Roscommon , county (1991 pop. 51,876), 951 sq mi (2,463 sq km), central Republic of Ireland.
Its surrounded by County Westmeath (east), by Mayo (west), by Offaly (east and South), by Galway (west and south).
Historical Roscommon (1991 pop. 3,427), is the county capital.
The region is low-lying and contains many lakes (Lough Allen and Lough Ree) and bogs.
The Shannon, which forms the eastern border, and the Suck, which borders the county on the west, are the principal rivers.
Other towns are Boyle, Castlerea, Elphin, Strokestown, Tulsk and Hodson Bay.
The name Roscommon stems from the Irish word 'Ros' meaning a gentle terrain with plenty of trees and 'Conman', the name of the county's famous Irish saint and the first bishop of the See.
Attractions of Roscommon
Bound by the extensive waterways of the River Shannon and Lough Ree to the east, the River Suck in the west and Lough Key in the north, County Roscommon is a haven for lovers of boats, watersports and of course, angling. Cruising on the water is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover this county.
Strokestown Park House, complete with it's original contents and archive, and it's beautifully restored walled pleasure garden is on show to the public.
Fishing for the pike angler at Lough Ree.
Tulsk, including Cruchan-Ri and the royal burial sites there and at Rathcroghan.
Castelbar, including a railway museum.
Boyle
Lough Key Forest Park - Lough Key constitutes one of the most extensive and picturesque forest parks in Ireland.
Boyle Abbey - Cistercian.
King House - 18th Century mansion and interpretative centre.
Frybrook House - 18th Century town house.
Roscommon Town - Dominican priory and the remains of a castle, both dating from the 13th cent.
Ballintubber - remains of an abbey.
Dr. Douglas Hyde Interpretative Centre, Frenchpark
Elphin Windmill - 18th Century windmill with thatched revolving roof.
Clonalis House Castlerea.
Driving Directions
Roscommon lies in central Ireland and is easily approached.
Maps and Routeplanners to help your plan your journey are available on irlguide.com.
It is now
in Roscommon