Roscommon

Map of Co. Roscommon

This is a detailed map of Co. Roscommon, showing all the towns and villages that occupy it.

Map of Co. Roscommon

Map of Co. Roscommon

This is a detailed map of Co. Roscommon, showing all the towns and villages that occupy it.

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Co. Roscommon lies in the province of Connacht, bordered by Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Offaly, Westmeath, Longford and Leitrim. Despite the absence of a coastline, Roscommon is three-quarters surrounded by water as it hosts the longest stretch of the River Shannon of the ten counties through which it flows.

The River Suck is another well known river in Co. Roscommon, principally for its coarse angling, and the most noteworthy mountains of the county lie at Arigna. The name ‘Roscommon’ has its roots in the Irish language, ‘Ros’ meaning a wooded hill and ‘Comán’ referring to the county’s saint.

Carolan The Celebrated Irish Bard

In 1720 Carolan visited Charles Massey, Dean of Limerick. A Dutch artist, possibly Vander Hagen, was in Ireland at the time and Dean Massey commissioned him to paint Carolan's portrait. The Rev. L. Donnellan obtained a copy of the portrait later on and reproduced it in an article on Carolan in the County Louth Archaeological Journal in 1908.

Carolan The Celebrated Irish Bard

Carolan The Celebrated Irish Bard

In 1720 Carolan visited Charles Massey, Dean of Limerick. A Dutch artist, possibly Vander Hagen, was in Ireland at the time and Dean Massey commissioned him to paint Carolan's portrait. The Rev. L. Donnellan obtained a copy of the portrait later on and reproduced it in an article on Carolan in the County Louth Archaeological Journal in 1908.

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There are many heritage attractions in Co. Roscommon including Drumanone Dolmen, Roscommon Castle, and Boyle Abbey which is regarded as one of Ireland’s finest surviving Cistercian churches. Roscommon also has a strong musical connection. It was the birthplace of renowned songwriter Percy French (1854-1920), and the famous Irish bard Turlough O’Carolan often played there. Indeed, Lough Meelagh is O’Carolan’s final resting place and his harp can be seen at Clonalis House.