Roscommon Castle and Loughnaneane Park and Playground
Roscommon Castle was finally burned down in 1690 and gradually fell into decay. Today, the Castle’s past can be explored while enjoying the adjacent Loughnaneane Park and Playground, a 14-acre recreational area. The natural features of the park include a turlough and a wildlife conservation area which is a habitat of unique flora and fauna.
https://www.visitroscommon.ie/roscommon-castle/
Castlecoote House
Castlecoote House is situated on the site of a medieval castle, thought to have been built between 1570 and 1616. Castlecoote House, County Roscommon is an elegant Georgian mansion set in a rich pastoral woodland area, bounded on three sides by the beautiful River Suck. It is home to the annual Percy French Festival, which takes place in July.
Castlecoote House has been lovingly restored by some of Ireland’s finest craftsmen. The result is a romantic hideaway which combines elegant 18th-century architecture, beautiful Georgian features, fine plasterwork ceilings, and marble fireplaces. Outside are beautifully landscaped grounds.
The grounds include beautiful gardens, an apple orchard, an ice house, a medieval bridge, and three lookout towers, which remain almost completely intact.
Open for tours Wed and Sunday by appointment only. Check website for up-to-date opening hours.
https://www.visitroscommon.ie/castlecoote-house/
Castlecoote Loop Walk
This short, easy, 5.2 km, Lady Bug loop, starts and ends in Castlecoote Village and brings you through the beautiful Roscommon countryside. Look out for the colourful lady bugs en route. It is an easy walk however no dogs are permitted on the walk as access is only allowed on this land by the kind permission of farm and land owners.
Castlecoote Loop
Shannon River Adventure
Shannon River Adventure offers many fun-filled water and land based activities, including Kayaking, Canoeing, Archery, Mudslide, Orienteering, Pier-jumping, Climbing Wall, Island Trips, Adventure Camps, Team-building – there is something to challenge and reward all ages and abilities.
https://www.shannonriveradventure.com/
Lough Ree – Boat and Bike Hire and Boat Tours
Lough Ree Boat and Bike Hire supply fishing boats with all the gear and bikes for you to tour the surrounding area. There are also guided Boat Tours – Saint John’s Wood, Quaker Island.
Padraig Corcoran on +353 877168844 or on +353 876430710
Email: pbcor@eircom.net
Rathcroghan, Nr Tulsk
For anyone with an interest in Celtic mythology, Rathcroghan near Tulsk must go on the bucket list – it is known as the Sacred Capital of Connacht and, according to legend, the location where Halloween originated.
Rathcroghan has over 240 identified archaeological sites, ranging in date from the Neolithic Period to the late-medieval period, including more than 60 ancient national monuments, 28 burial mounds, as well as standing stones, cairns, and monumental fortresses.
Guides and the excellent visitor centre introduce you to the sights and legends.
Athlone Whiskey Tours
Head to Westmeath and take part in an Athlone Whiskey Tour. Discover the town’s distilling heritage which first began back in 1740 and enjoy some delicious drinks along the way on this fascinating walking tour.
Learn about Athlone’s colourful distilling history through stories about the brewers, bailiffs and distilleries as you wander the streets of this great town that once produced over 50,000 gallons of whiskey each year. See buildings that were part of the thriving industry in town and discover a unique period of Irish history.
Set off on the 90 minute long walking tour and stop by local whiskey bars to sample whiskeys made nearby. Enjoy a hand-picked chocolate pairing in some of the bars for the ultimate, indulgent experience. As this is a walking tour it is essential to dress appropriately for all weather conditions.
https://www.athlonewhiskeytours.ie/
Angling – Lanesboro Angling
Lanesboro is located on the main River Shannon at the northern end of Lough Ree in Co Longford. It is about 135 kms approx from Dublin and 15 kms from Longford Town.
This is an ideal base for the Pike angler interested in fishing Lough Ree where you can catch Pike up to 20lbs +. Lanesboro offers excellent facilities for the Coarse Angler. There are six venues from which to choose – The renowned Hot Water Stretch, The New Cut and Kilnacarrow and two lakes near Longford town, Clooncose and Lough Sallagh. The northern shores of Lough Ree are also important and described in the guide.
https://fishinginireland.info/coarse/shannon/lanesboro/
Sean’s Bar, Athlone
Sean’s Bar holds the Guinness world record for ‘The Oldest Pub in Ireland’ with an official dating of 900AD. The décor is a testament to the history of Ireland – wattle and wicker walls and old coins on display, a peat fire, sawdust to soak up spilt Guinness and low ceilings.
With music 7 nights a week, live bands, flowing pints, electric atmosphere, and that Good Ol’ Irish Craic, no wonder Sean’s Bar has been the chosen destination for many for over ten centuries.