual centre of Rathcroghan Mound, to the infamous Oweynagat, (Uaimh na gCat – the Cave of the Cats) entrance to the Irish Otherworld. There’s also a café and gift shop on site. Find out more at https://www.rathcroghan.ie/
7. Lough Key Forest & Activity Park (€)
This is a one stop shop for all the family! Based just outside Boyle in Co. Roscommon it is set in the grounds of the old King-Harman Estate on the shores of Lough Key. There’s so much to see and do including, walking and cycling trails, segways, Zipit high wire forest adventure park, Boda Borg, a challenging Swedish Adventure House for adults and children alike and so much more.
Find out more https://loughkey.ie/
8. Derryglad Museum (€)
Derryglad Folk Museum houses a unique and fascinating collection of over 6000 items telling the history, heritage and folk culture. There’s everything from cereal boxes, to sewing machines to horse-drawn machinery restored to original working order. The collection also deals with farm and folk life in Ireland from the 18th century to the recent past. It’s like walking back in time! Find out more http://www.derrygladfolkmuseum.com/
9. Elphin Windmill (Tour €)
The Elphin Windmill is a fully restored, working, 18th century windmill, the oldest type in the country . The mill was originally used for grinding corn and other grains and now houses a visitor centre where the workings of the windmill are interpreted and demonstrated. Also on site is an agricultural museum housing a threshing machine, a winnower and other machinery associated with the harvesting of grain. Definitely worth a visit! Find out more http://elphinwindmill.blogspot.com/
10. Douglas Hyde Centre (Free)
Portahard Church and Interpretative Centre Church of Ireland was restored in 1988 by Roscommon County Council and an Interpretative Centre telling the life-story of Dr. Douglas Hyde (1860-1949) was installed. Dr. Hyde’s contribution to modern Ireland is highlighted in the exhibition by the use of informative charts, maps and photographs. Through audio-visual material you can capture the spirit of his dream and celebrate the achievements of one life dedicated to one vision.
Also on display is the original letter nominating him as first President of Ireland, signed by members of the two main political parties in Dáil Éireann – Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael – along with many other items of historical interest.
The grounds of the building include Garden an Chraoibhín. The trees and shrubs in the Garden have been selected with reference to old Irish folklore, each plant illustrates part of an ancient “Calendar Alphabet System”.
Find out more http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/Services/Tourism/Recreation/Douglas_Hyde_Centre/Opening_Times/
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