Roscommon
Coman's wood is what the name means, and the 13th-century castle in its park is the sight: high walls around a great courtyard at the edge of town. Roscommon is the county town of County Roscommon.
Best sites to see in Roscommon
Roscommon Castle
The ruins of a large 13th-century Norman castle stand in a park on the edge of Roscommon town, with high walls and towers around a great courtyard. It is free to wander and is the town's standout sight.
Roscommon Abbey
The ruined Dominican abbey church in Roscommon contains an effigy tomb associated with its founder's era. It sits in a quiet graveyard a short walk from the town centre.
The Market Square and Harrison Hall
The town's market square is fronted by historic public buildings, including the former courthouse and gaol buildings that shaped 18th and 19th-century Roscommon. It is the natural centre for seeing the town.
Sacred Heart Church
Roscommon's large Catholic parish church stands prominently in the town with notable stonework and stained glass. It is a working church, so visit respectfully around services.
Where to stand, and when
- Roscommon Castle from across its park: Late afternoon light warms the castle walls; include the parkland and small lake area in front for scale.
- The effigy and arches inside Roscommon Abbey: Visit on a bright morning when light falls through the windows onto the carved stonework.
- Market Square's historic facades: Early morning is quietest and best for clean shots of the square without traffic.
Roscommon through history
Roscommon takes its name from St Coman, who founded a monastery here in early medieval times; Ros Comain means Coman's wood.
Roscommon Castle was built in the 13th century during the Norman advance into Connacht and was repeatedly contested in the centuries that followed.
The Dominican abbey in the town was founded in the 13th century, in the same period that Roscommon developed as a fortified town.
Roscommon is the county town of County Roscommon, a mainly rural county in the west midlands.
Practical tips
- The castle and abbey are both short walks from the centre, so Roscommon repays a half-day on foot rather than a quick stop.
- Castle and abbey ruins are open, grassy sites, so wear suitable footwear after wet weather.
- Roscommon town is a handy stop on cross-country routes, but its sights are compact, so pair it with nearby Lough Key or Strokestown for a fuller day.
What's on
No anchor festival is based here, but the Irish year is full: next up nationally is TradFest (20–24 Jan 2027, Temple Bar, Dublin). See the full events calendar