Our Story

Gleeson’s Roscommon is that most authentic of establishments – a historic building lovingly transformed into a town house, restaurant, and café.  Importantly, it’s a family-run business, carefully managed with guests’ comfort and experience always in mind.

Originally built in the 1870s, it served as a Presbyterian manse or minister’s residence.  Today, the classic stone-fronted building remains beautifully proportioned and proudly retains its original façade.  Notably, the stonework is ‘ashlar’ the highest quality of cut stone, typically reserved for important public buildings.

Fittingly, its neighbouring structure, once the Presbyterian Church, now houses Roscommon County Museum and Tourist Office.  As a lasting tribute, a Star of David, honouring the Welshmen who built both buildings, still appears above the front door window.

It was a local doctor’s house in the 1970s, and Eamonn and Mary Gleeson fell in love with it. Years later, when the property came on the market in the 1990s, they immediately saw its potential.  With courage and vision, the entrepreneurial couple took a leap of faith, selling their family home to buy the town-centre property.

At the same time, they converted it into a welcoming coffee shop with guest accommodation upstairs.  In doing so, they also transformed their own lives, leaving the security of teaching for the unpredictable world of hospitality. Nevertheless, they embraced the challenge wholeheartedly and never looked back.  Meanwhile, their three young children, then all under 7, soon became part of the family business as soon as they were able.